Hope Channel International Unveils Bold Mission to Reach 1 Billion

Network leaders introduce and discuss goal at recent leadership conference in Dubai.

May 21, 2025 | Dubai, United Araba Emirates | Daniel Kluska, with Trans-European Division News

The 2025 Network Leadership Conference (NLC), organized by Hope Channel International, took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from April 29 to May 1. With a bold vision to reach 1 billion people with the gospel by 2030, the event brought together global Adventist media leaders to adopt a new strategy, share experiences, and reaffirm their commitment to innovation and mission.

The gathering began on Friday evening; participants shared experiences and formed new connections. On Saturday, worship was held at Dubai Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, located in the heart of the Holy Trinity Compound. This compound is a sacred and cultural space, designed to foster dialogue between diverse Christian communities. Because of its architecture—a blend of glass, steel, and traditional Islamic motifs—the building has become one of the most recognizable religious landm

arks in Dubai, symbolizing unity amid cultural and spiritual diversity. Alex Bryant, president of the North American Division (NAD), delivered a message on the need for unity and the call to spread the gospel.

On Sunday participants had the opportunity to visit Dubai’s Museum of the Future, a striking doughnut-shaped building covered in Arabic calligraphy. The museum transports visitors to the year 2071, marking 100 years since the founding of the United Arab Emirates. Inside, interactive exhibits explore cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, regenerative medicine, and sustainability. The museum also houses research labs and workshop spaces where visitors can engage hands-on with emerging technologies.

Creative Disruption: A Media Mandate

On Monday morning working sessions took place. Vyacheslav Demyan, president of Hope Channel International, opened with a keynote titled “Hope Starts Here,” focusing on the concept of creative disruption in media. He cited Dubai’s transformation as a metaphor for the kind of bold, innovative change needed in faith-based broadcasting. “We cannot stick to what was. We must take risks to create something new that will reach people all over the world,” he said.

Demyan also introduced the initiative to reach 1 billion people by 2030, calling for the use of emerging platforms and technologies to go beyond traditional frameworks. “To meet this goal, we must break outdated models and take a creative approach to media production,” he emphasized.

Following that, Josias Silva, financial director of Novo Tempo (Hope Channel Brazil), addressed the importance of collaboration between media ministries and local churches, especially when reaching those unfamiliar with the gospel. He called for better integration to amplify impact.

A Strategic Partnership

During the conference John Shin, president of Adventist Medical Evangelism Network (AMEN), announced a strategic partnership with Hope Channel International. This alliance aims to create health-focused outreach initiatives with an international mindset. Through a combination of AMEN’s medical insight and Hope Channel’s modern formats—video series, podcasts, and live events—the partnership seeks to overcome cultural barriers and thrive where traditional evangelism may struggle.

The partnership includes plans for educational programs, webinars, and community missions offering free health screenings and consultations, connecting these efforts to the message of hope. The long-term ambition is to build a global ecosystem that shows how faith and medicine can work hand in hand to restore lives. During the next five years the partnership will be open to stakeholders wishing to collaborate.