Your Influence Matters! By Maureen Price

I invited Brad Formsma, author of I Like Giving, to my office to share his thoughts about  his experience at one of our workshops. I like talking to Brad; he has always helped me to think differently about whatever subject we are talking about. Our conversation started with the topic of generosity (no surprise there) then took an interesting turn. I came away thinking about the kind of generosity that doesn’t necessarily cost you anything. The kind that may very well be the most meaningful kind of all – being generous with your influence.

Often, we give gifts in the hope that they will convey feelings of, “I care about you, or I want to bring joy or happiness to you”.  Yet, how can we invest in someone’s happiness, growth or even their future? We can do it by passing along some good news – a job opportunity, a good book, a TED Talks we found inspiring, or a good restaurant. When we discover things that benefit us, we rarely hesitate to share that information.  

If you are reading this, it’s because you attended one of our GrowthSkills workshops.  I hope you benefited from your experience. If you did, please be generous with your influence by telling someone who matters to you that you know something that will make a lasting impact on how they will live, love, work and relate. You can tell them you know where they can get the tools to learn how to live a healthier, more fulfilling, life. The listener listens because you mean something to them. You have influence. Your influence is important.

Read the note below from Sam. A person with influence in Sam’s life told Sam he should consider attending one of our workshops. Sam called GrowthSkills and we were able to help Sam with the generous donations of our supporters. Together, we were able to give Sam a priceless gift. It started with someone being generous and caring; taking the time to share and using their influence for good.

“Attending Ultimate Leadership was by far the single most life-changing experience of my life. In fact, this workshop saved my life! I have been to many seminars and conferences in my forty-one years of ministry, but nothing compares to what I received at the Ultimate. I can honestly say, I will never be the same. No words will ever be adequate to express what your donation did for me, my wife, my family and the church I pastor. You have made a difference, are making a difference. Every leader, every pastor should attend this workshop. Please continue this service of love and dedication. Thank you from the bottom of my heart”. Pastor Sam, Living Hope Community Church, San Fernando, California

Brad said in our video, “this is the best kept leadership secret, I know of”. Brad is not keeping it a secret, and he is telling others to attend, in fact, he is sending his assistant.  Share the good news. Please encourage someone to attend a workshop: a Pastor you care about, a family member, a friend, a co-worker or an employee. If you have the means, help them get here. 

Prayerfully consider donating to GrowthSkills. We can partner with you and help make this a reality for the many deserving individuals that contact us and need financial assistance.  

• In 2018, 217 people attended a GrowthSkills workshop.
• 79 attendees were recipients of Awards
• GSF awarded a total of $53,100 to attendees
• Many of the individuals we help are pastors or those in ministry positions.
• Any amount helps us help others.

GSF was able to help because of the generosity of others – some of you reading this, in fact. Unless, these people were influenced by someone they respected, we may have never heard from them. Will you help me get the word out?   Start telling others the secret and it won’t be a secret any longer. What Sam shared is not unusual. We hear this kind of endorsement all the time. The impact of our workshops on the lives of attendees is significant and life changing.  

In 2019, GrowthSkills wants to help more people experience the “abundant life” Jesus spoke about in the Gospel of John (John 10:10). Will you please pray about those you can influence and, perhaps, also make a donation?

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year.

God Bless you!

Maureen