More than 160 content creators and influencers gathered at the East-Central Africa Division (ECD) in Nairobi, Kenya, for the ECD Content Creator Summit. After a global Creator Summit was held in July at General Conference headquarters, many regional Creator Summits are being run to equip members to share digital content for OneVoice27.

The opening keynote address was delivered by ECD treasurer Yohannes Olana, who was invited by Moses Maka, ECD Executive Secretary, because of his deep appreciation for media and its potential to advance the gospel.

Olana spoke on Isaiah 58:1: "Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet and tell My people their transgressions." For Olana, the command is a present-day commission to a generation with unprecedented access to public attention.

"Your content is your vehicle for the mission," Olana told participants. He urged them to recognize the mission opportunity in media environments such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, podcasts, and other digital platforms. Adventist creators don't just carry a message, he said, "they carry a sacred message."

Olana emphasized that "content creators are not simply people producing material for digital consumption. They are influencers ambassadors, and watchmen; people positioned to shape thoughts and direct attention."

"The Church has a message for a world filled with competing voices; voices of fear, materialism, confusion, false worship, and human tradition," he said. With this in mind, Olana posited that the question is not whether there are enough voices in the world, but rather which voice Christian content creators will choose to amplify.

Olana encouraged content creators to carefully and honestly examine their platforms. "Are they using their influence to create division or unity? To promote themselves or glorify God? To generate noise or communicate truth?" he asked.

"Do not compete with other voices," he urged. "Be faithful with God's voice."

Olana reminded participants that spreading God's Word is not reserved for pastors, evangelists, or professional communicators. "Every believer has been given an opportunity to serve," he said. He encouraged creators to start with experiencing Jesus Christ on a personal level. "If Christ has changed your life, you have something to share."

Olana's appeal carried additional weight due to its reflection of his personal conviction of the role of media in mission. He has consistently advocated for qualitative membership over quantitative growth. He believes reaching more people must ultimately lead to deeper transformation. For him, media can help carry the gospel further, but it is not the objective. "The goal is impact. The goal is transformation. The goal is to place the message before people who may never walk through the doors of a church," he stated.

Olana likened media's reach to the angels described in Revelation who carry the everlasting gospel already visible to the world. "In the same way, media is already everywhere," he said.

Olana finished his address by identifying three simple responsibilities: identity, unity, and mission.

He challenged creators to understand their identity—who they are and Whose they are. He reminded participants that their identity is rooted in Christ and in the Church’s calling to proclaim the everlasting gospel.

He then emphasized unity, reminding creators that although they come from different countries, cultures, languages, and platforms, they are united under God.

Finally, Olana turned to mission. Every platform can become a point of contact for God’s mission, he said. “Every conversation can become an opportunity. Every creator can participate. The voice God gave you has a purpose. Lift it!”

Olana ended his address by reminding participants that the value of a voice is not deemed by the size of the audience, but by faithfulness to the One who gave it.

This article was provided by the East-Central Africa Division.