Adventist Media Centre Opens on Vanuatu to Share Hope with the Community

Published on: 03-20-2024

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Vanuatu in the South Pacific Islands celebrated the opening of its first media hub, introducing Adventist Radio Vanuatu 107.5 and Hope Channel TV on February 25.

Vanuatu Mission (VM) president Charlie Jimmy emphasized the launch as a step forward in spreading hope and faith across the islands. “This event highlights the church’s commitment to working alongside the government to promote cultural identity and improve health care across our nation,” Jimmy said.

The new Adventist Media Centre is expected to be a key resource in meeting community needs by offering a range of programs that focus on spiritual growth and health awareness, regional church leaders said.

Leaders listen to an explanation of the services that will be offered in the new facility. [Photo: Adventist Record]

Three employees pose during the official inauguration of the channel on February 25. [Photo: Adventist Record]

Group photo of church leaders and officers during the February 25 inauguration. [Photo: Adventist Record]

Prime Minister of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai, present at the opening, emphasized the government’s support for church initiatives, reflecting on the country’s values of faith in God and Christian principles. He praised the Adventist Church’s efforts to launch media outlets as a milestone for Vanuatu.

Adventist media in Vanuatu started with the establishment of the media communication department in 2011, with assistance from ADRA Vanuatu, and the subsequent milestones such as the broadcasting license granted to Hope Channel Vanuatu in 2012.

The journey faced challenges, including Cyclone Pam in 2015, which led to the destruction of TV dishes, transmitters, and broadcasting equipment, leaders reported.

VM sent a production team to Fiji in 2016, resulting in the acquisition of 300 local content programs for Hope Channel. A temporary studio was constructed in 2017, and in 2021, the mission applied for funding for a proper media center building, with construction commencing in 2022.

Hope Channel International president Vyacheslav Demyan welcomed Vanuatu to the global network of Hope Channel stations. “I want to support Vanuatu’s unique cultural identity and the potential for its media to have a positive impact on society,” Demyan said.

Church members and guests attended the official opening of Hope Channel Vanuatu on February 25. [Photo: Adventist Record]

A member of the local Pathfinder club greets one of the special guests to the opening ceremony of Hope Channel Vanuatu. [Photo: Adventist Record]

Leaders cut the celebratory cake at Hope Channel Vanuatu official opening. [Photo: Adventist Record]

About Hope Channel

Hope Channel began broadcasting in North America in 2003. Currently, Hope Channel is a global network with more than 80 channels, each creating content in the local language, totaling more than 80 languages in more than 150 countries. Each Hope Channel offers programs on wholistic Christian living and focuses on faith, health, relationships, and community.

Vanuatu is part of the South Pacific Division region of the Adventist Church. Hope Channel Vanuatu is the ninth Hope TV network in the region after Hope Channel American Samoa, Hope Channel Australia, Hope Channel Cook Islands, Hope Channel Fiji, Hope Channel New Zealand, Hope Channel Samoa, Hope Channel Solomon Islands, and Hope Channel Tonga.The original version of this story was posted by Adventist Record.