On Sunday 13 September 2026, Pastor Dan Majaducon appeared live on Koast Radio in Ashington, Northumberland, to share the Seventh-day Adventist faith on Faith Matters, a one-hour programme presented by Dr Mark Williams at 4 pm. The broadcast took place eight days after the launch of OneVoice27 on 5 September 2026, a General Conference mission initiative culminating in September 2027.
The opportunity began through a connection with the station. Lynne Sesinye-Samwinga’s sons, members of the singing group The Oreliaires, regularly visit Koast Radio to sing. Recognising an opportunity to reach a wider audience, Lynne suggested introducing a programme where people could discuss faith and spirituality. Following discussions with station management, the idea was accepted, and Faith Matters was established.
Pastor Dan’s appearance brought this initiative to life, creating a platform for sharing the Seventh-day Adventist message beyond traditional church settings.
Overcoming Challenges to Get on Air
Arranging the broadcast was not without difficulties. Two weeks before the programme, presenter Mark experienced a bereavement and was still grieving, creating uncertainty about whether the broadcast would proceed.
Time was also limited, as Pastor Dan was due to move to the United States at the end of September. On the day of the interview, traffic disruption caused by the Great North Run delayed his arrival by 15 minutes. Despite these challenges, the live programme went ahead.
The experience demonstrated the importance of perseverance, flexibility and recognising opportunities even when circumstances are uncertain.
Northumberland: A Significant Mission Opportunity
Northumberland is England’s northernmost county, stretching from the Scottish border to the boundaries with Tyne and Wear and County Durham. Covering approximately 5,013 square kilometres, it has a population of around 320,000 and is England’s least densely populated county. Approximately 97% of its land is classified as rural, with much of its population concentrated in the south-east. Morpeth is the county town, and The Cheviot, at 815 metres, is its highest peak.
The county is rich in history and natural beauty. It has more than 70 castle sites, including Bamburgh, Alnwick and Warkworth, and sections of Hadrian’s Wall, built from AD 122. Holy Island (Lindisfarne), an important centre of early English Christianity, is associated with the Lindisfarne Gospels. Northumberland is also home to the International Dark Sky Park, Kielder Water and Forest Park, and habitats supporting wildlife such as red squirrels.
Alongside this distinctive heritage lies a significant opportunity for Christian mission. Several Seventh-day Adventist families live in Northumberland, but they must travel to churches in neighbouring Tyne and Wear, including Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields, to attend services. Northumberland has no established Seventh-day Adventist church, highlighting the need for a local presence that can support these families and welcome others seeking a church community.
The county’s rural character and dispersed population make community engagement particularly important. Local radio offers an accessible way to introduce the Church, build relationships and encourage spiritual conversations. Such initiatives could contribute to the longer-term vision of establishing a sustainable Seventh-day Adventist church in Northumberland.
OneVoice27: Every Member Can Make a Difference
Pastor Dan’s appearance on Faith Matters illustrates that evangelism does not have to begin with a large event or formal church programme. Sometimes it starts with a conversation, a suggestion or an existing community connection.
Lynne’s initiative helped create a platform where faith could be discussed in a community setting. This reflects a central principle of OneVoice27: every member can contribute to sharing the Gospel by recognising opportunities and using their relationships, interests and abilities in service to others.
The experience offers three practical lessons:
* Take initiative: A simple suggestion can develop into a meaningful outreach opportunity.
* Build community partnerships: Relationships with local organisations and media can connect the Church with people who may not otherwise encounter it.
* Think long-term: Individual conversations and outreach activities can lay foundations for sustained mission and future church planting.
As OneVoice27 progresses towards September 2027, churches can build on these experiences by encouraging member-led initiatives, exploring community partnerships and sharing effective outreach approaches.
A Conversation Today, a Church Tomorrow?
Pastor Dan Majaducon’s radio appearance demonstrated how a community connection can create an opportunity to share faith with a wider audience. For Northumberland, such engagement could help build relationships, support Adventist families who currently travel outside the county to worship, and lay foundations for a future local church presence.
As the Church participates in OneVoice27, this experience is a reminder that mission can begin wherever people are willing to listen, connect and act.
One suggestion can open a door. One connection can create an opportunity. One conversation can plant a seed of faith.
