Slowly, she crawled out of her shell of indifference and began to yearn for the fellowship of other Christians. Not knowing which church she should pick, she began to look for Christian shows on the Internet. And that’s how she happened upon Hope Channel Russia. Pleased with the knowledge and peace she gained from the shows, she would lock herself up in a room for hours—It was just a laptop, Hope Channel Russia and Anusha. Today Anusha is an active advocate for God’s Word and Hope Channel Russia. She boldly travels the streets of Moscow, meeting strangers and making friends. To anyone who shows an interest, she shares her story and introduces them to a life in Jesus. Then she hands them a Bible or a book to help them in their own personal spiritual journey. Every week, she gives away about six Bibles. In these past two years of ministry, she has given away over 500 Bibles. Whether on the streets talking to strangers or in church with her husband and children, Anusha exudes the peace and contentment she now has in Jesus.

For more stories like this one, check out the latest issue of HopeLink.

Beginning June 9, 2013, 10 a.m., South Africa Standard Time, all Hope Channel viewers in Africa need to re-tune their receivers to:

Frequency:                             12574 MHz

Polarity                                   Vertical

Symbol rate:                          09700

FEC                                         Auto or 1/2

However, there is no need to re-tune or re-aim antenna dishes if viewers already receive a Hope Channel broadcast in Africa.

The new service continues to use Intelsat satellite10/20 located at 68.5 degrees and brings all channels being broadcast by Hope Channel in Africa to one reception setting, making it easier to watch the Hope Channel of one’s choice.

With three clicks on their remote, viewers will receive all three channels:  Hope Channel International—English, Hope Channel Novo Tempo –Portuguese, and Hope Channel Africa, the new indigenous language channel.

While this is the technical launch of Hope Channel Africa, the new indigenous language channel, the new channel will officially launch its programming January 1, 2014.

The expanded broadcast is intended to improve picture quality and also provide Hope Channel radio service.   The Morning Star Radio Network in Ethiopia and the Good News Radio Network of Ethiopia are supplied by this Hope Channel satellite service.

For more information see: www.HopeAfrica.TV

Billboard and window decals strategically placed for all to see.

Whether a city has snagged you momentarily as a visitor or you are a permanent resident in one of its high rises, there’s a certain magnetic pull towards the bustle that envelopes a city. There are so many things to experience in a city. So many options that cater to different types of people. Capitalizing on this natural draw of events in the city, Hope Channel Poland ventured to implement some innovative marketing strategies in the capital city of Warsaw.

In studying the types of attractions that lure people, Hope Channel Poland identified museums and exhibits as major draws. Next, they organized a Bible exhibit in the capital city. The unique element of this exhibit was that it was not the typical lone display begging for the attention of the passerby. Instead it was part of the annual European Night of Museums experienced every year in Warsaw.

Hundreds of people stopped at the exhibit to see numerous editions of the Bible, antique Going Where Warsaw, Poland and rare Bibles, educational charts, artifacts, and Hope Channel programs. Many portions of the exhibit were free to the public, making it a big hit. Also present were area pastors who volunteered as guides and experts to answer questions. As a result of this community service, one family joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church and many others began studying the Bible with local pastors.

Another innovative project that received a lot of public interest was the production and distribution of 100,000 copies of a documentary about how Anna German, Poland’s internationally-acclaimed singer, found a new life in Jesus and joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church shortly before she died of cancer at the young age of 46 in 1982. The movie found its way into the homes of many, including the president of the Republic of Poland and leaders all across the country.

Identifying common ground where biblical truths can be shared openly and comfortably is at the core of Hope Channel Poland’s operational model. Where the people are, where the interest is, Hope Channel Poland is also there.

Watch a short video about the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Poland here

For more stories like this one, check out the latest issue of HopeLink.

Chennai, India

When financial troubles came swooping into their lives, Ramanathan and his wife were confused and distraught. They couldn’t understand why bad things were happening to them. They were good people—they worked hard, they were honest, they gave to the poor. Their good life and good deeds should have resulted in good karma. But instead, they lost their business and the bank was on the verge of foreclosing on their home and stripping them of personal property and valuables. Walking down the busy, littered streets of  Chennai one day, Ramanathan noticed a crumpled flyer on the road. There was paper and trash strewn everywhere, but for some reason this one piece of paper caught his attention. It was an announcement of Hope Channel India’s upcoming meetings. The dirty piece of paper said the meetings would bring hope and answers to life’s questions.

Hope and answers—that’s what Ramanathan and his wife wanted. So they hurried off to the meetings. Right in the middle of the city, they found themselves with hundreds of others who had gathered to listen to the speaker. Sharad Babu, a regular presenter for Hope Channel was on stage, teaching from the Bible and sharing his personal experience: At the age of 10, Sharad became completely blind. It was at a time in India when there weren’t many resources to help him overcome this handicap. While growing up, independent living, education, and family life were never part of young Sharad’s dreams. But all that changed when he met Jesus and he learned to put his faith into actions. Boldly he set out to experience the fullness of life by relying on God’s promises and God’s presence. Today Sharad is a professor of theology and blessed with a wonderful wife and a daughter in college. Whenever Hope Channel India has a need, Sharad takes time off from work to take the stage and speak of the wondrous love of God.

