Satellites and hope. What’s the connection? People like Yuri from Russia will tell you there’s a very strong connection. As a recovering drug addict, Yuri, who lives in a drug rehab center in Russia, made a 180-degree turn when he started tuning in to FEBC broadcasts.

“We listen two hours a day… every day,” Yuri explains. “We discuss what’s being said on the program. Before long, people in our group open up and share their lives, and that’s when the real healing begins. I can’t tell you how important these programs are.”

Impact of Christian Values

While FEBC has offered shortwave broadcasts for decades, satellite is one of the only ways to offer Christian programming 24 hours a day throughout Russia, where drug and alcohol addiction is ruining hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Satellite receivers make it possible to deliver our broadcasts at no charge, making the greatest impact in rehab centers, halfway homes, homeless shelters, and churches.

Since December 2008, when FEBC launched this project by installing satellite dishes in Siberia and Tatarstan, our clear, powerful signal and consistent Christian values have been heard by millions. Effective without being expensive, the satellite receivers are in large demand. The only cost is the dishes themselves. When funds become available, FEBC will install additional receivers in Ukraine, Belarus, and Central Asia.

Toll-free Number Encourages Feedback

Our Russian Department also established a toll-free phone number so that listeners throughout Russia—from small villages to remote outposts in Siberia—were just a phone call away from talking to counselors about their problems as well as the Christian faith. Within weeks of installing the new receivers, we were receiving feedback, such as this response: “As I listened to your program yesterday, I decided to accept Christ. I’m overwhelmed by the love that flows from your station. Now I want to find a church to attend.”

Programs Reach the Lost and Desperate

Alcohol abuse and drug addiction are huge problems in Russia, as well as the alarming spread of HIV/AIDS. Evangelical churches are stepping up, committed to reaching people where the government has failed. In an effort to become rehabilitated, people are looking to FEBC for help.

As a staff member at a Russian rehab center recently shared, “Most people who come to our centers have lost everything: family ties, jobs, and the ability to build relationships. When they listen to FEBC, they’re hearing from experienced professionals who specialize in solving problems from a Christian perspective. This is the kind of training they need. And they’re receiving this help because FEBC was kind enough to install a receiver in our center.”

Defeating Drugs Through Christ

Pastors from all over Russia and Ukraine who hear about our satellite project are contacting us. “We need your help desperately,” they say. “I know your broadcasts will change lives. Please help us. Our young people are dying without knowing Christ, in the darkness of alcoholism and drugs. They have no idea what prayer is or why Jesus came to this earth. Your programs will be of tremendous help.”

One pastor who wrote even had firsthand experience with FEBC when he was once addicted to drugs. “I know how important it is for addicts to have a full immersion into the Christian way of life. My wife and I had the privilege of listening to your programs—we are both former drug addicts. You talk to real people who share their victories in defeating drugs with Christ. Please help us install a receiver in our rehab center! Your programs are needed so badly here!”

It is your support that makes it possible for us to reach people in Russia who are struggling with addiction. Once these people know the One who created them, they can move forward with a life of purpose… designed by Jesus.

Please pray that FEBC will be able to continue assisting churches and rehab centers throughout Russia, so that more people can be reached with the life-changing Good News.