Adventists to host Global Internet Network Conference
AGAINST THE backdrop of educating and training communications and technology professionals for community outreach using technology, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica will host a Global Adventist Internet Network (GAiN) Conference from July 4-6.
The conference is expected to attract participants from Jamaica, the wider Caribbean and North
America, and will be held at the all-inclusive Iberostar Rose Hall Beach hotel in Montego Bay under the theme ‘Connect and Share.’
“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the World Wide Web, and based on the impact that technology has had on all spheres of life, including the church’s worship and community outreach, it becomes imperative to have such a conference,” said Nigel Coke, communication director for the Adventist Church in Jamaica. “So, what we have in the Bible is the gospel according to Matthew, Mark,
Luke and John; and what we will explore at the conference is the gospel according to technology, how this same gospel can be done using technology,” he added.
GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Through annual worldwide events, GAiN, a global thrust of the Adventist world church, was first held in Jamaica in 2011. It has been held in countries such as China, Brazil, South Korea, and Jordan, in parts of Africa and in several areas in the United States of America over the past 16 years.
In addition to the gospel according to technology, the conference will also have presentations on robotics and artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, animation, the Data Protection Act, new technologies in medicine, cinematography, crisis management, photojournalism, among others. Activities will also include a media exhibition, awards and recognition of individuals and groups who have made significant impact in the field of communications within and outside the Adventist Church. The weekend will climax with a free community health outreach at the Lilliput Community and Resource Centre on Sunday, July 7, 2019.
Information on registration and hotel accommodation are available on the GAiN Jamaica website at gain.jmunion.org.
“I would strongly urge individuals who want to attend to register and book their hotel early because there are limited rooms available, due to the fact that that weekend is the American Independence [celebration] and persons, of course, will be coming to Jamaica,” said Coke.
‘This year marks the 30th anniversary of the World Wide Web, and based on the impact that technology has had on all spheres of life, including the church’s worship and community outreach, it becomes imperative to have such a conference.’