(First of all, friends, sorry for the lengthy delay. I've been under the gun with some speaking engagements and writing deadlines, on top of everything else... Thanks for your patience.)
We've all heard and seen the power of technology--especially the internet, but it's not always easy to measure. Certainly, the expert utilization of internet potential helped rocket Team Obama to the White House (and this potential for political power was first demonstrated by the short-lived presidential aspirations of Howard Dean in 2004). But it's not always easy to fully appreciate the power of the internet until your the one who downloaded the 10 billionth (with a "B") song on iTunes.
That's what happened to Louie Sulcer, of Woodstock GA, this week when he downloaded Johnny Cash's hit song, "Guess That's the Way Things Happen". Not only did Louie get that unlikely distinction, but he also got a personal call from Steve Jobs, as well as, the $10,000 prize money for the "iTunes 10 Billionth Song" contest. He said he couldn't believe that it was actually the Apple CEO on the phone, but they ended up talking for a while.
The internet, as with any powerful tool, has the power to influence positively or negatively. And it is reshaping the world at lightning speed. The Church is beginning to recognize the potential of using this medium for influencing the world with the Gospel. But there is much untapped potential. For the internet brings your neighbor right to your front door, no matter where they live.
Just ask Louie Sulcer. Who da' thought he'd be talking on the phone with Steve Jobs? :) And to think that Mr. Sulcer is 71 years old. Who says new technology is for those young whippersnappers?