WALLA WALLA, WA
If you were to tour the Gospel Outreach office, you’d see a desk covered with power strips, wires and handheld audio devices called MegaVoice players.
Boxes on the floor contain hundreds of these players. They’re waiting to be programmed in various languages with files containing audio Bibles, Bible studies, Ellen G. White books, the Bible in Living Sound, and the Jesus Film Project.
To learn more about these players, we spoke with Gary Fuller, who oversees the MegaVoice program at Gospel Outreach.
Q: Gary, can you tell us a little bit more about MegaVoice units?
A: I have a wonderful job at Gospel Outreach. God in His mercy allows me to program MegaVoice players. Each is a handheld, battery-operated mp3 player. A small built-in solar panel recharges the battery, making these players perfect for use even in remote areas without electricity.
Q: When did you start working with these players?
A: It was around 2006. I remember wondering what Gospel Outreach was all about. So I walked into the office one day to find out. After a tour, I decided I wanted to help. The office staff asked me to work on the MegaVoice players because no one was available at the time who knew how to program them. I’ve been doing that ever since, in addition to providing computer and network support.
Q: How are MegaVoice players used?
A: Gospel Outreach regional directors visit their territories in the 10/40 Window every year. They take a supply of players with them to distribute. Many of the people they visit can’t read, but these players make it possible for them to hear the Bible in their own language. The players become “talking Bibles.”
Q: Approximately how many players have you programmed over the years?
A: I’m not sure, but we’re often programming 150 to 500 units a month—so probably at least 20,000 players over the 10-plus years I’ve been volunteering at Gospel Outreach.
Q: How much does each unit cost?
A: Each player costs $30 and includes earbuds for private listening. The players also have built-in speakers that are loud enough to be heard by small groups. An optional solar-powered external speaker can be added so larger groups can hear.
Q: What are the current funding needs?
A: Last summer we prayed that God would provide 1,000 units. That prayer has been answered. Now we’re praying for 2,000 units within the next few months.
Q: Any stories of the impact these players have had?
A: My favorite story happened shortly after I started programming MegaVoice players. It shows what just one player can do in winning souls for Jesus.
A pastor from Vietnam was visiting here in the United States. One day he toured Gospel Outreach. I gave a MegaVoice player to him. He was excited about the possibilities and later distributed thousands of players in his country.
One of the units ended up in the hands of a young Vietnamese man who gave his heart to the Lord after listening to the audio messages. Today this young man is a pastor who has won many people to Jesus. I not only had the privilege of meeting him, but also had the blessing of hearing him preach in English at my home church in Walla Walla.
Q: How may our readers sponsor one or more MegaVoice players?
A: They may donate funds online or by calling (509) 525-2951. Just let us know your gift is for the MegaVoice fund.
By Kevin Waite, Board Member
Kevin Waite writes from Walla Walla, Washington.