It was during Easter Conference in 1997 that church leader, Kåre J. Smith, announced what would bring the Brunstad Christian Church into a new and significant era. Now the gospel could finally be broadcast to the whole world at the same time.
“Next year we will make use of satellites. Then the friends from all over the world will be able to watch the meetings from Brunstad,” he announced unexpectedly at a meeting.
The audio-visual team at Brunstad Conference Center understood that working to provide satellite TV would be a huge challenge and would require a concerted effort by many people. Enthusiasm over the prospect of spreading God’s Word to the whole world ignited the technology experts to start working on it as soon as they got the go-ahead.
By March 29th the following year, Brunstad Christian Church already had its first satellite transmission directly from Oslo, Norway to local churches throughout the world.
Transmitting the world’s best gospel
Although local assemblies of Brunstad Church obviously have their own meetings around the world, the conferences at Brunstad are truly a highlight.
Harald Ditlefsen has been along in the development, and is constantly working to improve the quality of the transmissions. He is excited about God’s Word being spread in this manner.
“Of course it is exciting and a joy to be along in transmitting the best message to the whole world says Ditlefsen, who believes that the satellite-TV is a fulfillment of what is written in Eph. 4:4-6.”
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
“This means that people are much more aware of the others. Our care for one another is strengthened, as well the oneness in the church,” explains Ditlefsen.
Brunstad satellite dishes continue to be installed in more countries, and the message is translated to new languages, to delight of, and with great significance for, local churches in various parts of the world.
What do the satellite transmissions mean to you?
Cheryl Campher, Australia
The satellite transmissions are like a vitamin shot from heaven—an instantaneous refreshing boost—from Brunstad. It seems to me as though it brings direct contact with that which is on God’s heart. Satellite transmissions also have a real gathering effect, because I know that all over the world the same message is being heard. I often receive direct help for my daily situations from these transmissions. It is as if I am brought into contact with the friends when I see them on the screen, and it is wonderful to get a glimpse of my [older] children who are at Brunstad.
Erich Guerrero, Chile
For me, the transmissions are like a large fountain of God’s Word. It is hard to describe with words how important it is for life. God’s Word comes forth so clearly and powerfully, and by watching the transmissions it is almost like being there at Brunstad. Sometimes I can’t watch in real time due to the time-zone difference but it is just as living when I do watch it.
Eunice Ng, Singapore
As a young person living in Asia, the transmissions are very significant for me. I cannot get to Brunstad very often but I can drink of the Spirit that I experience coming from there and I can see, hear, and taste of the work God is doing in the Church. The message I hear is a great help for me in my life and often just what I needed to hear.
James Allen, Australia
To watch the satellite transmissions from Brunstad is great when I do not have the opportunity to be there, although I try to go every few years. After I spent time at Brunstad, I found that the satellite transmissions meant even more to me. I gained many friends during the time I worked in Norway and it is great to be able to see them sitting in the hall at Brunstad during the meetings.