GHANA
Web Radio Training Equips Media Leaders in Seven African Languages
A groundbreaking training program aimed at equipping web radio station managers and producers recently concluded in Accra, Ghana. The initiative, organized by the West-Central Africa Division (WAD), brought together 18 participants from seven African nations to enhance their digital broadcasting skills and prepare for the launch of internet radio stations in their respective languages.
Facilitated by Gideon Pelser, a seasoned digital media expert of Adventist World Radio from South Africa, the three-day training (February 4-6) focused on the future of radio in the digital age. Pelser emphasized the transformative power of web radio, describing it as the next frontier for mass communication and mission outreach.
Participants represented diverse linguistic backgrounds, including Kasem (Ghana), Pidgin English (Nigeria), Fulfulde (Cameroon), Wolof (The Gambia), Moore (Burkina Faso), Krio (Sierra Leone), and Sango (Central African Republic). Through interactive sessions they explored various modules, such as the essence of internet radio, musical content, equipment and software, technical setup, effective interview techniques, and platform management.
Pelser’s hands-on approach provided a practical foundation for integrating faith-based messages into digital radio content. His expertise in media production and digital evangelism encouraged participants to leverage modern broadcasting tools for greater impact.
NEW ZEALAND
Gear Up Event Strengthens Youth Leadership
Youth leaders from across North New Zealand Conference (NNZC) gathered at Tui Ridge Park February 14-16 for Gear Up, a leadership training event designed to equip Pathfinder, Adventurer, and youth ministry leaders with practical skills and spiritual encouragement.
The weekend featured keynote presentations, workshops, networking sessions, and worship services, providing leaders with tools to support their ministry roles. Nick Kross, youth liaison for the South Pacific Division, served as the keynote speaker, sharing insights on youth ministry leadership and discipleship. Edwina Davis from South New Zealand Conference and NNZC youth ministries team member Andrew West also led devotional sessions throughout the weekend.
According to Keli Pepa, NNZC youth director, the event aimed to empower leaders by fostering collaboration, inspiration, and a deeper sense of purpose. “Gear Up was an opportunity for leaders to grow together, share ideas, and be encouraged in their ministry,” he said.
Workshops covered a range of topics, including strategic planning for youth ministries, best practices for Pathfinders and Adventurers, and ways to engage young people in church life. Participants also had the chance to connect with fellow leaders from across the conference.
SPAIN
Music Therapy Workshops Connect Local Churches With Seniors
In an effort to strengthen the inclusion and well-being of older people, the Spanish Union of Churches Conference in Spain continues to seek ways of serving the growing population of seniors. Its latest initiative? Music therapy workshops for 60-plus community friends.
Studies indicate that 1 in 10 people over 65 years of age suffer from depression, 20 percent suffer from chronic anxiety, and more than 30 percent of those over 80 years of age are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In addition, social isolation is a determining factor in the mental health of this population. Studies have also indicated that music therapy is an effective tool to improve the emotional and cognitive health of elderly individuals.
To address these challenges, churches are promoting music workshops that not only offer a space for recreation and connection but also contribute to reducing stress and anxiety and improving participants’ motor and cognitive skills.
The School of Music of Sagunto Adventist College is providing support and training for those who wish to coordinate music therapy workshops. “It is not necessary to have advanced musical knowledge or psychological studies,” organizers said. “With enthusiasm and organization, any willing volunteer can lead these activities and impact the lives of many seniors in our communities.”
MEXICO
Church Elders Prepare for Major Evangelism Efforts and Record Baptisms
The Chiapas Mexican Union Conference (CMUC) in Chiapas, Mexico, has begun training and empowering its local church leaders across its more than 3,000 churches in preparation for intense evangelistic efforts aimed at reaching a historic number of baptisms by the end of April.
Around 8,000 church elders gathered at various locations across the nine regional fields from January 10 to 18, to be inspired, trained, and further committed to the mission during an unprecedented evangelistic impact, reported Ignacio Navarro, president of CMUC.
Training sessions offered ordained church elders spiritual messages, motivating them to draw closer to God and pursue a deeper commitment to the mission wherever they serve. In each session 700-1,200 local church leaders learned about the current challenges the church faces and how to better mobilize and involve church members in evangelism through programs and initiatives.
These special evangelistic training sessions were part of a territory-wide missionary agenda led by CMUC in coordination with the Inter-American Division, in preparation for a baptismal celebration in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, on April 26. Church leaders estimate that more than 38,000 new believers will join the church in the first four months of the year.
BELARUS
One Team
Seventh-day Adventist regional leaders launched “One Team,” a School of Leaders of the Youth Ministry Department at an event at the Mir recreation center, February 13-16. More than 150 participants from different communities in Belarus had the opportunity to apply useful knowledge to their experience and be inspired to serve in a circle of like-minded people.
General seminars covered important topics for all ministers of the youth department: spiritual growth, digital evangelism, Christian leadership, and others. Speakers challenged youth leaders to be Bible people and help other young people not to live by emotional impulses and feelings but rather to build their faith on the solid foundation of God’s Word, event organizers reported.
“The motto of the Leadership School ‘One Team’ perfectly reflects the essence of the success of any ministry—unity and solidarity with God and with each other,” regional church leaders said. “May the Lord help everyone who is working for the new generation of the church and all the young people in this world to be one team with Christ now and for eternity!”