Literature Evangelist June 2006- Magazine

THE

Literature Evangelist

January - June 2006 - Special Edition First and Second Quarters Issue 676

The Literature Evangelist is also available in French, Portuguese and Spanish Image Courtesy of Pacific Press Publishing Association Used by Permission

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January - June 2006

EDITORIAL Director Howard F. Faigao Editor Mel Lyon Layout & Design Andrea Brown Editorial Secretary Adriana Rodrigues English Proofreader Naomi Coutsoumpos Foreign Language Translators & Proofreaders Daniella V. Ducret, French Ellen B. Franco, Portuguese Miguel A. Valdivia, Spanish International Advisors/ Contributors Vivencio Bermudez Terry Goltz Samvel Grigorian Wilmar Hirle Alvin Kibble Dae Sung Kim Jules K. Lumbu Almir Marroni Gabriel Maurer Super Moesi Oyeleke Alabi Owolabi Mirto Presentacion Miroslav Pujic A. J. Tito

No. 676 January-June, 2006. The Literature Evangelist is published quarterly by the General Conference Publishing Ministries Department for all who are interested in spreading the Gospel message to the world through the printed page. For information concerning this publication, please write: Editor Literature Evangelist General Conference of S.D.A. Publishing Ministries Department 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 U.S.A. E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 301-680-6480 Fax: 301-622-9627

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The Literature Evangelist

New Quinquennium, New Challenge, New Commitment

Keeping “The Vision” Alive By Howard F. Faigao

Since the beginning of the Great Advent Movement, the Publishing Ministry has played a major role in the growth of the church. The prophet’s vision in November of 1848 at Dorchester, Massachusetts, has given the church a mandate, a direction, and a sense of mission. “You must begin to print a little paper and send it out to the people. Let it be small at first. . . . From this small beginning it was shown to me to be like streams of light that went clear round the world” (Life Sketches, p. 125., [1915] and Colporteur Ministry, p.1) In response to this divine guidance, James White first published “The Present Truth,” a little eight-page magazine in that same year. In 1852 he bought a small printing press, which eventually became the forerunner of our first publishing house. From 1848 to 1863, before the church was organized, we had but a few pastors, and they were self-supporting workers. The principal outreach of the church was the publishing ministry, which ushered in the birth of a flourishing worldwide church. Before the church had hospitals, colleges, universities, or other institutions, dedicated members carried our books and magazines containing the three angels’ message to the homes of the people. Since those humble beginnings the publishing ministry, as a silent medium, has encircled the world with God’s message. The Vision Today By God’s providence, this ministry now has 65 publishing houses and publishing centers. At any given time around the circle of the earth our presses are rolling. They are producing multiplied millions of books, periodicals, booklets and leaflets with which to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. From a single literature evangelist, James White, who carried his carpet bag containing the first edition of the first magazine published by Seventhday Adventists, today we have around 40,000 men and women around the globe who carry “the vision” in their hearts and the books in their hands. Almost everywhere in the world, in any given time zone, a literature evangelist is knocking on doors and meeting people with the gospel in print. During the last quinquennium, these courageous ambassadors of truth have worked approximately 75 million hours, visited 80 million homes, and circulated 54 million copies of books and magazines valued at 364 million dollars. They also enrolled 1.4 million people in Bible courses, gave 5 million Bible studies, and saw 295,059 of their contacts baptized. Keeping the Vision Alive Our Lord is coming soon! Until then, how can we as church administrators and publishing leaders keep “the vision” alive? First, I humbly invite all our church administrators, publishing leaders and literature evangelists around the world to keep “the vision” alive not only in our current memory, but active within our hearts and lives. Conviction and commitment are the two key words! We pray for our many publishing leaders who are on duty not only by election, but who feel the calling of God to their mission. May their leadership reflect God’s call

within their minds, their hearts, and their hands and feet! We can keep “the vision” alive by keeping the church, leaders and members alike, informed and aware of the mission of the publishing ministry and its breakthroughs in evangelism. With our literature evangelists deeply convicted of and committed to their calling, and professionally trained through our Literature Ministry Seminaries, we will keep our frontline messengers strong. Our publishing houses play a very important role in keeping the literature ministry vibrant and dynamic. The continuous flow of attractive and vital literature from our publishing centers gives the assurance of continuity for our army of literature evangelists worldwide. In addition to evangelism, our literature also nourishes our members in the faith. We can not allow the vision for this work to wane and yet expect the church to be strong. We must agree with the view of Dr. Ottis Edwards, former president of the Far Eastern Division, who frequently observed: “Where the publishing work is strong, the church is strong.” We heartily enjoin all of our publishing leaders, publishing house workers, and literature evangelists to stay focused on the mission at hand. All of our plans, whether short or long range, our strategies for advance, our financial investments, and all of our operations must remain mission driven. They must all lend support to the divine mission of the publishing ministry in particular and to the church in general.

