News

When It Is Written Oceania, the ministry's new regional telecast in the South Pacific, debuted on Australia's largest television network in April 2007, it became the country's highest rated religious broadcast within its first week. This marked another milestone in the history of the It Is Written ministry, which now has seven regional telecasts that feature speakers who tailor messages to the culture—and in many cases, language—of their region.

Pastor Shawn Boonstra, speaker/director for It Is Written International Television, is thrilled about this new addition to the It Is Written family. "Our goal is to introduce people to Jesus," he said. "When our international and regional telecasts work in tandem like this, it enables us to reach even more people with the Good News."

For the remainder of 2007, the programs will feature messages by Boonstra, with short opening and closing messages by Pastor Gary Kent, speaker for It Is Written Oceania. Then, beginning in January 2008, Kent will take over hosting duties for the region.

Kent's prior experience makes him a perfect fit for this new position. After finishing his two masters degrees in divinity and archeology/ancient history at Newbold College and Andrews University, Kent planted and pastored a number of new churches throughout Australia. He has also become well known as an international evangelist after conducting campaigns in countries such as Russia, Africa and Papua New Guinea. In the last few years, Kent has been pastoring in Sydney and is presently building a new church and evangelistic center.

Much like Boonstra, Kent's connections to It Is Written go back many years. He first became acquainted with the ministry when his parents?who were missionaries in Africa?introduced him to the ministry's resources and television program, which at the time featured Pastor George Vandeman.

Kent says that he has always had a strong interest in It Is Written because he believes the programs present the Adventist message in a professional and relevant way. He said, "As I've pastored various churches, I've found that It Is Written is often the first contact people have with the Adventist Church!"

The team in Australia has already begun community outreach through the telecast. According to Neale Schofield, manager for It Is Written Oceania, they are already shipping books to interested viewers who called in after watching the initial broadcast.

"This is the first major presence the Adventist Church has had in the Australian mainstream television media for 25 years," said Schofield. "We can't wait to see what the future holds for this ministry and the South Pacific Division."

The program currently airs Sunday mornings on Australia's Channel 7, which can be seen in nearly every home in the country. As a next step, the It Is Written Oceania team hopes to increase their coverage to include New Zealand and other countries in the South Pacific region.

To learn more about It Is Written Oceania, please visit www.itiswrittenoceania.tv.