EVER WONDER WHAT IT'S LIKE to produce a radio broadcast? Senior Writer Sandra Jensen recently caught up with Ludmila Akhterova, a broadcaster from our FEBC-Russia Department, to find out more about her program. 
SANDRA: When did you first begin your ministry to children?
LUDMILA: In 1989 FEBC began producing a program I wrote called Morning of Life, for children ages 6-10. This age group loves stories, so I do a lot of storytelling. I often use animal characters to illustrate a story.
Like little Chipchik, the piglet?
Yes, Chipchik is an interesting character. He regularly causes problems for himself. That's why the children like him. They see themselves in him.
Why do you enjoy creating children's programs?
Children are transparent. And their hearts are so open. They're receptive to whatever I share. I try to treat them as Jesus would--with respect, love, and understanding. When they feel this love, they respond by telling me what they're really thinking and feeling.
What do they tell you?
They share what's going on in their life, including their struggles, such as 9-year-old Alexandr from Siberia who wrote: Dear Aunt Ludmila, my father almost died recently when he got really drunk. The doctors saved his life, but I think it was God who saved him. Your programs help me know Jesus. I listen to you and pray with you. It helps to know that God knows what's going on in my life, and now you do, too.
How do you talk about God and Jesus to children who probably come from families with no faith?
I talk openly and directly about God, and the children in my stories deal with many of the same situations that real children grapple with. When my characters turn to God for help, they do so in a way that seems natural, so that the kids in my audience can feel that they, too, can go to God whenever they're faced with difficulties. I also include Bible stories to show the children that the people in the Bible were just as real as they are, as well as songs and poems that fit with specific Bible stories, which the children really enjoy.
And the results?
I love getting their letters, especially the ones that tell me they accepted Jesus into their heart after they listened to my program, and later led their parents to the Lord.
I often receive mail from parents. A Russian policeman wrote to tell me that his daughter and wife, who listen to my program, often asked him to join them. But being an atheist, he told them he had no time for such foolishness... One day I secretly took the radio to work with me and listened to your program in my office. I never really understood the Bible before, but your explanation was so easy to understand I told my co-workers about it. Before long we were all listening to your program.
I also hear from a number of Sunday School teachers, who use my program in their classes.
Where can your radio program be heard?
Morning of Life is aired on several AM stations in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Khabarovsk, as well as by shortwave radio from Saipan, which covers the entire territory of the former Soviet Union. In fact, when I lived there, I used to listen to FEBC's shortwave broadcasts.
Where did you spend your childhood?
I was raised in the former Soviet Union, at a time when Christians were persecuted. My father spent 10 1/2 years in prison because of his faith.
You obviously enjoy your broadcast ministry. What do you like the most?
I love children and I receive so much love in return. Reaching kids for Christ is the most rewarding experience. And to tell you the truth, I never dreamt that thousands of little ones would one day call me Aunt Ludmila. In every city throughout the former Soviet Union, I have young disciples who are learning about Jesus' love for them through the Morning of Life program. I'm so blessed!
Learn More
> AIDS Victims Choose Life
> My Worldview Changed - listeners have found some unique ways to share FEBC's broadcasts.
> Hear Russian Broadcasts Online
Get Involved
> Make a donation to FEBC-Russia |
