A surge of interest in universal themes marked the “Hope Is Alive” lecture series, organized by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in collaboration with Maranatha. Held at the Prague Congress Center from November 7 to 15, 2025, the nine-evening event combined practical advice on healthy living with spiritual reflection. The series was led by internationally known Adventist speakers Mark and Ernestine Finley.

Participation and reach

Organizers recorded around 750 unique reservations, with hundreds more visitors attending without prior registration. Each evening, an estimated 300–400 people gathered in the main hall, while simultaneous streams in several cities extended the audience from dozens to hundreds of additional participants in regional locations.

During the nine evenings, approximately 8,500 books were distributed, including 1,200 copies of the publication Hope Is Alive by Mark Finley.

"The strong attendance and personal conversations after the program confirm that people are looking for a space where they can discuss their questions, hopes, and concerns,” said Peter Čík, president of the Czech-Slovak Union of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Follow-up and digital content

Through the official website, visitors can register for follow-up programs hosted by local Adventist congregations. These include Bible study groups, thematic lectures, discussion meetings, and community activities designed to help participants keep exploring topics that resonated with them.

Recordings of the lectures will be released weekly on Fridays and Saturdays from November 28 to December 26, making the content available to those who could not attend in person or who wish to watch again.

About Mark and Ernestine Finley

Mark Finley is the author of over 70 internationally recognized books. He became widely known as the first Adventist preacher to lead a globally broadcast satellite evangelistic series. Over his career, he has traveled to more than 100 countries and reached millions through television and radio programs. He has also served as a vice president and assistant to the president of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Ernestine Finley is the author and co-author of several books focusing on natural cooking and hospitality. In addition to lecturing, she is dedicated to leading health programs and media projects, often jointly with her husband, connecting spiritual principles with practical lifestyle choices.

The original article was published on the Czecho-Slovakian Union Conference's Czech news site.