SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH - Tanzania Union
Mbwana Calls for Use of Technology in Evangelism
The GC General Vice President Elder Geofrey Mbwana has cautioned Communication leaders that the Adventist Church growth has failed to keep pace with the world population growth. Pr Mbwana was speaking at Tanzania Union Communication Convention held at Mwenge Adventist Church in Dar es salaam, February 13-18,2012. Comparing Seventh-Day Adventist Church membership growth and that of World population, Elder Mbwana unveiled the fact that even though Church Membership is growing at the rate that appear to be reasonably good, when one compares it with that of the world population growth it is obvious that,we have failed completely to cope.
Sitting- from left: Pr. G G Mbwana, Dr Muganda,, Dr. Lekundayo, Pr. Bina(standing) pausing for picture with pastors during Communication convention Mwenge Dar es salaam on feb 16,2012
Elder Mbwana appealed to over three hundred delegates of TU Communication Convention to embark to the counsels of Spirit of Prophecy of applying new ways in spreading the Word. He urged the church to take advantage of modern technology to fullfill the Mission.
During his presentations the GC Associate Director of Communication Elder Andre Brink challenged the delegates to do away with holy cows (refering to traditions and cultures that hinder every meaningful change that would foster the course of God). Let us go back to our childhood and employ our old creativity in communicating the gospel. Andre led the convention on creative ways of using internet for the gospel like conducting a week of prayer through facebook. He also addressed the art of picture taking and effective story telling.
seated from right: Pr Bina, Elder Andre Brink (GC Associate Comm. Director), Dr. Lekundayo, Pr. Butoke( ETC Ex. Secretary), Pr. Mika. Standing: Pr Sumwa (EtC-PR), Pr. Sando (NETC), Pr Ungani (ETC), Pr. Mmamba (SNC), G. Msambwa (SHC), Msirikale (WTF) Communication Directors during Comm. Convention in Dar Feb 16,’12.
In his official opening speech Tanzania Union President Dr. Godwin Lekundayo reminded the Convention that it is God’s purpose that His people shall be purified in order to communicate the gospel more effectively. Quoting from 3TTp.35, CPTSp.322 Dr Lekundayo said “Our words have to be uplifting, our voice appealing, just as Christ were he in our place. We are not simply communicating, we are representing Christ.” Using Acts 1:8, the Union President insisted that while we need professionalism, equipments and money our success will depend on the upper room experience. He appealed to gospel communicators to be filled and used by the Holy Spirit.
This Convention which brought together pastors(near 70), ICT professionals, lawyers, journalists, public relation officers Covererd a wide range of items all under one theme - “Communication -The Wings of Our Flight”.
Dr. Hosea of PCCB (through a representative) addressed intellectual property rights, Dr. Jim Yonaz made a presentation on podcasting (the science of recording and uploading a sermon/speech or music to make it available for internet users).
Mr Edward Onyango who is incharge of ECD Media Centre made wonderful presentations on art of picture taking and handling, Quality radio and TV programs production as well as news writing. Ms Nyambona Masamba from TBC presented a well illustrated program on writing News.
The Convention had a privilege of learning through Skype as John Beckett, the GC Director of netAdventist, presented on technology toolbox, and netAdventist web management system. It is indeed amazing as the delegate could interact with him live from US.
Pr Steven Magesa Bina, ECD Communication Director, made a powerful presentation on Public Relations and Crisis Management.
The Convention was graced with the service of Dr. Baraka Muganda, the Vice President of Washington Adventist University who challenged Communicators to run because we have an urgent message.
Delegates following Closely as John Beckett Presents through Skype