Our Vision Within “The Vision” Ellen G. White counsels that God ordained the power of the press to be combined with the energies of the living preacher to bring the truth before all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples (Life Sketches, p. 217 and Colporteur Ministry p. 100). At present the church has around twenty thousand pastors and ministers. If we have one full-time literature evangelist to combine his/ her effort with one pastor or minister, we will have 20,000. But then the prophet continues to say that “God calls for workers from every church among us to enter His service as canvasser evangelists” Colporteur Ministry, p. 20). Yes, from every church! When this counsel is heeded, we shall have more than 40,000 full-time and parttime literature evangelists. And if we maintain the number of our students participating in literature evangelism today, our numbers will increase to 55,000 literature evangelists around

the world. By His grace this is our vision this for quinquennium. It was “the vision” in the hearts of God’s people that propelled the Church until this present time. It will continue to do so until the Lord, who gave us the mandate to serve, will pronounce the glorious conclusion, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” As God’s people for this hour, let us keep the faith and renew our sacred commitment to keeping “the vision” alive. Howard F. Faigao, Director Publishing Ministries Department General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

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devotional

The Greatest Future By Bruce M. Wickwire, Sr.

The greatest future for literature evangelists awaits you in heaven. The Scriptures say, “He that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30, KJV). As literature evangelists, you have a wonderful heritage. Since the days of Joseph Bates, who was known as a colporteur, literature evangelists have been bringing hope to people in our fragile, now turbulent world. At first by a few, then by hundreds, and now by thousands, literature evangelists conduct a worldwide house-by-house search for souls for the Kingdom. Literature evangelists were forerunners of our international church. They were first to present the 4

The Literature Evangelist

Advent message to most lands of earth, some at the cost of life itself. Their voices blended in earth’s many languages to become a heavenly symphony. This divine ministry continues to be “. . . instrumental in bringing as many souls to Christ as the preached word” (R&H, June 10,1880 & Colporteur Ministry p. 150). Sometimes in our meetings, the question is asked, “How many came into the message through reading?” If that same question is asked on the first Sabbath in heaven, vast multitudes will raise their hands. This very thought lends a divine sacredness to

your calling as a literature evangelist. Some of life’s roads, which you travel for the Master, may not be smooth or well paved. Neither was the path to Gethsemane. In the home of the saved, we will ever study the mystery and greatness of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross−when the sun hid its face and all nature was moved with grief. In heaven, persons to whom you told the story of salvation will thank you for having left your secular employment to bring them the light of hope. Heaven will resound with the words of the song, “It Was You Who Invited Me Here.” Indeed, life holds no privilege more precious

than to give itself in service for the lost. Literature evangelists are like “the children of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chron. 12:32). They acquaint mankind with

“He that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30, KJV).

the fact that where one spends eternity is a matter of choice. God invites you to put thoughts of eternity into the minds of your prospects. Your commitment to go faithfully about your ministry is not unnoticed by your children. Most will honor you for your life of service. Many will emulate your example as they become graduates of our educational institutions in preparation for a life of service. By their choices they make you triumphant. In today’s wonderful, but perilous times of fear, as spoken of in Scripture (Luke 21:26), the church is employing every means for spreading the gospel. Both the church and the world now place increased importance on the power of personal contacts, the concept on which your ministry is based. Seventh-day Adventist world leaders speak of your ministry, saying: “If there is one class of workers among us who deserve our commendation and encouragement, it is our faithful literature evangelists. In the face of great difficulties, these earnest workers press on in their endeavors to carry the truth through the printed page to the homes of the people.” “There are thousands of believers in this message today who have been won through the ministry of our colporteurs.” – J. L. McElhany. “At the very beginning of the Advent Movement God gave to the literature ministry a prominent place,