Touched by Sharad’s stories, hearing about how they too could have hope during tough times, Ramanathan and his wife were brought to tears. At the end of the meeting, they met with Hope Channel India personnel who helped them through their difficult times. It has been a long journey, but Ramanadhan and his family are slowly building their life back again. They may never be where they were once were financially, but they now have faith that in all things, God and their new friends will be there for them.

For more stories like this one, check out the latest issue of HopeLink.

Tune in to Hope Channel May 17, 9 p.m. E.T./P.T. and May 18, 7 p.m. E.T/P.T, to appreciate the musical genius of violinist, Jaime Jorge, and be inspired by experiences of faith that permeate his life. The program will celebrate 25 years of music–more than 2500 concerts in over 40 countries. Listen to stories of how his family fled political oppression for the freedom to worship and express their faith.

This one-hour program can be seen exclusively on Hope Channel, the official television network of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

For more information about Jaime Jorge and his music ministry, visit JaimeJorge.com

The quaint town of Jübar flanked by its Linden trees. (Photo by Vanellus Foto)

Because satellite dishes are not allowed in many cities in Germany, traditional broadcast of Hope Channel is not always feasible. And that’s why live streaming is so very essential to the work of Hope Channel Germany. Whether it be densely populated Frankfurt or the quaint village of Jübar, whether it be a satellite dish or an Internet browser, biblical truth is reaching many and making a difference in people’s lives.

Home to about 2,000 inhabitants, Jübar is steeped in history and tradition. From its first mention in the history books in 1308 AD, Jübar has been home to generations of families. One of the families is Mrs. P.’s.

Flipping through the channels one day, Mrs. P. was intrigued by the name of a show: faith.stories.* Klaus Popa, the speaker, appealed to her just as much as the name of the show. Something about his voice and his mannerism kept Mrs. P. from changing channels.

“Klaus Popa is a wonderful teacher,” says Mrs. P. “It is like sitting at the table with a friend.” Soon Mrs. P. became a Sabbath keeper. Every Friday evening, her home was blessed with her commitment to spend quality time with God.

But that wasn’t enough. Eager to find out more, she began browsing the Hope Channel Germany website. There she discovered the free enrollment to a Bible Correspondence school and asked for lessons.

But that wasn’t enough either. She then began searching the Internet for a Seventh-day Adventist church close to her. The closest church was 30 kilometers away. Suffering from multiple sclerosis, Mrs. P. could not tolerate the long journey to church. So she phoned the pastor to see if there was some way she could learn more about the Bible without being in church. The pastor replied saying he’d travel to her house and study with her. “I wanted to learn everything I could about the Bible,” recalls Mrs. P. “If I could have, I would have watched Hope Channel all day and all night.”

Mrs. P. just could not let her physical condition get in the way of fellowshipping with others. So she invited four of her friends to spend Sabbath in her home. Using Hope Channel shows that she records during the week, Mrs. P. now leads out in regular Bible studies. “I love to tell people everywhere about Hope Channel. I want to tell the world,” said Mrs. P. in a recent letter to Hope Channel Germany.

Mrs. P.’s determination to share God is much like the town of Jübar that has survived time. Mrs. P.’s story will live on in the annals of Hope Channel much like the famous two Linden trees in Jübar. Almost a thousand years old, the trees have stood through the test of nature and the test of time. They are so old that they are hollow inside. Yet they stand tall and green, harnessing the attention of everyone.

* a verse-by-serve explanation of the Bible, beginning at the start with Genesis 1:1.

For more stories like this one, check out the latest issue of HopeLink.

The death of an innocent child, the maiming of runners, the displacement of people, the destruction of property–It has all been simply tragic.

Yet, in the midst of this horrific terror, has risen the compassion of humankind. Within minutes of the explosion, ordinary citizens stepped up to make a difference–There were volunteer blood donors; eateries offering free food and drink; a man walking down pouring out orate juice; a woman letting people use her bathroom; and others fearlessly running towards the explosion to save strangers.

“During this tragedy, we must focus on the spirit of community and generosity that has flooded Boston,” encourages Brad Thorp, President  of Hope Channel. “We are praying for the victims and their families and we praise God for the hundreds of people who are giving so selflessly to ease the pain and suffering experienced in Boston.”

Hope Channel staff and volunteers are praying for the City of Boston and everyone who was there yesterday. We have volunteers available for anyone who would like someone to pray with or talk to.

To speak to a live person, call 877-7-LETS-PRAY between 8 a.m. and midnight, Eastern Standard Time. Ot place your prayer request online.

Photo credit: Mark Z (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alshain49/)

Related story from USA Today: Heroes emerge from Boston Marathon tragedy 

Are our stories compelling? Is there too much information packed into one episode? Are the experts relevant and distinct in their delivery? Are we meeting a need without being redundant?

Since Monday morning, we’ve received nothing but positive reviews and feedback. We appreciate the shout-outs from tweeters, the reviews of independent bloggers, inquiries from radio shows and feedback from viewers that have been coming in. It’s good to know that this show is addressing an urgent issue and meeting the needs of so many of our viewers.

