November 22 | Budva, Montenegro [Griselda Rosales with tedNEWS]
tedNEWS (TN): What did you like most about GAiN Europe 2024?
Griselda Rosales (GR): Is it too cliché to say that people were my favourite part of GAiN?
The direct conversations with people from other countries, varying levels of experience, and creatives who bring different ways of thinking and problem-solving are nothing short of inspiring. Before or after their presentations, I loved talking to them in the hallways, while queuing for food, and in the seat next to me. These are moments that meetings via Zoom cannot replicate. This instant feeling of empathy, care, and respect for one another is something I haven’t seen at other events at this level, nor in my area of communication/production. This unique understanding of the challenges in the world of media in our church is a powerful unifier.
TN: Is there a particular lecture or workshop you connected with?
GR: I chose to attend all presentations about film and documentary production, and it has been highly motivating to see the diversity in content, tone, approach, audience, and method. I also connected with the main message on Sabbath morning about Jesus being the live vine and we are the branches. This essential connection to the source of life was a great reminder as we connected.
I also need to mention the excellent initiative to include young creative people in this event, motivate them to move forward in their ministry, and let more experienced people know they have great and valid ideas.
TN: Is there any shared idea that could be applied to your ministry?
GR: Many of the ideas shared during GAiN would greatly help my ministry. I want to highlight the use of church ambassadors as implemented in Australia at FaithFM, shared by Robert Berghan, which could also connect Hope Channel viewers with local church communities.
Pastor Wayne Erasmus mentioned the importance of metaphors for contextual communication, which resonated with me as a key component for solving many issues in my ministry’s context.
TN: What do you think and understand about the overall GAiN theme of “connected deep and wide”?
GR: In my opinion, the theme of this year’s GAiN, “Connected, Deep and Wide,” was fulfilled not only through personal interactions with other communicators, producers, and creatives but also in the analysis and discussions of various scenarios and possible solutions for a common purpose.
It was also evident in the active search for a connection with Christ as our natural, living vine — the source of life and truth — and in the desire to connect to reach out widely and engage with people outside of our circle.
TN: For the next GAiN Europe, is there anything you would like to see that could enhance your experience?
GR: With great expectations for attending next year and understanding the possible difficulties with logistics, I cannot think of anything to improve except having an afternoon trip to explore the area around the hotel where we held our meetings, similar to last year when we were driven on buses.
Photos: Tor Tjeransen/ Adventist Media Exchange (CC BY 4.0) and David Neal.
