{"id":24943,"date":"2025-11-17T15:27:02","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T15:27:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/?p=24943"},"modified":"2025-11-17T10:31:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T10:31:30","slug":"rise-shine-and-tell-the-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/rise-shine-and-tell-the-story\/","title":{"rendered":"Rise, Shine And Tell the Story"},"content":{"rendered":"

16 November | Pravets, Bulgaria [David Neal]<\/p>\n

From 12\u201315 November 2025, communication, media, IT, publishing, and other Adventist professionals from across Europe gathered in Pravets, Bulgaria, for the Global Adventist Internet Network (GAiN) conference, hosted under the theme \u201cLet There Be Light.\u201d Behind this theme lies a shared value that unites the Trans-European Division (TED), the Inter-European Division (EUD), and Hope Media Europe (HME): What must we do together to reach Europe with Jesus\u2019 love?<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is much more than a technical conference,\u201d note lead organisers Vanesa Pizzuto (TED), Paulo Macedo (EUD), and Klaus Poppa (HME), \u201cbecause this question drives our collaboration, our creativity, and our commitment to telling stories that illuminate Christ\u2019s compassion across a diverse continent.\u201d<\/p>\n

But what does this look like in practice? In his lecture The Together Way<\/em>, Norel Iacob explained that true collaboration means sharing inspiration, exchanging content, co-producing projects, creating joint series, and using common platforms. Referencing Philippians 2:14, he reminded listeners that this is a Christ-centred value: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”<\/p>\n

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Norel Iacob explaining what ‘The Together Way’ means for communication leaders<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alongside the workshops and networking, the keynote presentations stood out, offering the insights and shared vision that shaped the event.<\/p>\n

Prayer and the Spirit Are Non-Negotiable<\/h2>\n

Opening the conference, Brad Kemp (South Pacific Division Communication and Media director) drew on a lifetime of ministry leadership to share lessons from his presentation \u201cThe Essence of Things.\u201d<\/em> He emphasised that effective ministry starts with gathering the right team, setting a clear direction, and fostering a shared commitment to the Kingdom vision. Kemp urged leaders to embrace collaboration over silos, think boldly, and communicate purpose with clarity. Referencing Acts 4 and 2 Corinthians 5, he underscored that prayer, openness to the Holy Spirit, and seeking God\u2019s guidance are essential, non-negotiable foundations for every media initiative.<\/p>\n

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Openness to the Holy Spirit’s leading is the essential, non-negotiable foundation of every media initiative, shared Brad Kemp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mission and Spiritual Growth<\/h2>\n

Klaus Poppa, president of Hope Media Europe, shared in the opening service that GAiN Europe exists “not merely for professional excellence, but for mission and personal spiritual growth.” Poppa continued, “It is a space where culturally and personally diverse communicators find Spirit-given unity and shared purpose\u2014learning to bear one another\u2019s burdens, as Galatians 6:2 urges\u2014and in doing so, fulfils the law of Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n

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GAiN Europe exists not merely for professional excellence, but for mission and personal spiritual growth<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe personal life<\/em> of the communicator is as important as the message being shared,\u201d said Ram\u00f3n Canals, Ministerial Secretary of the General Conference. As a leader, Canals described his mission as one of encouraging, energising, empowering, and equipping others for the sake of the mission. He reminded communicators that real effectiveness flows from a shared spirit of unity and humility \u2014 the very attitude Paul prayed for: \u201cMay the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.\u201d <\/em>(Romans 15:5-6).<\/p>\n

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Ram\u00f3n Canals explaining to participants that there is often a gap between knowing what we should do – and doing it<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Light for a Polarising World<\/h2>\n

The subtext of this year\u2019s \u2018Let There Be Light\u2019<\/em> theme addressed the growing polarisation in today\u2019s public discourse \u2014 an issue Adventist communicators continue to wrestle with, as keynote speakers repeatedly highlighted throughout the event.<\/p>\n

During Thursday morning’s devotional, Vanesa Pizzuto focused on Jesus and the Samaritan woman, noting, \u201cThe kind of communication we need in this polarised world will start by building trust and connection, highlighting first what we have in common \u2014 and with it, the need to be seen for who we really are, without shame.\u201d<\/p>\n

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“If we are going to communicate effectively”, says Vanesa Pizzuto, “we need to build trust first.” Pictured here with TED Associate Communication & Media director, Joe Philpott<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In his Friday evening devotional, Pastor Ian Sweeney opened with Jesus\u2019 own declaration in John 8:12: \u201cI am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness.\u201d<\/em> From this, he warned that today\u2019s ministries can too easily mirror the Pharisees\u2014shining a spotlight on darkness rather than walking in Christ\u2019s light. Pointing to online platforms that thrive on exposing sin, he cautioned that such \u201csuccess\u201d can still be darkness-centred, challenging listeners to ask whether their ministry is shaped by darkness or by the Light Himself.<\/p>\n

Continuing the theme of his Sabbath sermon, Sweeney’s reflections delved into John 8:1-11, noting that we often see only a person’s history, as starlight reveals only the past. Jesus, however, looked beyond a woman\u2019s failures to her future, speaking words that moved \u201cfaster than light\u201d: \u201cI do not condemn you\u2026 go and sin no more.\u201d<\/em> This transforming grace, he noted, was evident not only in her life but also in the rapid change seen in Zacchaeus and others who met the Light of the World.<\/p>\n

