The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tanzania held the GAiN (Global Adventist Internet Network) Tanzania 2026 event at the University of Arusha, gathering communication leaders, media professionals, and digital missionaries from Tanzania and neighboring countries, including Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda.

Held under the theme “Integrated for Mission,” the four-day meeting sought to strengthen collaboration in the use of media and technology for gospel outreach across the East-Central Africa region.

Keynote calls for eternal focus in use of technology

The conference was officially opened by David Mpwani, president of the Northern Tanzania Union Conference, who delivered the keynote address. Emphasizing the urgency of mission in a rapidly evolving digital world, Mpwani challenged participants to rethink how technology is approached within the Adventist Church.

“The question is not how technology is shaping the future,” he stated, “but how we are using technology for eternity.”

He reminded delegates that the Church’s mission remains singular: to uplift truth, exalt Jesus Christ, and bring people to Him, especially in light of the nearness of Christ’s return. Integration, he noted, is not optional but essential if communication efforts are to be effective and aligned with the Church’s prophetic mandate.

OneVoice27 marathon sets the stage

The official opening followed the OneVoice27 Fun Run held on March 31 in Arusha. The five-kilometer fun run, organized to publicize the broader OneVoice27 initiative, began at Silver Leaf Academy and concluded at the University of Arusha campus.

The event brought together young people, families, church members, and members of different Arusha Marathon clubs in a public expression of faith, health, and unity. Organizers described it as a practical platform to introduce OneVoice27’s vision of spiritual growth, community engagement, and visible gospel witness.

Presentations highlight global vision and digital strategy

During the first day of sessions, Alyssa Truman, Communication director at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, presented on the importance of unity among communicators. She urged media teams and church leaders to work collaboratively rather than independently as they pursue the mission of the Adventist Church in a connected world.

Also presenting was Felipe Eduardo Bassetti Silva, manager of Network, Content & Strategic Relations at Hope Channel International (HCI), the global media organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Silva shared the network’s global vision, stating, “Hope Channel is aiming to reach one billion people globally with the message of eternal hope by 2030.”

He clarified that “reaching” is not limited to visibility or numbers alone. It includes measurable and meaningful engagement, which includes views and watch time on gospel-centered content, Bible study enrollments, digital interactions that point individuals to Jesus, and real connections with local churches.

To achieve this goal, Silva emphasized the strategic use of digital platforms and influencers, noting that media influence must be intentionally directed toward mission impact if the Adventist Church is to effectively reach the world.

Regional and global expertise strengthen benchmarking for mission

The conference also featured presenters from both global and regional levels of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Among them were Sam Neves, HCI vice president, Ramiro Quero, director of network strategies, development, and training; Christopher Ungani, the Communication and Media Evangelism director for the East-Central Africa Division (ECD), Immanuel Ogwal, Africa Regional director for Adventist World Radio, and Haggai Abuto, ICT director for the ECD.

As the meetings officially began, the organizers underscored the purpose behind the gathering, noting that, “GAiN Tanzania, by its very nature, brings together Adventist media and communication professionals under one roof to strengthen collaboration, sharpen skills, and intentionally advance the mission of the Church.”

According to Ungani, the presence of delegates from neighboring countries is intentional. He explained that participants have come not only to attend but to benchmark and carefully observe systems, strategies, and implementation models so they can return to their respective territories and replicate, strengthen, and where possible, improve upon them.

“This is about learning from one another,” Ungani noted. “When they go back home, they should be able to do the same work and even better.”

As GAiN Tanzania 2026 concludes, delegates are committed to translating ideas into action so as to ensure that technology remains a tool for the Adventist Church’s central purpose: Lifting up Christ and preparing communities for His soon return.

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