Written by: FEBA Radio
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Whether it’s a conversation about fashion trends or an intimate conversation over a cup of coffee, every interaction with others offers the opportunity to share God’s great love with those who come our way. If this is done with love and affection, a new world is unlocked that transcends language barriers and religious differences. Believers should always look for creative ways to share God’s Word and His unfailing love with others.
Meaningful conversations
It is often said that “the end justifies the means”. The team of Far East Broadcasting (FEBC) in Ukraine have left no stone unturned by using social media platforms to start meaningful conversations about God; and to share His love with others. Our listeners in Ukraine are very diverse and creativity is often required to effectively engage with them in conversation.
Believers should always look for creative ways to share God’s Word with others.
Varying audiences
They use relatable topics – such as women’s fashion trends – to connect with women of different ages and teach them the importance of self-love and acceptance. These conversations always open the door for deeper spiritual conversations about God with varying audiences – those who have strict traditional beliefs as well as a younger generation of liberal free thinkers.
Complex religious history and landscape
Ukraine is both beautiful and rich in history – a city of artisans with a complex religious history and landscape. Over the past few months, FEBC’s team has been in the process of establishing a new Evangelism Centre in Kiev that will soon be launched. There are currently seven FM stations spread across the country. An online audio and video streaming platform is used in Kiev to reach listeners, while FM frequencies are being used in other parts of the country. To truly value this incredible milestone, one must understand the religious history of the country. This article does not contain enough space to go into meticulous detail about their complicated history, however those who have an interest can read the following article for more information: The Conversation: Why a centuries-old religious dispute over Ukraine’s Orthodox Church matters today, by Victoria Smolkin.
The need for an independent church
Although Ukraine was officially recognised as a Christian country since 998 under the rule of Prince Vladimir the Great, over the course of the ensuing 300 years the country has endured many hardships, which include atrocities like genocide, persecution, and even starvation at the hands of their leaders. For centuries, the need for an independent church was their primary focus, and in 1991, Ukraine officially gained independence. The longing for religious freedom and for their own church was realised with the establishment of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2018. The impressive St Michael’s monastery, with its beautiful golden domes, currently serve as the nation’s mother church.
For centuries, the Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox churches operated amid various other religious influences, including a large and flourishing Jewish community. Statistics show that out of approximately 45 million people, an impressive 30 million now identify with Orthodox Christianity.
Love and acceptance – the winning recipe
Elders continue to cling to their traditional roots and, on the opposite end of the spectrum, the youth love to question everything. The challenge is to find middle ground with topics that can appeal to both groups. Our team in Ukraine has achieved much success by using popular everyday topics as a starting point, and with this they are able to encourage listeners to become active participants of their programmes. By winning the hearts of listeners, the door to communication about faith is immediately opened. Feedback from listeners clearly demonstrates the principle that love and acceptance is the winning recipe for bringing people closer to Jesus.
Polina’s testimony
Polina considered herself ‘spiritual,’ but not religious. She flirted with yoga and other spiritual practices, but she felt like there was more. “When I started listening to FEBC Ukraine, I found myself being challenged by what I heard, and I didn’t like that. Still, I was drawn to the programme, and soon I was taking part in the discussion online.”
When Inna, a host of the show, came to Polina’s city, she reached out. “We met for coffee, and I told her about God and what He has done in my life,” said Inna. After the meeting, Polina wrote, “I experienced God. I saw a light in your eyes, and I know it can only have come from the Lord.”
There is no challenge too great for our team, and we are so grateful that their faith is boldly demonstrated through their broadcasts and outreach efforts.
Click here to learn more about Ukraine’s religious history
You can also help to reach the unreached world!
FEBA encourages you to contact the ministry. Contact them on 012 335 5708 or visit febaradio.co.za – It will inspire you to see how God works powerfully through radio and media to reach the unreached world.
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Date published: 22/10/2021
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