More than half a century ago H.M.S. Richards, the illustrious founder of the Voice of Prophecy radio ministry, made an official visit to Australia. At the time, Adrian Peterson, a comparatively new Adventist, was training for ministry at Avondale College.

He was invited to a specially-called worker's meeting where pastors could meet Richards. Peterson turned to an older pastor and asked, “Why is the Voice of Prophecy broadcast only on mediumwave (AM)? There is a massive audience out there tuned into the stations on the air in the international shortwave bands, why is the Voice of Prophecy not on the air to this huge global audience?" The pastor replied, "I don't know. Go and ask him (Richards)."

"How could I—a new Adventist, a pastor in training, and a colonial at that—approach a noble man of such illustrious stature?" he thought. Timidly, Peterson picked up his courage and approached Richards. To his surprise he found him to be very approachable and quite friendly. Peterson told Richards of his growing involvement in the international radio world and asked him the same question, “Why is the Voice of Prophecy not on the air to the global audience on shortwave?”

Richards replied, "This has also been my dream for many years. The Voice of Prophecy was on the air shortwave at one stage during the war," he added, "from the large stations in California that relayed programming from Voice of America to American forces in the Pacific."

Richards pointed his finger at Peterson and challenged him with an unanswerable mandate: "Why don't you make this your life-long ministry?" Awesome concept! Gospel ministry linked with international radio broadcasting—what a remarkable combination!

Since then, God has provided many opportunities for Peterson to respond to Richards' challenge. He eventually was transferred to Southern Asia to work in media ministry, preparing programming for broadcast on shortwave to other countries in Asia. He was also invited to head up the Southern Asia Division international radio ministry in Poona, India, which became Adventist World Radio in Asia (AWR-Asia).

After nearly two decades of service in Asia, political changes took place, and Peterson accepted an invitation to transfer to the United States for service in the same two areas—international radio and pastoral ministry.

"It has been my privilege to travel to Asia and other parts of the world for Adventist World Radio, and also to conduct evangelistic efforts overseas," he said. Speaking appointments have taken him to international radio conventions in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. Peterson has also preached to descendants of headhunters in Borneo, open-eyed villagers in Pakistan, huge crowds in India, and to new Christians in Malaya.

Peterson is the international relations coordinator for Adventist World Radio and has the distinction of having the longest continuous association with the organization.

"I am grateful for short-term mission opportunities in other countries," he said, "and enjoy pastoral ministry in a local Indiana church—a remarkable combination indeed."

Diane Thurber is the Lake Union Herald managing editor.