GIEN Forum 2006

GLOBAL INTERNET EVANGELISM FORUM PRESENTERS

“Presenting a God the Secular World Can Believe In”

Sabbath Speaker–James Coffin

In a recent interview with Time, columnist/humorist Art Buchwald said: “Yes, I believe there is a God, but
he’s not the one all the religions claim. . . . There’s a God out there, but not the one that causes all the
trouble in the world.” Secular people often aren’t opposed to the concept of God. They’re merely opposed
to the God—or god—that we’ve presented. Our task is to be sure that we’re presenting the real God in a way
that’s believable.

“Technology and Developing Countries: What You Need to Know”

Ronald Vyhmeister

Topic 1: Discussion of issues where the realities of the developing world differ from those in developed countries. Issues
faced by both individuals serving in developing and developed countries will be addressed.
Topic 2: An introduction to securing machines and information in today’s dangerous world. Targeted to the non-technical
user, specific solutions to a variety of problems, including commercial and non-commercial solutions for the issues raised.
Born and raised in South America, Ronald has had full-time employment in six out of 13 world divisions of the Seventhday
Adventist church. He currently serves as associate professor and director of the new PhD in Business at the Adventist
International Institute of Advanced Studies in the Philippines.

“Writing for an International Audience”
Shawna Vyhmeister

Ways of simplifying language so that international readers can understand it more readily. Understanding
cultural differences which are likely to cause discomfort and/or misunderstanding. Reducing the risk of
offending others or drawing unnecessary attention to oneself by becoming more sensitive to international
issues.

“The Wired Church – From Concept to Community”
Mark Kellner

Connecting congregations, churches, entities and instutitions via the World Wide Web. Evaluating the
advantages of a totally connected community.
Mark Kellner is the General Conference Communication Department Assistant Director for News. Formerly
he was the “On Computers” columnist for The Washington Times and authored the “Wordperfect 3.5 for
Macs for Dummies” and “God on the Internet” books published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

“Self-Publishing Tools: Build Your Community”
Jesse Johnson

Since the WEB 2.0 revolution, a lot of tools have become available to create and maintain your community.
In his presentation, Jesse will show you, in an easy and concrete way, how to communicate and keep in
touch with your community. Blogging, Podcasting, News Sharing and VideoPodcast will be just a few of the
tools covered.
Jesse Johnson is president of TAGnet.

“Family, Faith Community and the Internet”
Wendi Kannenberg

Internet addiction is impacting family values. Is there a way out?
Wendi Kannenberg is a researcher affiliated with the Institute for Prevention of Addictions -Center for
Media Impact Research at Andrews University. She is engaged in research pertaining to Internet/media
addictions, high risk behaviors, communication and mental health. Currently, her focus is examining how
Internet addiction is impacting both family and faith community dynamics.

“Issues for a Post-Modern World”
Miroslav Pujic

Do we understand them? What are their issues? So how do we communicate with them?
Native of Serbia, Miroslav has served as director of communications and worship for the Trans-European
Division near London, England. He created LIFEDevelopment.info, a disciple-making model designed to
reach the postmodern unchurched generation.

“The Internet – Are We Relevant?”

Michael Dabrowski

A conversation designed to transform our relationship to the Internet as a medium for communication by
examining our limitations, assumptions, and barriers to effectiveness.

“Usability – Designing for the Best User Experience”

Paul Martin

Learn guidelines for creating Web sites that are easy to use and eliminate customer frustration.
Paul Martin is a Designer and Webmaster for Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences in Orlando,
Florida. He has worked for or contributed to projects for companies and organizations such as Kodak, It Is
Written, Bibleinfo.com, Fillauer Companies, Florida Hospital, and Adventist Health System. Paul has just
launched the first phase of a complete redesign of Florida Hospital College’s Web properties.

“Technology in the Local Church ”

Costin Jordache

Discover some vital principles for successful implementation of media in your local church and begin to
understand the importance of emergent media platforms and how your church can effectively expand its
ministry beyond the walls of your sanctuary.
Costin Jordache is the Pastor for Media at the Loma Linda University Church in Loma Linda, California,
where he produces a wide variety of live television programs and digital media projects.