which it has maintained throughout the years. . . . No one can properly measure or estimate the value of our denominational publishing program of past years in the upbuilding of God’s work everywhere, for its strength and value have been greater than anyone can determine.” - N. C. Wilson. It was a literature evangelist and a copy of The Great Controversy that brought the Advent message to my family ninety years ago. Some years later, a Literature Evangelist newsletter started arriving in my mailbox. Each week I studied it carefully. Reports of two particular bookmen captured my attention. I noticed that both consistently worked 40 hours a week, with soul-winning and sales results. I felt convicted. I decided that if I would trust God, study my books, study gospel sales techniques, be faithful in hours worked, set goals and “see the people,” God would do for me what he was doing for those committed men. For nearly forty years I followed in their publishing footsteps. In the New Earth, multitudes of the saved will search for the literature evangelist who knocked at their door. I expect to meet and thank the literature evangelist who sold the copy of The Great Controversy at our home, the book that introduced The Greatest Future to my people. Bruce M. Wickwire, Sr., now retired, is a former Director of the General Conference Publishing Ministries Department and he is the author of “Bold Journey” and “Gospel in Shoes.”

About Our Cover: In the distinct imagery of John Steel’s classic painting of Jesus teaching His disciples, the theme “Keeping the Vision Alive” finds supreme relevance. For three and onehalf years Jesus walked the dusty pathways of life in human form. Faithfully He taught His disciples and then bade them “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations. . .” (Matthew 28:19, KJV). His command embodied a vision of multiplied thousands who would go forth as dedicated human instruments to teach the good news of the gospel. This vision perpetuates within the lives of all who would truly be partakers of the gospel. They sense the need and crave the joy of sharing such good news with a world in desperate need of it. Ellen White’s vision of the literature ministry is an extension of this vision. Seeing beyond the humble beginnings of 1,000 copies of a little paper called The Present Truth, she wrote: “From this small beginning it was shown to me to be like streams of light that went clear round the world” (Colporteur Ministry, p. 1). Hence the further words: “And in large degree through our publishing houses is to be accomplished the work of that other angel who comes down from heaven with great power and who lightens the earth with his glory” (Colporteur Ministry, p. 4) - Editor - Painting by John Steel

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model le profiles

Matty Aronis Northern Area-South Queensland

l de o M E L

ByTerry Goltz

Matty Aronis comes from Greek heritage and a strong Greek Orthodox tradition. When she accepted Jesus Christ, it meant being cut off from most of her family and friends. Even more difficult was leaving her secure managerial job to become a literature evangelist. It happened like this eighteen years ago. She was reading the book Colporteur Ministry early one morning, and God spoke to her heart. She relates her story as follows: “I promised myself that each year I served that I would try something new and different from the last year. I would seek creative ways of doing the same thing better. I found it to be a great way of balancing the ‘sameness’ of this work. From the very first day, two angels have been with me – I have never been left alone. “I sometimes ask myself as to why I continue with this work? After all, none of my family or close friends has ever accepted my beliefs. Is it the money? (Not likely!) Perhaps it is the kudos (definitely not – nobody thinks door-to-door selling is exactly something people look up to). Maybe it is the great feeling of seeing people like the young Mormon couple, Peter 6

The Literature Evangelist

and Judy, baptized and their young children dedicated. Or was it Colin, who travelled over 1,000 kms. to come and be baptized in my little church of Red Hill. “Perhaps just knowing that I have the awesome responsibility of touching people’s lives could be counted as a reason. Or like Dot, for another instance: After she bought books, I used to go to their home often and teach her six children about the Bible. Her eldest son is an upstanding young man in the police force now. It makes me both proud and humble at the same time that God has used me to touch their lives. “Rose waited for me to take her to Sabbath School. She dressed beautifully each Sabbath. Today, she is a young mother herself, and just guess where she wants to send her children to school! She is following in the tradition of her own Mom, and she is still buying books. “So am I in this work because of the sales, because of the baptisms, because of the profile of this job? No, not really. It is because during that quiet midnight hour, I heard God’s voice calling me through that little

book that changed my life forever. This is why the more books I can distribute, the more people’s lives will be changed as they, too, hear God’s voice.” For many years Matty has been one of the top ten literature evangelists in the South Pacific Division. For the last twelve years she has been a unit leader, and after raising money for a literature evangelists bus, she has made monthly visits with her team to the scattered towns of Western Queensland. By Terry Goltz, Director Publishing Ministries Department South Pacific Division

