10 June 2009
New Australian programs air on Hope
Ringwood, Victoria
Adele Nash
A number of programs filmed last year as part of "Project Hope-Australia" are now screening on the Hope Channel.
These programs include "Outback Adventures" with Pastor Don Fehlberg, associate director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries for the Adventist Church in Australia; "Youth ICU" with Pastor Tony Knight, director of Adventist Youth Ministries for Australia; and "Smart from the Start," with Dr John Hammond, director of Adventist Education for Australia.
Pastor Fehlberg says of "Outback Adventures," "It's a program about the Indigenous work around Australia-really sharing the stories of my trips around the country, working with people in different communities-although it's not just for Indigenous people to enjoy.
"A number of folk in remote places have rung me to say, ‘We've seen your program!' It's thrilling to know that people are watching Hope Channel and are happening to come across the program. We've had them from Arnhem Land and Port Augusta and the centre of Australia."
Pastor Fehlberg adds, "I've had the privilege of working with many Indigenous folk across Australia and people get really excited to see what's taking place for them. ‘Outback Adventures' gives people a realistic appreciation for what God's doing."
"Youth ICU" is a series of 12 half-hour programs aimed at opening a window to the world of 21st century teenagers. Pastor Knight says, "It gives a glimpse into the lives of kids, and really grapples with the struggles and dangers they face. Topics we've dealt with include eating disorders, at-risk behaviours, building resilience and how the church connects or fails to with young people."
Youth leaders from around Australia were featured on the program, with other special guests including school counsellors, nutritionists, teachers, doctors and teens themselves.
"The series also offered good commonsense, down-to-earth suggestions on how adults can help kids through some of these issues, nurturing them in their lives and growth in Christianity," says Pastor Knight. "Each episode also has music segments featuring various artists sharing their gifts.
"We've noticed the addition of the Australian content on Hope Channel-especially that aimed at young people-has increased the youth and teen audience. We're getting comments from kids most days who have seen the shows, saying how much they like it, and appreciate having issues talked about."
Levi Gardner (left) and Kristina Malarek (second from left)
lead a panel discussion in their roles as hosts of The Fish Bowl,
another ‘Project Hope-Australia' program.
Credit: Ann Stafford
Dr Hammond says, "‘Smart from the Start' represents just 13 of 220 episodes dealing with church and family issues that have been produced through ‘Project Hope.'
"The topics range from parenting issues, choosing the right school, dealing with Generation Y and even an episode dealing with the questions you would really like to ask teachers-but are too scared to ask. We brought in a number of experienced teachers, parents and education administrators to act as panellists. Don't miss the episode on parenting-we brought in four young mothers and their babies. The tight filming schedule did not allow for many ‘out-takes' so you will be treated to babies crawling off the set and at least one infant who suffers a complete emotional meltdown on top of a lapel mike."
Dr Hammond believes the series is "very relevant" and "the series is vivid and engaging. The panellists have amazing insights and were very professional."
Kandus Thorp, co-director of Hope Channel international, says, "We're still in the final process of post-production on ‘Praise Down Under' and ‘Fishbowl' [two more ‘Project Hope-Australia' programs]. And ‘Happiness by Design' will commence on the network in July."
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