{"id":5391,"date":"2020-06-04T10:32:27","date_gmt":"2020-06-04T10:32:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/sitenews\/2020\/06\/04\/gain-europe-zoom-edition-launches-major-summer-programme\/"},"modified":"2020-06-04T10:32:27","modified_gmt":"2020-06-04T10:32:27","slug":"gain-europe-zoom-edition-launches-major-summer-programme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/gain-europe-zoom-edition-launches-major-summer-programme\/","title":{"rendered":"GAiN Europe Zoom edition launches major summer programme"},"content":{"rendered":"

A GA<\/em>iN Europe special zoom edition replaced a cancelled four-day meeting but launched a major summer outreach initiative.<\/em><\/p>\n

3 June 2020 | Bern\/St. Albans [EUDnews, ted<\/em>NEWS]  <\/p>\n

As coronavirus hit Europe in March 2020, the 150 participants of the GAi<\/em>N Europe conference scheduled for Romania, 24-28 April were understandably disappointed that their annual networking opportunity was cancelled. That cancellation included the launch of the much anticipated \u2018Uncertainty\u2019 initiative, a series of films, documentaries, video clips and a book that aimed to explore hope in context of our uncertain lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn April the focus on the world was on Coronavirus \u2013 and a series on any other issue would have just been lost in the noise,\u201d stated Corrado Cozzi, Communication director for the Inter-European Division. In addition, studios were so busy and focused on developing online services and resources that there was little time available for completing \u2018Uncertainty\u2019, or for translating and subtitling the finished product.<\/p>\n

Attention turned to the pandemic, bringing hope with an immediate social media campaign, #dearcoronavirus<\/a>, while plans for an online alternative were discarded due to the generally very hands-on and interactive nature of the event.<\/p>\n

\"GAiN<\/a>However, more recently the organising team reconsidered it, mainly thanks to the overwhelming advent of Zoom. “It’s not easy to rethink virtually a meeting that rests its potential on interpersonal exchanges during breaks and off-programme,” states Klaus Popa, head of Hope Media Europe and part of the GAi<\/em>N Europe leadership team. However, that team worked hard to develop an attractive programme that would not just engage with participants, but would help develop network projects that will benefit all GAi<\/em>N members during the coming year.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs communicators we have all been working hard facing the challenges of sharing hope during the Coronavirus pandemic,\u201d states Cozzi, \u201cbut we needed to take some time to be together, share the latest developments, and look to the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"GAiN<\/a>All that happened on Saturday evening, 30 May. In just under two hours, some 100 participants joined in worship with fellow-communicator and serious COVID-19 sufferer, Pedro Torres, gained insights into a variety of network projects and welcomed the launch of ‘Uncertainty’ starting on Friday, 5 June.<\/p>\n

[See more of Pedro\u2019s story here: How My COVID-19 Experience Changed Me<\/a>]<\/em><\/p>\n

Uncertainty<\/strong><\/p>\n

As COVID-19 very slowly retreats people\u2019s attention is moving to the future \u2013 and that future is very uncertain! \u201cWe could never have imagined, even one year ago, that the network would have chosen such a relevant theme for today,\u201d states Victor Hulbert, Communication and Media director for the Trans-European Division. \u201cWhat is our new future going to look like? Physically, emotionally, spiritually? We have many questions but not so many answers. By telling real-life stories, this series helps provide answers and share hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

The zoom chat buzzed into life as participants heard introductions to the three films, five documentaries, and twenty video clips that will now run through the summer until the book launch in the autumn.<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations, production team! Very much looking forward to seeing the complete film,\u201d wrote Costin Jordache from Adventist Health. Libna Stevens added, \u201cLove these shots and stories they represent. Wow!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally nice to see the development from project to project in terms of visual Storytelling,\u201d wrote Manuel Wildemann. \u201cWe are amazed for this awesome contribution.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo happy to see the way we have been able to develop our ability to collaborate,\u201d added Tor Tjeransen, Communication director for the Norwegian Union. He also offered another network project filmed in Jordan and Egypt in partnership with the Trans-European Division. The aim is to release this in the autumn. Other projects were highlighted from Germany, Poland, Spain, and Ukraine. \u201cSo happy to see the way we have been able to develop our ability to work together,\u201d Tjeransen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love that we are all adapting to be relevant to the current situation! I feel so blessed just to be a part of this group! And I know you all have stories to tell!\u201d commented Hulbert.<\/p>\n

\"GAiN<\/a>This was a first visit to a GAi<\/em>N Europe meeting for Joy Faigmani-Pontanar. Working in Ireland she wrote that she \u201cpraised the Lord and thanks all for sharing their gifts… I can\u2019t wait to share your work.\u201d<\/p>\n

More ideas will come \u2013 part of the core reason for GAi<\/em>N Europe meetings. Even while hearing about a variety of reports and projects Hulbert challenged, \u201cit would be great to hear more ideas for future projects from all GAi<\/em>N participants!<\/p>\n

He was not disappointed. Options for the future included an animation project for children. Lizbeth Elejalde suggested that \u201cartists and animators from around the world can give them life through mini stories and even musical video clips!\u201d<\/p>\n

Caleb Quispe noted that \u201cmost material is Christian minded and is fantastic, yet I believe we need to explore and come with material for the Muslim world.\u201d<\/p>\n

All participants agreed that GAi<\/em>N Europe should continue with the uncertainty theme, producing more stories, clips and written materials that can enhance our mission of hope over the next year.<\/p>\n

As for the immediate release, Adri\u00e1n Dur\u00e9, lead producer for the video materials, confirmed that all ‘Uncertainty’ audio-visual materials will be available to media centres in the next few days to allow for translation. This will include the ‘Uncertainty’ movie from Brazil; a documentary series sharing ten real-life stories; a documentary about students, graduates and their uncertain futures; 20 social media spots; and a short film based on the German ‘Encounters’ movie. These will be available with the original files and \u2018clean\u2019 versions for sub-titling in various languages. <\/p>\n

Releasing this Friday<\/strong><\/p>\n

The ‘Uncertainty’ movie will be released this Friday across social media and on ARtv in Portuguese, Spanish and English. Watch all the trailers, and follow along with each weekly release by visiting the Uncertainly website: https:\/\/uncertaintyproject.org\/
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