On March 1, under the glow of studio lights, a congregation of approximately 40 individuals came together to commemorate the official launch of Hope Channel Canada. Among the attendees were Seventh-day Adventist communication directors and pastors, all united in their shared vision of spreading the message of hope and faith across Canada. Anticipation filled the studio as guests found themselves seated in the very location where a new chapter in Seventh-day Adventist broadcasting was about to unfold.
“Having a dedicated channel for our Canadian viewers is so important. Hope Channel Canada is a commitment to meet you where you are and speak into lives a message that resonates and uplifts ,” said Hope Channel International president, Vyacheslav Demyan.
Hope Channel Canada will be available online and through traditional television networks for audience viewing . It will feature multiple faith-based segments created to enhance one’s spiritual life and share the true and authentic gospel message of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“Hope Channel Canada is now part of more than 80 Hope Channels around the world. It is unique and distinct for Canadian culture, and we’re looking forward to the time when Hope Channel will have a huge amount of Canadian content,” said Brad Thorp, president of the British Columbia Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and co-founder of Hope Channel.
Hope Channel Canada’s commitment to featuring content that reflects Canadian values and experiences is paramount in resonating with viewers on a personal and cultural level. By producing content that acknowledges and celebrates Canada’s diverse cultural heritage, geographic experiences, and unique identity, Hope Channel Canada will strive for viewers to see themselves represented authentically on screen.
“It needs to reflect our culture, the needs, the variety, the tremendous diversity of our wonderful country, and to address the specific needs of Canadians,” said Thorp.
The journey leading up to this pivotal moment has been one filled with trials and tribulations, calling for fervent prayers, tireless efforts, and unwavering dedication. The creation of Hope Channel Canada is the culmination of years of hard discussions, meticulous planning, and unwavering faith.
“And I also firmly believe that God opened up the necessary doors in Canada and we had a duty to go through those doors,” said Stan Jensen, former communication director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (SDACC).
Hope Channel Canada is not just a product of human efforts, but a divine calling guided by faith. Hope Channel’s journey began in the United States in 2003, as a channel for the American audience. It was during Jensen’s employment as communications director for the BC Conference that he made it his personal mission to find a way for Hope Channel to be broadcast in Canadian homes. In 2012, Hope Channel finally found its way to Canadian television, marking a significant milestone in its development. Now, 21 years since its creation, Hope Channel in Canada has expanded and transformed to make way for Hope Channel Canada.
“All it takes is a miracle and a team of workers,” said Jensen. “I am excited to hear stories of changed lives, stories of people who found faith, stories of people who have been transformed, and stories of courage.”
The feeling of anticipation and hope for the transformative work of Hope Channel Canada in the days to come was shared by all the attendees. Paul Llewellyn, SDACC president, expressed a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to bring the everlasting gospel directly into the homes of Canadians through Hope Channel Canada. With a recognition of the limitations of physical presence, Llewellyn highlighted the incredible potential of media to transcend boundaries and reach individuals in every corner of Canada.
“We are thankful for what Jesus is going to do as He brings us to the opportunity to reach every single home, television, computer, cell phone, and tablet here in Canada, where we bring the everlasting gospel right to their face,” said Llewellyn. “Over the next year we will start to go and grow together as we start reaching Canada on a different level than we have ever reached before.”
By harnessing the power of media and technology, Hope Channel Canada endeavours to transcend geographical boundaries and reach people in every corner of the nation. Whether through television broadcasts, online streaming, or social media platforms, Hope Channel Canada strives to make its message accessible to all, ensuring that no one is left untouched by the transformative power of hope. As the channel continues to grow and develop, it will remain steadfast in its commitment to serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Canadians from coast to coast. With each viewer reached, each heart touched, and each life transformed, Hope Channel Canada moves one step closer to realizing the profound impact of its divine mission – to bring eternal hope to many.
“It is our vision to reach one billion souls with a message of eternal hope by 2030, each [Hope] channel, including Hope Channel Canada, plays a crucial role in this divine mission,” said Demyan.
March 1st will be remembered as a moment in Hope Channel history. The launch of Hope Channel Canada is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and collective effort. As Hope Channel Canada embarks on this new chapter, it will do so with a deep sense of gratitude for the journey thus far and an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of its viewers.
“You will soon see the results on your screen, and we want to make it really accessible. We will continue to promote it and send information to the churches so people know where to watch and follow Hope Channel Canada,” said Evaldo Vicente, executive director of Hope Channel Canada and SDACC communication director. “What else can I say other than to God be the glory?”
Clesha Felicien is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).
