July 2003
When people feel that they matter to the host, they open their hearts — to us and to the gospel. They come to us for help, and know that we will pray for them, listen to them, and, if asked, give Bible-based advice.
Recently, Valentina called our program.
"My son is on the verge of a divorce. He was married in a church, but we are not really... you know... we are not Christians. And now he is asking me for advice, and together we thought that maybe you could help. Maybe you can pray for us, especially for my son's marriage. I've been listening to your station, and feel like you'd understand."
This is a typical situation where we can minister to people as we ministered to Valentina and her son. People call us daily with real problems, for they know we will share their suffering. They also call us to share their joy.
Another listener, Ludmila, told us her story:
"I began listening to FEBC only recently. I was amazed that there is such a richness of Christian materials. I listen to your station throughout the day, every day. And, by the day, God is becoming more real to me. I just want to share one incident with you. You know that it is impossible to live on pension, so I barely manage. "Last month, it was one week before the payment day, and I did not have any money for food. I was listening to your radio program and crying. Then I went outside, looked at heaven, and asked God for help. I said, "Dear God, I know you cannot give me money, but help me somehow, please.
"The next day I went to the post office. A woman came to me and asked me for permission to put something in my pocket. "God just sent me a fortune, and I want to share," she said. And she put a 100-ruble bill in my pocket. I couldn't believe what happened; it was a surreal experience. I was shocked, wiping tears from my face as I ran to the market to buy some food. 'Thank you, God, for not letting me starve,' I said.
"Later on, after a couple of days, I was thinking about this miracle and was also thanking God for you, dear people at FEBC, for not letting me starve spiritually. My real miracle began when I became your listener."
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