When You Hear The Thunder

There is a traditional Russian maxim that says, “Man rarely prays unless he hears the thunder.”

Unfortunately that describes too many Russians who were brought up in traditional religious homes.

“People are taught to pray only when they are in trouble,” explains Rev. Sergei Sosedkin, Russian leader for Back To God Ministries International (BTGMI).

“People are surprised when Christians go to church regularly. They figure we must have a lot of problems. What’s the point of going to church otherwise?”

People may think this because of the history that they have lived through,

Russian-speaking people in Eastern Europe and Central Asia have experienced a roller- coaster history of religious, political, and economic changes—not only in the past, but in recent years as well.

These changes have left the younger generation without a sure foundation for facing life’s issues.

Into this culture, BTGMI’s Russian media ministry team proclaims the Good News from a solidly biblical perspective through radio, Internet, text message, and print materials, bringing renewed hope and a solid emphasis on the Gospel’s message for all of life.

Part of the outreach challenge of the Russian ministry is to help people understand that a relationship with God goes much deeper than traditional rituals.

“So many people see God as someone with a magic wand. They call us or leave a message on our website asking us to pray for them when they are going through a time of trouble,” says Rev. Sosedkin.

“This gives us a wonderful opportunity to provide biblical advice, but also encourage them to seek the Lord daily. We invite them to subscribe to our text message ministry to receive inspirational posts on their cell phones.”

The text message might be a Scripture verse with an invitation to read more in their Bibles.

Because the Bible was banned for so many years, Russian people are not familiar with how to begin reading God’s Word.

The texts help guide them through Scripture in a devotional way. Or the Russian ministry might send ideas and encouragement to live out their faith in specific and practical ways.

Nadya, from the city of Kursk, sent this text message in response to the message BTGMI sent out: "Thanks for helping me find the Christmas story in my Bible that I bought recently. I thought it's in the beginning of the Book, not closer to the end."

Vladimir, from the city of Tomsk, sent a response similar to Tatyana’s: "After your kind reminder on Saturday I did go to a church on Sunday. And the service was good."

“So whether people hear the thunder or not,” Rev. Sosedkin concludes, “we’re hoping that when they hear the cell phone ring, our ministry will help them develop a prayer and devotional life that leads them into a deeper relationship with God.”

Related Links
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