If there is one thing that I would like to be able to measure more than anything else, it would be influence. How can we objectively define the extent of influence exerted by an act, or a series of actions, or of the lifetime of a person or ministry? While we may not be able to quantify it in numbers, we do know it is a genuine phenomenon.

Throw a pebble into the lake, and a wave is formed, and another and another; and as they increase, the circle widens, until it reaches the very shore. So with our influence. Beyond our knowledge or control it tells upon others in blessing or in cursing. [COL 340.1]

Just like the ripples that extend over the water’s surface, we know that seemingly simple interactions can have wide-ranging influence. To illustrate this point, I want to share with you a story of how one such ripple of influence extended all the way over the ocean to the island of Guam.

Gordon, Guam and God

Years ago, Gordon visited the island of Guam with his friend Eli. They were both SDA young men teaching English in Korean at the time, but eventually they each went their separate ways with Gordon starting a life in Korea while Eli moved back to the US. Although they were still Facebook friends, they lost touch in the intervening decades. During this time, Gordon had imperceptibly slipped out of the backdoor of the church until he had lost contact with nearly all of his former SDA network, except for Eli on Facebook.

Eli, a frequent AudioVerse listener, would post sermons and other religious things onto Facebook, not thinking that anyone was actually listening. Except someone WAS listening! That’s right, Gordon began noticing the sermons Eli was posting and started to listen intently to each one. The Holy Spirit began working on Gordon’s heart.

Then one day about a year ago, Eli shared on Facebook that he and his family were visiting Guam. Intrigued, because he and his family were planning a visit to Guam shortly as well, Gordon decided to reach out to Eli after all these years to reminisce that the last time he ever visited Guam was together with him. As the Lord would have it, their trips would actually overlap for one day—Sabbath! Eli invited Gordon to join him for church that day, and since that time, Gordon and his family have been joyfully attending an Adventist church every Sabbath back in Korea and praising God for His marvelous grace!

Just a few weeks ago, I had the joy of meeting Gordon and his beautiful family back on the island of Guam where I was holding a series of meetings. How sweet to see the results of the influence of one long-distance friend, a few Facebook posts, and a handful of AudioVerse sermons!

If by our example we aid others in the development of good principles, we give them power to do good. In their turn they exert the same influence upon others, and they upon still others. Thus by our unconscious influence thousands may be blessed. [COL 339.4]

Only in eternity will we be able to see the full results of our ripples of influence. Can you imagine what that would be like?

YOU Can Extend Your Influence Today!

In the work of AudioVerse, we are all about expanding our influence to reach as many people as possible. Gordon’s entire family has been eternally impacted through the influence of one faithful AudioVerse listener. And YOU can partner with us in this work as well!

In addition to sharing the powerful messages you hear with your friends and family, your financial contribution can help ensure that this ministry continues to touch lives around the world. Your one-time or recurring gifts can be made by check to our address below or by credit/debit card online at our donate page.

Thank you for your partnership, and may we be an influence for eternity!

Alistair Huong
Executive Director

AudioVerse | PO Box 2288 | Collegedale | TN | 37315