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Ian Sweeney challenged listeners to ask whether their ministry is shaped by darkness or by the Light Himself<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Presence Becomes Light<\/h2>\n

Paulo Macedo reflected on Jesus\u2019 experience at the Feast of Dedication in John 10:22-24, noting that Jesus was there not only because it was a significant part of His Jewish tradition, but because His presence fulfilled the festival\u2019s deepest meaning. As Macedo put it, Jesus stood among the people as the true Light who restores God\u2019s people\u2014yet many still struggled to recognise Him.<\/p>\n

From this, Macedo drew a lesson for communicators about the power of presence<\/strong>. We work among people who carry their own customs, traditions, and expectations, and we often wrestle with whether we should step into certain spaces. But, he suggested, the real question isn\u2019t whether<\/em> to be present, but why<\/em> and for what purpose<\/em>. If we were communication leaders in Jesus\u2019 time, would we have advised Him to attend that festival? Yet He chose to be there\u2014celebrating with people and using that very moment to invite them to a higher understanding.<\/p>\n

People were celebrating the lights while standing in the presence of the Light of the World. Macedo\u2019s challenge was clear: should we not also find the courage to be present in places we might instinctively avoid for safety or comfort, trusting that God can use those moments for deeper connection and meaning?<\/p>\n

Faith in the Marketplace<\/h2>\n
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The panel (from left to right): Kimberly Luste Maran, Ian Sweeney, Paulin Giurgi, Paulo Macedo and Vanesa Pizzuto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In a discussion hosted by Vanesa Pizzuto\u2014and featuring Paulin Giurgi (Hope Media Europe), Paulo Macedo, Kimberly Luste Maran (North American Division Communication & Media director), and Ian Sweeney\u2014the conversation forcussed on the pressing question for today\u2019s communicators: in an age of polarised communication, how can we speak in ways that share our faith constructively and meaningfully?<\/span><\/p>\n

Paulin Giurgi reflected on the importance of context, particularly in a society increasingly marked by polarisation and secularism. He emphasised that communicators must not lose touch with the transcendence of God, as there are still many who carry within them a God-shaped hole. Giurgi also highlighted the necessity of interpreting the prophetic messages of Revelation through a Christ-centred lens, noting that when Christ remains at the heart of the message, it becomes far more compelling and engaging.<\/p>\n

Kimberly Luste Maran stressed the need to present Jesus\u2014and the hope found in the Adventist message\u2014in ways that are both attractive and compelling. Acknowledging that Adventist beliefs may not always align with popular cultural narratives, she pointed out that in a society quick to \u201ccancel,\u201d believers should be prepared for resistance, even asking, \u201cWas Jesus ever cancelled?\u201d For her, effective communication must balance truthfulness with love, ensuring both accuracy and compassion are present in every message shared.<\/p>\n

Drawing from the framework provided by the United Nations, Paulo Macedo pointed out the distinctions made between key freedoms: the freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and freedom of religion. He noted that the same document outlines six specific criteria for identifying hate speech, making clear that while open discussion and critique of ideas is permissible, any speech inciting harm or attacking individuals or groups crosses an ethical and legal boundary. This, he suggested, serves as a valuable guide for faith-based communication in sensitive or hostile environments.<\/p>\n

Ian Sweeney offered a concise yet powerful perspective: communication in today\u2019s climate should be marked by friendship, not aggression. He urged communicators to recognise the cultural moment and to shape their messaging with grace and appeal, ensuring it remains winsome and relevant to the audience they seek to reach.<\/p>\n

During the discussion, a question from the audience addressed the challenge of navigating polarised congregations. In response, the panel advised communicators to proceed with caution, always remembering that they represent more than personal opinion\u2014they speak on behalf of the Church. As institutional voices, communication leaders and pastors are called to reflect the character and values of Christ above all else. The panel underscored that partisanship has no place in church leadership; rather, those in such roles must strive to be unifying figures, upholding a message of grace, truth, and integrity that transcends political or ideological divides.<\/p>\n

The conversation ended with 2 Tim 1:7, \u201cFor the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.\u201d<\/p>\n

When All is Said and Done<\/h2>\n

The Pravets Lake setting in Bulgaria is, for most participants, nothing short of spectacular. Yet \u201cthere is something special about GAiN Europe,\u201d remarked a returning General Conference leader who has attended each of the past three gatherings. \u201cIt is well organised, great for real networking, and the programme offers space to breathe, walk, and enjoy the tranquillity of the lake.\u201d This blend of setting, structure, fellowship, and rhythm once again proved \u2018just right\u2019\u2014inspiring participants to Rise, Shine, and Tell the Story within their own spheres of influence.<\/p>\n

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GAiN Europe 2025 was held at the Hyatt Regency Pravets Resort on the bank of Pravets Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

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[Featured Image: Nikolay Stoykov \/ Adventist Media Exchange (CC BY 4.0)]<\/em><\/p>\n

[Photos: Nikolay Stoykov \/ Adventist Media Exchange (CC BY 4.0) and David Neil]<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lighting up Europe with Christ\u2019s love through united communication<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":25001,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,1577],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24943","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-organisational-updates"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24943","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/37"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24943"}],"version-history":[{"count":71,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24943\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25033,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24943\/revisions\/25033"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24943"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24943"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24943"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}