Last December, Christians around the world were brought closer together when the Adventist Television Network launched Hope Channel, a 24/7, spiritually-based broadcast designed to reach people searching for Bible truth and the real meaning of life.

This month, Hope has hit the cyber world with streaming video on its new website (www.hopetv.org), putting the virtue back into virtual, so to speak, and making it accessible to the masses.

Now, Hope Channel is looking for assistance to get the message of hope out to the world’s half-billion computer users, and would like to solicit your help.

As an outreach effort, it’s a new approach by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. While they’ve long utilized the technology for transmission of select programs and satellite evangelism events, this is their first official fulltime television channel.

The programs selected so far have been chosen for their global perspective, diversity and ability to present God’s Word with a fresh approach that’s appealing to both the spiritually inquisitive public and Seventh-day Adventists.

In addition to such classics as It Is Written, Faith for Today, The Quiet Hour and Voice of Prophecy, the Hope Channel has a catchy mélange that includes titles like "Faith Factor," "Faith and Freedom," "Janice’s Attic," "Sabbath School University" and "Mind the Gap."

Programs are produced by Adventist churches, colleges, hospitals and institutions, as well as other sources whose message is in harmony with the philosophies of the Hope Channel.

While the greater goal is to communicate the hope found in Jesus Christ and His soon return, the Hope Channel wants to do it in a way that’s realistic, practical and authentic, through programming that is informational as well as inspirational.

"In the Footsteps of Paul" takes viewers, with host Tony Moore, on a journey through the ancient ruins of familiar Bible sites, weaving in the Scripture’s distinctive teachings on such topics as the Sabbath, death and Christ’s second coming.

"Faith Alive" is a devotional series by Mark Finley and Shawn Boonstra of It Is Written, featuring spiritual vignettes designed to add interest to personal and family worship. You’ll also enjoy Mark Finley’s new series, "Faith Against Odds," which premiered this past weekend on Hope Channel.

A new program called "Cliff Goldstein Live!" tackles many of the difficult and controversial issues people face today. Goldstein, a well-known author and speaker, will engage in lively conversations with many of today’s leading writers, theologians, philosophers, artists and newsmakers to discuss vital questions on the minds of many today.

Other shows explore God’s connection with this world through tranquil scenes and meditative music from around the world.