The Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) has reached another milestone in its media ministry efforts with the launch of Hope Channel Tuvalu on October 25—the latest addition to Hope Channel’s 80-plus channel network worldwide.
Officiating the launch, TPUM president Pastor Maveni Kaufononga emphasised the slogan “Television that Changes Lives!”
The new channel, a collaborative effort between TPUM and Tuvalu.TV, will broadcast free-to-air across Funafuti, reaching a potential population of more than 5000 residents on the island. There are plans for the Tuvalu.TV digital platform to expand next year to the other outer islands of Tuvalu, where Hope TV will also be available.
To celebrate the launch, the event included a cake cutting performed by Pastor Kaufononga and guests Governor-General Reverend Tofiga Vaevalu Falani and his wife Tangira Falani; Acting Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs Minister Saaga Talu; and Tuvalu Adventist District pastor Vaguna Satupa. Also present were Taiwan’s Ambassador to Tuvalu Andrew Lin, Australia’s High Commissioner to Tuvalu Brenton Garlick and Tuvalu High Court Judge John Muria.
TPUM communications and media coordinator John Tausere explained the two-phased approach for this initiative. “Phase one, completed with today’s launch, facilitates the broadcast of Hope Channel’s international content directly from the satellite feed to the island,” he said. “The next phase, planned for 2024, aims to establish a local studio in Tuvalu to produce shows in the Tuvaluan language and context.”
Expressing his optimism, Pastor Kaufononga said, “The mission of the Church is to share the everlasting gospel globally. Hope Channel Tuvalu is a significant step towards reaching every household and every family in the region, echoing the larger mission of the Church.”
Hope Channel International president Pastor Derrick Morris welcomed Tuvalu.TV into the network. In a video message, he said, “We are excited for you to use evangelistic media to reach your country for Christ,” adding that the global network will be praying for them.
