10 January 2025| St Alban, UK [Rodrigo Chimello with tedNEWS]
Information Technology Manager Rodrigo Chimello plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless day-to-day operations of the Trans-European Division (TED) office. His expertise spans hardware and software support, providing indispensable leadership and technical solutions to empower office leadership and support staff. In this interview with tedNEWS, Chimello explains how the arrival of a new server strengthens mission collaboration with Hope Channel International.
tedNEWS
Good to talk with you, Rodrigo, and first, we want to say how much we appreciate the commitment and skill set you bring to your role. We also want to say thank you on behalf of all the TED office staff for the gracious and supportive spirit in which you help problem-solve issues we frequently bring to you.
Chimello
I enjoy my job and love working at the TED office. But today, I want to share some news about a new server which has arrived at our office here in St Albans. I am sure tedNEWS readers might not be as excited as I am, but it really is going be a transformative development for Hope Channel International (HCI) and how Hope Channels within TED connect and collaborate with Hope Channel International.
tedNEWS
Tell us how this will work, Rodrigo.
Chimello
The new server, located here at the TED office, is part of HCI’s globally distributed, Adventist-owned digital content delivery network, and it’s a significant step in sharing the message of eternal hope with the world. This is a good initiative from Hope Channel International because, with this type of technology, we can use all the content that we can store here and share with everyone, especially in the UK and all the European countries in the TED territory. With this European server, we can distribute content without unnecessary delays.
tedNEWS
That’s a really interesting, innovative step forward! Why was TED chosen as the host for this new infrastructure?
Chimello
This is because our location is strategic. Being near London allows us to provide excellent service to this significant region while also extending coverage throughout northern and western Europe. It’s an opportunity to support the mission globally by leveraging our resources and location.
tedNEWS
Can you explain how this server supports Hope Channel International’s mission?
Chimello
The server is integral to Hope.Cloud technology, which powers more than 80 Hope Channels worldwide. It helps create, translate, and share Christ-centered content in over 100 languages. This technology ensures fast, reliable access to live programming and on-demand streaming, making connecting with the gospel message easier for European people.
tedNEWS
That’s amazing! How are TED members contributing to this effort?
Chimello
TED members play a critical role by supporting the infrastructure that underpins this mission. Hosting the server here demonstrates our commitment to spreading Christ-centered programming, especially in underserved areas. It’s a unified effort that embodies the spirit of collaboration.
tedNEWS
We understand from our colleague at HCI, Justin Woods (Senior Director for Technology), that this project has some innovative technical aspects. Can you share more about this?
Chimello
Absolutely. From selecting enterprise-grade hardware to creating automated deployment systems, this new server ensures reliability and resilience. This new, robust, up-to-date server infrastructure will support Hope Channel’s mission by delivering content seamlessly and effectively to its audiences.
tedNEWS
Thank you, Rodrigo, for sharing this new development with tedNEWS, and we trust this partnership will have a significant missional impact. We look forward to hearing more about Hope Channel’s ministry as it continues to strengthen its partnership with TED.
Vyacheslav Demyan, president of Hope Channel International, commenting on this new development, said, “The Trans-European Division’s support highlights how mission knows no geographical borders because by hosting this critical infrastructure, they are enabling Christ-centered content to reach homes across Europe and beyond, ensuring the message of eternal hope continues to transform lives.” He continued, “This initiative is also vital in achieving Hope Channel International’s vision of reaching one billion people with the message of eternal hope by 2030. Through their efforts, TED members are building a stronger foundation for mission work and helping to share the gospel with the world.”
Featured image: Rodrigo Chimello (TED Information Technology Manager shares with Vanesa Pizzuto (TED Hope Channel Co-ordinator) his enthusiasm for the arrival of the new server at the TED office from Hope Channel International.
Thanks to HCI Justin Woods (Senior Director for Technology) for his contribution to this article.
Photos: Tor Tjeransen/ Adventist Media Exchange (CC BY 4.0)
