Daniel Johnson moved to Russia in 1993 to start developing Christian radio stations in that country. At the time, none existed there.
After three years of fighting for an FM frequency and building a station, New Life Radio went on the air as Russia’s first Christian FM radio station.
Since then, Johnson has worked to get Christian radio into every community in Russia and across the former Soviet Union. The efforts landed the ministry in Moscow where New Life Radio became the first national direct to home satellite radio channel in Russia. In 2006 the ministry started the first Christian internet radio station in Russia.
The work hasn’t been easy. Russian leaders came up with all kinds of laws inhibiting freedom of the press and religion, and by 2019, spreading the gospel through the airwaves and internet was almost impossible.
To escape the censorship, New Life Radio move to Odessa, Ukraine, where they had freedom to operate according to their faith. They also found a home in a Christian university in Odessa.
Now, a new challenge has emerged as Russia and Ukraine appear destined for war.
Johnson predicts Odessa will be targeted early.
New Life Radio is making contingency plans to keep the network operating should Russian forces invade. They ask for Christians to pray for their ministry efforts and that there would be peace between Russia and Ukraine.