Nearly 300 communication, media, IT, Publishing House, Hope Channel, and evangelism leaders from across the Trans-European Division (TED) and the Inter-European Division gathered at the Hyatt Pravet Resort in Bulgaria from 12-16 November for the annual Global Adventist Internet Network (GAiN) Europe conference. Delegates also joined from as far away as New Zealand and the United States, reflecting the event’s global reach. The British Union Conference (BUC) was strongly represented with 12 participants, including four from the BUC offices.
This year’s theme, ‘Let There Be Light’, set the tone for a spiritual and forward-looking summit.
Spiritual Emphasis – Light That Cannot Be Blocked
The devotional sessions and Sabbath morning sermon, presented by Pastor Ian Sweeney, TED Field Secretary, was both engaging and spiritual as the audience were visibly carried along with his researched illustrations. Pastor Sweeney unpacked the biblical theme of light, emphasising that God’s light cannot be blocked by darkness. Drawing from Scripture and Adventist heritage, he reminded participants that communication is not simply a professional function; it is a spiritual calling to shine God’s light into every corner of society.
Introducing OneVoice27 – A Global Call to United Evangelism
A significant highlight of the summit was the introduction of OneVoice27 (downloadable link at the end of this article), a worldwide evangelism and discipleship initiative leading up to the 2000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism in AD 27. Three senior General Conference (GC) leaders delivered the presentation:
Ramon Canals, GC Ministerial Association Secretary
Vyacheslav Demyan, President of Hope Channel International
Justin Kim, Editor-in-Chief of Adventist Review Ministries
Leaders, Justin Kim, Ramon Canal and Vyacheslav Damyan
The presenters outlined the GC’s new Global Church Evangelism Strategy, emphasising the urgent need for the world Church to engage with the prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation. These books, they noted, form the prophetic roots of Adventist mission and are essential for preparing hearts for Christ’s soon return.
OneVoice27 aims to unite the global Adventist family to speak with one message, one mission, and one voice through coordinated prayer, Bible engagement, and harvest events. Every local church is encouraged to participate through:
Promoting daily study of Daniel and Revelation
Facilitating Bible study requests generated through media
Encouraging member involvement in disciple-making
Hosting local and regional harvest events
Partnering media ministries more closely with local churches
Adventist Review Editor, Justin Kim, used vivid metaphors, such as “cows pulling kilograms”, – to illustrate synergy. Just as multiple cows pulling together can move far more weight than one, so the 24 million Adventists worldwide can create an exponential evangelistic impact when they work in unity.
Media, Synergy, and the Gap to Be Closed
Another recurring theme was the need to close the gap between Media Ministries and Personal Ministries. Speakers urged local congregations to become active Bible Schools, ready to welcome seekers who discover the Church through Hope Channel, Adventist Review, YouTube ministries, social media, and other digital platforms.
If the media creates interest, the local church must be ready to nurture it.
GAiN Europe highlighted that this synergy – between digital proclamation and local discipleship – is essential for OneVoice27 to succeed.
Holistic Wellbeing – The Leader as a Whole Person
Ramon Canals, GC Ministerial Association Secretary, spoke about the wellbeing of communicators and ministry leaders. On a lighter note, he encouraged all delegates to invest in both spiritual and physical health, with practical recommendations such as engaging in regular squatting exercise, which delegates spent some time doing in the auditorium. His suggestions included:
Regular exercise, including simple strength-building practices
Memorising and internalising Scripture (e.g. Colossians 3:16, Philippians 4:6-8)
Handwriting Bible verses to strengthen memory and cognitive health
Praying Scripture as part of daily devotion.
He also spoke candidly about burnout, balance, and the “knowing-doing gap” – the difference between what we know and what we actually practice.
Authentic Storytelling in an Age of AI
One of the tracks most engaging discussions included the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in storytelling and journalism, as well as the need for authenticity.
The message was clear: AI can be a tool, but authentic, human-centred storytelling remains irreplaceable.
Participants were urged to:
Spend more time in communities
Listen to real stories
Build relationships
Understand what people genuinely need
Jesus’ method – being among people – remains the most effective model for communication today.
The delegation from the BUC who attended the various tracks of the summit included Augustus Lawrence, BUC Evangelism Director; Elisabeth Sanguesa, Stanborough Press Manager; Paula Yunen Carrillo, BUC IT Manager; and Sam O Davies, BUC Communication and Media Director.
We are sharing with you the downloadable version of the OneVoice27 document for use by your local church.