July 17, 2020 | St. John’s, Antigua | SLC Communication Team
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a time of adversity for the church across the South Leeward Conference (SLC). However, times of adversity have often created great opportunities for those who are willing to embrace the challenges of life. As such, the South Leeward Conference has committed itself to ensure that it maximizes the opportunities that this pandemic has created. Through the Communication department of SLC, different types of technology have been studied, improved upon and utilized in order to ensure that members are ministered to, and that the gospel is being preached.
The new-look website (slcadventist.org) and the social media platforms have added great value to how information is now being disseminated to the community. Scrolling updates on the home page of the website, a weekly updated SLC News page, and a homepage that features current major events can be seen on a weekly basis. With many other features added, the technological team of the Conference has developed the website to become a one-stop Adventist Church information hub.
In addition to its website, the South Leeward Conference has embraced social media platforms such as an active Facebook page (South Leeward Conference) and a YouTube channel (SLC Adventist). These platforms, along with the SLC website, carry live church services and many other programs on a weekly basis.
When one adds the South Leeward Conference’s radio station (Second Advent Radio) with its standard (manual or digital) and online radio platforms, many more people are being met with the gospel each day. There are thousands of persons who are dedicated listeners to this popular radio station.
One of the most significant developments that the South Leeward Conference has embraced is the establishment of a new audio/video recording studio. This studio occupies two rooms, particularly a recording studio and a control room, that have been retrofitted for optimum performance. This new studio will be producing regular video productions as the South Leeward Conference prepares to establish a 24-hour tv channel before the end of 2020.
Some of these programs will start production within the next two months. These programs include Making Disciples and Marriage Encounter. Several of our ministry departments are slated to have similar productions done as well. Most programs that are produced in the video production studio will also be aired on Second Advent radio. It is important to note, that there are several pieces of equipment that are needed to help the studio to reach its full potential. However, by God’s grace, the work marches on.
Finally, it is the goal of the Communication department of the South Leeward Conference to ensure that each island has the basic equipment necessary to do high-quality video productions. These pieces of equipment will be used as sub-studios that will provide videos for the South Leeward Conference channel and for each island’s local consumption. The island of Montserrat is in the process of completing the purchase of its equipment.
As the church embraces the challenges placed on it by the COVID-19 pandemic, its future is bright. The use of technology has been embraced and its impact has already been immeasurable. In this dark world of sin and uncertainty, the church will remain an undimmed light beam, shining the gospel to all corners of the world. Disasters will come and go, but the church will survive and triumph until Jesus comes. May God bless the church, and may God bless the technology that it uses.