The 2024 GAiN (Global Adventist Internet Network) Conference, hosted by the General Conference Communication Department, has concluded.
GAiN is a community composed of communicators, technical personnel, and media professionals from the worldwide Adventist Church. Experts in related fields gather to share the latest trends and technological advancements and to explore more effective media evangelism support and development strategies.
Held from July 10 to 14, 2024, at the Empress Hotel Convention Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand, this event saw around 500 participants from approximately 60 countries worldwide. The event garnered significant interest even before its commencement, with pre-registrations selling out. Fifty representatives from Korea, including the Northern Asia-Pacific Division, also attended, exploring the challenges and opportunities of digital evangelism as a future direction for the mission.
Before the main event, the ATS (Adventist Technology Summit) meeting took place on the 8th for three days, examining the practical application of digital technology and content in mission work. This was the first time the ATS meeting and the GAiN conference were held simultaneously. ATS focused on the dynamics of the digital mission, while GAiN concentrated on the digital mission’s media and messaging. The General Conference anticipated a synergistic effect: “The two cooperative bodies for digital mission gathered to discuss joint development plans.”
This year held special significance as it marked the 20th anniversary of GAiN’s inception. Since the first conference in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, in 2004, the GAiN conference has been held across various regions, including Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. In 2022, a decision was made to keep the event by continent, and last year, Korea’s Jeju Island hosted the event for Asian countries to discuss ways to strengthen global communication.
The 2024 GAiN Conference focused intensively on the potential of using films as a medium for evangelism. In particular, it examined case studies on how churches worldwide, including Brazil, use films for evangelism. Additionally, the conference gathered insights on strengthening digital evangelism through the growing influence of artificial intelligence, news promotion, branding, and video content production.
William Costa Jr., director of the General Conference communication department, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “The GAiN Conference has been a major forum over the past 20 years for contemplating and envisioning how to apply digital technology to our mission to fulfill the task given to us by God.” He added, “Through this conference, we have provided increasing training and inspiration in various areas, including internet and social media content.”
He emphasized the importance of films as an evangelistic medium, calling it a “notable milestone.” He said, “We have previously presented research results to enhance the level of artificial intelligence and community branding. This year, including films as a missionary medium stands out as one of the significant points.” He also stressed, “We have introduced and suggested ways to create new content beyond just utilizing social media to reach the younger generation.”
Audrey Anderson, Vice President of the General Conference, illuminated the essence of Adventist media evangelism in her opening keynote address. She urged, “At this very moment, tragic news such as wars, terrorism, and natural disasters are being delivered through the media and the internet worldwide. Fake news is confusing, and artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, fostering an obsession with the world. In such times, we must pursue truth and justice.”
She continued, “The message we convey should prepare people for the return of Christ. In a world dominated by injustice, we must share the hope of salvation through various media with those who have never heard the gospel. We must inform those who do not know where they stand about the truth. The truth will set them free from the bondage of sin. We are called to this mission.”
The opening ceremony, hosted by Pastor Costa, was adorned with a parade of countries. Starting with Angola and proceeding alphabetically to Zimbabwe, delegations entered the venue holding their national flags and dressed in traditional attire, marching to the tune of a triumphal march. There was particularly enthusiastic applause for representatives from Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, Libya, and the United Arab Emirates, where missionary work is challenging. The inclusion of Nepal, Bangladesh, and other countries recently incorporated into the Northern Asia-Pacific Division’s mission field was warmly welcomed.
Roger Caderma, President of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division to which the host country Thailand belongs, delivered a congratulatory address, stating, “The GAiN Conference is a much-needed and excellent event in these times. The church is called to use digital technology and media to fulfill the mission and purpose of evangelism. Our nations, societies, communities, and seekers are requesting this. I hope for creative dialogue and communication during this conference.”
During the main seminars, which continued over five days, experts from various fields presented models for testifying to the Adventist message in the online world on topics such as GPT, web engine operation, the metaverse, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, search engine optimization (SEO), online Bible correspondence schools, network cross projects, and creative branding. Following the presentations, questions and answers addressed the audience’s curiosities.
The 2024 GAiN Conference drew significant attention with its in-depth and multifaceted exploration of films’ potential as a medium for evangelism. The General Conference actively promoted the connection between the GAiN Conference and film evangelism by incorporating substantial film-related content into the main seminars and breakout sessions. Participants referred to this initiative as “film ministry.”
Dr. Kyle Portbury and Dr. Terry Benedict delivered keynote speeches titled “Why Film Now?” and “Cinema: The Stories We Tell,” respectively. They explained methods for incorporating the gospel into films and emphasized the necessity of film-based evangelism. Dr. Kevin Christensen declared, “The time for film evangelism has come.” Director Marti Jean-Louis shared his experiences participating in Christian film festivals, while Director Carlos Magalhães introduced the F7P business model, a high-quality on-demand film initiative from Brazil.
During the breakout session themed “Movies & Cinema,” participants were moved by screenings of films such as “Front Lines of Hope,” “Creation,” “Return to Palau,” and “The Hopeful.”
Pastor Costa invited Dr. Anne Hamel, who participated in the production of the documentary film “Return to Palau,” to the stage. The film tells the story of Melissa Gibson, the sole survivor of a tragic missionary family murder in Palau in 2003. Dr. Hamel shared previously unknown behind-the-scenes stories, encouraging those involved in related ministries.
Each division presented videos on its media operations and major projects. Byun SeongJun, director of the NSD communication department, introduced various digital initiatives aimed at effectively supporting missionary work in countries and regions like Korea and Japan. The divisions expressed gratitude for God’s guidance in spreading the gospel through online media and technology.
Additionally, Dr. Brian Scott Paradam, missionary Swamidass Johnson, and sisters Lung Liao and Haimeng reported on digital evangelism in Asian countries such as India and China. Pastor Kamsei Petcharun presented evangelism strategies for reaching out to Buddhists.
One particularly impactful presentation was given by Korean missionary Joan Kim (Korean name Park Jin Myung), who was sent as a pioneering missionary by the General Conference in 1992 and established the first Adventist church in Mongolia. She introduced the history and vision of the mission in Mongolia, highlighting the “Gateway Project,” which includes building an international school and establishing a wellness center. She shared her testimony, stating, “Mongolia is changing. While Genghis Khan once dreamed of world conquest through power, we dream of conquering the world with the gospel. Above all, we desire to achieve the evangelization of Northeast Asia, including North Korea.”
In the afternoon of the last day, a commemorative ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the “2024 Hope Channel Network Leadership Conference.” This event featured video reports on media evangelism activities worldwide, including Hope TV, AWR, and literature evangelism. Musical performances by praise ministers also glorified God.
During the dedication service that followed, Pastor Costa emphasized, “We are not only Adventists but also privileged to serve in various areas of the church. We stand at the heart of media ministry. Now is the time to focus more on the unique tasks given to each of us. As we leave this conference hall, I hope we are all motivated by missionary challenges and holy purposes. God will guide our endeavors.”
The conference concluded with a foot-washing ceremony, where over 500 participants worldwide pledged their sacrifice, dedication, and humility, thus wrapping up the four-day event.