Hope is spreading throughout the continent of Africa. The evidence of God’s presence and blessing can be seen during this past year as the ministry of Hope Channel across Africa has expanded. 

New state-of–the art TV studios have been completed in the South Africa Indian Ocean Division (SID).  “We have a wonderful facility, excellent equipment and an amazing team,” says Andre Brink, SIDmedia director. “Now nothing will stop us from producing a huge amount of new programs that are contextual, interesting, and creative.

The SIDmedia team, under the leadership of Pastor Pardon Mwansa, began in early 2004 in one simple classroom on the Helderberg College campus near Cape Town. Today it has grown to a 40-by-100-foot studio with room to house several sets. Two other studios are located nearby along with a permanent kitchen studio for cooking shows.

The media center isn’t the only thing that is new in South Africa. SIDmedia, in partnership with Helderberg College, will offer a New Media Evangelism course. Students will learn the use of TV, Internet, and other new media to spread the gospel, and will receive training in evangelism and theology. Recently, nearly 200 programs for Project Hope South Africa were produced at the new media center. With the help of more than 30 volunteers this ambitious task was accomplished in just two weeks. Sets had to be built, logos designed, as well as audio and video produced. Again, God’s hand could be seen in the smallest of details.  

Programming plans for 2010 include new episodes of “34 Degrees South,” “Nature Speaks,” “Beyond Addiction,” and “My Story My Song—South Africa.”  “We have recorded the 100th episode of ‘34 Degrees South,’” says Brink. “This special episode features excellent messages from Jan Paulsen, General Conference president, Paul Ratsara, SID president, and SID union presidents.” Nature is God’s second book and Paul Charles, PhD, will host a new show “Nature Speaks” which will air both on Hope Channel International and Hope Channel North America. Charles will show viewers interesting nature items and describe spiritual applications to build an insightful understanding of God’s character. “Beyond Addiction,” is for both young and old alike. Pastor Adrian Webster weaves an interesting journey on the dangers of different types of addictions with practical advice on how to overcome them.

The “My Story My Song—South Africa,” series hosted by Kandus Thorp was filmed during a Festival of Hope in Cape Town. It was a multimedia gospel music extravaganza with more than 350 musicians and the famous Cape Philharmonic Orchestra. Thorp interviews artists from the Festival and shares some of their music with viewers. A two-DVD set can be purchased by sending an e-mail to info(at)sidmedia(dot)org .

There is also exciting news within the East-Central Africa Division (EAD) where low power television stations will take Hope Channel to nine different language groups within the EAD. These low power stations are targeting the large population centers in Congo, Uganda, and Burundi.      

“We ask Hope Channel viewers around the world to pray for this effort to be blessed as we share Jesus with our brothers and sisters,” says Enoch Mogusu, Hope Channel’s regional representative.

Anticipation is growing for the release of “Dawn of Hope.” Student video missionaries featured will give viewers an inside look of life in the mission field. Follow the journey of these three young people as they minister to HIV/AIDS orphans, interview missionary families, and even visit with a local natural healer as he shares how obtains his powers, charms, and amulets.