Written by: FEBA Radio
Article source: Supplied
In Kazakhstan, it is illegal to openly encourage people to follow Christ. Even mentioning Jesus’ name on air can lead to a broadcast being censored or shut down. However, it is legal to discuss Christian beliefs and invite Christians to share their personal testimonies online. FEBA Kazakhstan recently launched a podcast for this very purpose. One of their first guests, Max*, shared his powerful story.
Max, 24, grew up as a pastor’s son, but he had no relationship with God. In fact, he had a gambling problem and massive debt. When he won enough money to pay off his creditors, he lost it all through more gambling and ended up worse than before.
The stress of this addiction led him to a noose tied around a tree branch and a painful decision. God, however, had other plans.
“I thought I was dead,” Max says, “but then I opened my eyes, and the branch had broken.”
After this failed attempt, Max kept gambling. He often wondered, “God, why did you save me? You should have left me to die.” His habit of borrowing money caused friends and family to cut him off. Panicked, he finally reached out to a Christian counsellor, who helped Max to recognise something: “I thought my life wasn’t fixable. When the branch broke and I didn’t die, I realised I was wrong.”
Max began his journey to recovery. He confessed everything in front of his father’s congregation and gave his heart to Christ. He told God, “Whatever you tell me to do, I will do it.”
He felt led to start a printing business. Nine months later, Max had earned enough to pay off all his debts.
Through FEBA’s podcast, his story can now help others who are facing similar struggles.
The team is also preparing to host gatherings where they will answer questions about Christianity that they have received from listeners.
For more information about FEBA and the work they do, please visit www.febaradio.co.za.
*Name changed for safety reasons.
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Date published: 17/05/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork adapted from www.freepik.com
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