“I like that the show uses both a clinical and spiritual approach, and shows how someone seeking to recover doesn’t have to choose between a spiritual or clinical recovery, but can journey to recovery aided by the best both spheres have to offer,” observers blogger, Rev. Robert A. Crutchfield (Rev. Crutchfield is founding pastor of Compassion Church of Katy in Katy, Texas. His blog Faith That Inspires Action reaches readers in about 160 countries. His work can also be seen at Selfgrowth.com, Katy Christian Magazine, and BibleStudySpace.com).

* Unhooked is made possible through the support of viewers and through a partnership between Hope Channel, Versacare, the Health Department of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, and Adventist Recovery Ministries.

Some of the topics to be covered this season: enablers, psychoactive drugs, alcoholism, prescription drugs, tobacco, gambling, pornography and Sex, self mutilation, anger, eating disorders

Air times for Unhooked:
Sundays, 9 p.m. PT/ET
Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. PT and 6:30 p.m. ET

Unhooked and other shows about Christian living can be watched on DIRECTV Channel 368; Roku; or streaming online at www.HopeTV.org. A detailed program guide for Hope Channel can be found at www.hopetv.org/watch/program-guide

And such has been the last 18 months at Novo Tempo—Hope Channel Brazil. It’s been a time of miraculous change.

Vividly expounding on the guaranteed return on faithful investments, Jesus told a story of a man who challenged his managers to grow his portfolio. Making decisions with the boss’s money is risky business. So one did nothing at all; another took a moderate chance. But there was one who took a risk with the best of intentions, with all of his abilities and with complete faith in his employer. The result: Big return. Big success. Big compliment: “Well done, good and faithful servant!”*

Similarly, Novo Tempo’s investment in media ministry has been blessed. Within just the last 18 months, more than 55 million dollars have been put into the purchase of new licenses around Brazil. Strides of growth in 2012 included 130,000 square feet in new construction to accommodate new corporate offices, a museum, a 450-seat auditorium, studios, and new equipment. And yet, they are nowhere near done growing!

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brazil works diligently to make their ministry thrive. Every day, the reach of Novo Tempo extends to more and more places. Today Novo Tempo is a household name in Brazil. In 620 cities, including 13 capital cities, Novo Tempo is there. From São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Goiânia, Boa Vista, Teresina, Maceio, Porto Velho, Palmas, Brasilia, and beyond Novo Tempo is heard and seen.

The potential audience of about 70 million in Brazil is no match for the vision, dedication, and plans for the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Novo Tempo.

Boldly investing God’s blessings for God’s service, Novo Tempo has become one of the most powerful tools to share the gospel message in South America. In every city with Novo Tempo, are stories of lives changed every day by the Holy Spirit. In every city with Novo Tempo, the community of God people is growing.

To Novo Tempo and His workers in Brazil, God’s promise still stands true: “I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.”*

* Matthew 25:21

For more stories like this one, check out the latest issue of HopeLink.

God gave you the gift to catch viewers’ attention and explain difficult things very simply. Even my 8-year-old son understands you. Some weeks ago I was a depressive and suicidal man, but Jesus showed me the truth. Through Hope Channel I find all the answers that I have been searching for.

—Mr. P., Austria

I am a registered nurse working in Saudi Arabia. It is kind of hard knowing that you are surrounded by non-Christians in this place, but I join Hope Sabbath School online every Friday evening. I thank the Lord for Hope Channel. It gives me strength and my faith becomes stronger.

—Lany, Philippines

I have watched Hope Channel Germany and completed a lot of your Bible studies! I was baptized on September 1, 2012, in the river Alz. I’m very happy and feel so safe here in my church. Without you that wouldn’t have happened.

—Mrs. S., Germany

Hope Channel has brought me closer to Jesus. I gladly look forward to your daily programs because they are very relevant to what is happening in the world today regarding health, family, and world events.

—Orvelle, Thailand

We discovered Novo Tempo (Hope Channel Brazil) at just the right time, when we were trying to overcome the death of our two children. It really is the hope channel. Sometimes people just won’t come and knock at our doors to talk about the love of God; but Novo Tempo is there, in the places where people cannot reach. It fills our emptiness and transforms our lives.

—Emerson, Brazil

The only reason I bought my TV was to watch Hope Channel. I like it so much. There is a lot that I learn from it. Pray for my family to gain interest in it.

—Motlalepula, Botswana

You got me glued to my seat for the first time in my life watching religious television on Hope Channel. Continue to be a source of hope.

—Mphatso, Malawi

I am moving across California and will have my satellite dish installed at the new location. Your ministry is such a blessing and I don’t want to be without it at my new location.

—Joan, California

Continue Changing Lives!

When you support Hope Channel, God multiplies your gifts to provide exponential returns for His kingdom in the form of changed lives—in this life and the life to come. To support more Christ-centered programming and additional channel development around the world, please call 888-446-7388 or visit www.HopeTV.org/Donate to make a secure contribution online. Thank you.