EVER TRIED TO TURN AN OCEAN LINER AROUND in a moment’s notice? It’s a feat similar to the massive political and social overhaul unfolding in Russia since 1991 when the Soviet Union was replaced by 15 independent republics.
People were initially overjoyed, convinced that life would improve under a democratic system. But Russia is still reeling from the effects of these monumental changes. Those raised under communist control fondly recall their former job security, while younger people are operating in a morally bankrupt milieu.
Political turmoil, however, is nothing new for Russia. The citizens of this vast nation have grappled with numerous ruling systems in the past 100 years, and the ensuing instability has had a debilitating effect on the family.
Struggles of the Russian Family
Prior to 1917, the Russian family was held together by Orthodox Christian traditions. On October 25, 1917, Lenin assumed power, ushering in a 75-year era during which the Communist Party attempted to revamp all social structures. Religion was violently repressed and churches were closed or destroyed. At one point the government suggested children be raised by the state, making families obsolete, but the idea proved too radical, and the Communist Party eventually backed down. With the demise of the Church, the government assumed the role of moral enforcer, purposely omitting any mention of God. Abortions, divorces, affairs, and alcoholism soon began to take their toll.
In 1991 an emergent democratic government replaced the communist state. While people were pleased with the change, they were not prepared for the subsequent moral vacuum. Society became fragmented, as some utilized the new system to become opulently wealthy, while others suffered huge economic losses. Older people felt adrift, while the young were left to create their own sense of right and wrong.
Declining Growth Rate
In the absence of moral guidelines, families are breaking apart at an alarming rate. Broken families are now the norm rather than the exception. Many people choose cohabitation over marriage, to avoid the cost of divorce and alimony. The Russian media promotes the idea that the family is an outdated institution, and TV talk shows encourage men and women to be self-sufficient. A number of high profile divorces and extramarital affairs are also receiving a lot of press. With little emphasis on building strong families, most couples are content with one child. Two is acceptable, but three is excessive. As a result, deaths outnumber births in Russia.
Alcoholism has also become a serious problem, especially in the past decade with liquor companies investing heavily in advertising. Doctors are quick to point out that if the current rate of alcohol-related deaths continues, the future of the Russian population will be in jeopardy.
Naturally, there’s a trickle-down effect on children, who are watching adults grapple with these various moral issues. Teens are turning to alcohol and drugs at an alarming rate, with many dying from these abuses. Sexual promiscuity is rampant, as is the use of abortions. If the young are the future, what is the long-term prognosis for Russia?
FEBC Responds
“While popular Russian culture accepts the fact that men sleep around and women have abortions, people really do want healthier relationships,” Rudi Wiens, Director of FEBC-Russian Ministries (FEBC-RM) recently pointed out. “Their emotional needs and problems are huge. People are desperate for some kind of structure, and this is why FEBC is having such a positive impact.” 
The good news is that 95% of Russians listen to the radio, and FEBC’s programs are heard on local stations in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosobirsk, and Khabarovsk. In addition, 7 hours of daily shortwave broadcasts reach many smaller cities throughout the former Soviet Union. These programs focus on relationships and encourage strong family values.
One of the ways FEBC-RM supports the family is through children’s programming. Thousands of Russian children have contacted FEBC through the years to share their delight in the creative programs.
Teens, however, are a tougher audience to reach. FEBC-RM has recently added a new program called Compelling Questions. Moderated by Tatiana Vaganova, the program features Christian and non-Christian guests who address a variety of youth-related issues. Since the majority of listeners are non-Christian, Tatiana tailors the program so that all listeners feel comfortable enough to call and discuss sensitive topics. When serious problems are broached, Tatiana and her Christian guests offer scripturally-based solutions. Letters such as this one from 19-year-old Alexey point out the hope found in these programs: “I live like a normal person, yet I am not interested in life. Sometimes I find myself in deep depression, other times life seems just pointless. Several times I wanted to end my life. I listen to your programs and I feel that something is changing deep inside of me. Please pray to God for me; maybe He will help me find purpose in life.”
Connecting Listeners to Local Churches
Christian radio effectively brings non-believers into Russian churches. Listeners hear about forgiveness and the love of the Lord on the radio and are encouraged to become involved in a local church, to find fellowship and discipleship.
On-Air Counseling Programs
“Our goal is helping people,” Victor Akhterov, Program Director of FEBC-RM recently explained, “and this takes time. First, we want our listeners to develop a sense of trust in us.” This naturally occurs when a broadcaster helps people understand their problems through on-air counseling and call-in programs.
“They call non-stop with emotional and mental problems,” Victor continued. “Even after the broadcast has concluded, our on-air counselors continue to take calls, because there are so many people desperate for advice. Initially, we address the listener’s concern, but our broadcasters are evangelists at heart. They make it clear that Christ is the one true answer to their problems.
Culturally-Sensitive Broadcasts
Russians are wary of any church not affiliated with the Russian Orthodox faith,” Victor said. “Evangelical beliefs are often seen as Western-based and not in keeping with Russian ideologies. We try to show them that freedom in Christ is a blessing for all people, regardless of their country of origin.
“We also want them to understand that Christianity offers a moral structure by which to re-build their broken lives,” Victor explained. “We strive to make our programs dynamic and engaging. That way, listeners are eager to tune in.”
FEBC-RM listeners currently number 1 million strong and growing every day, though the broadcasts are heard by literally millions of people.
Programs can also be heard over the Internet. While only a couple million Russians currently have access to this technology, it is expected to grow tremendously in the next five years, which makes our Internet capabilities extremely important.
“While we do see serious problems in Russia,“ Victor concluded, “we also see exciting changes. FEBC-RM is growing like we never dreamed possible, ministering to those in greatest need – the family.
“Our ministry is doubly rewarding because our efforts not only reach people who need the Lord, they also empower the Russian Church to minister to individuals who would never have attended church up until now.
“Russia may be big with many problems, but God is bigger. We’re full of hope… and anxious to see what He will do in the years to come.”
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