Samuel Vieira Costa

Samuel Vieira Costa has worked for 37 years as a Literature Evangelist. His territory is the city of São José do Rio Preto, located in the prosperous state of São Paulo in Brazil. He was a professional woodcraftsman when he answered the call of God to become a literature evangelist. When he began his career, he had not yet finished elementary

school. However, with determination and discipline, Brother Samuel completed elementary school and continued studying until he graduated from college with a degree in Mathematics. After graduating, he decided not to leave literature evangelism. Although he could have exercised the professional activity for which he had studied, Brother Samuel decided to continue selling religious literature. Academic preparation is not a requirement for literature evangelism, but certainly it has been useful to Brother Samuel to open doors in schools and colleges where he holds subscription campaigns for our magazines. Throughout his career, God has blessed him materially and spiritually.

Edgardo Otto − Diligence in Service Edgardo Otto is a literature evangelist whose experience spans 20 years of service in Argentina. In the year 2002, with the heavy devaluation of the national currency in relation to the U.S. dollar, many businesses in Argentina faced serious difficulties. Some literature evangelists became discouraged and gave up. Brother Otto, however, simply increased his efforts and continued his work. At a literature evangelist convention held at the Los Quebrachos Camp in the region of Córdoba, Brother Otto told an interesting little experience that spoke well of his own personal character, and it clearly illustrated the value of persistent hard work. He was working in a rural area visiting small farms when he met a lady who explained that her husband was not at home. She said, “My husband is not at home now, and

because I am not at liberty to make purchases without my husband’s presence, I cannot consider buying any books.” Brother Otto suggested that perhaps he should return at another time when her husband might be present. On that note of understanding, he left. A little while later he returned, but the gentleman was not at home. Again he returned, and still the man of the house was not in. A third and a fourth time he returned with the same result. One day, Brother Otto was informed that the owner of that farm could likely be found very early in the morning, before sunrise, while milking the cows. On the very next morning, before sunrise, Brother Otto made the call again and located the owner. Sure enough, he was milking the cows. It was nearing the end of autumn when the first frosts had come. It had taken time and persistence to make the contact, but God rewarded him with

By Almir Marroni

He has been an elder of the São José do Rio Preto Seventh-day Adventist Church for 30 years, and through his work 15 people have decided to follow Jesus. Being a credentialed literature evangelist, he has contact with approximately 1,200 clients annually. As a result, Brother Samuel is one of the most effective literature evangelists in the Central Brazil Union. He raised three children in the church and gave them a good education, also paying for their university studies. Two of his children are currently teachers in Seventh-day Adventist Academies.

Almir Marroni, Director Publishing Ministries Department South American Division

an opportunity to present his canvass. He was well received, and a fine sale was made to this busy farmer who was glad to purchase God’s books. Brother Otto left feeling very happy, and his new customer was happy as well. Brother Otto affirms that he feels great satisfaction whenever he has his sales book open before a prospect, for he knows he is doing God’s work. He affirms that he is especially pleased when each sales transaction is written, because he knows his work is winning souls, and every prospect is a candidate for the Kingdom of Heaven. Edgardo does thorough work. A literature evangelist is happiest once he accepts the fact that diligent work is the best prescription for overcoming difficulties. By God’s grace, there is no difficulty that can withstand earnest and persistent effort. God honors the honesty of good hard work! January - June 2006

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promotional

Presenting Elder Pardon Mwansa General Conference Vice President for Publishing

To many, Elder Pardon Mwansa needs no introduction for he is well known in numerous countries as a progressive administrator and spiritual leader. He is now a Vice President at the General Conference headquarters, and one of his major charges is to function as liaison officer for the publishing interests of the world Seventh-day Adventist Church. This means that he works closely in counsel with the General Conference Department of Literature Ministries in serving as the department’s link to administration. He is chairman of the World Publishing Council. He is, therefore, a key person in facilitating the needs and interests of literature evangelists, their leaders, publishing houses, Adventist Book Centers and the various operations throughout the spectrum of Adventist publishing. In this role, Elder Mwansa replaces the good services of Elder Ted Wilson, who was so highly appreciated, but who now carries a different array of responsibilities. Elder Mwansa is a happy Christian minister with a friendly outlook on life. He is a family man with a wife, a daughter and two sons. He was born in Zambia and has served as President of the Zambia Union and as President of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division. Recently, I had the opportunity to communicate with Elder Mwansa. To gain some insight into his thinking, a number of publishing related questions were asked. Here are some of his valuable viewpoints as found in the following questions and answers (Q&A):

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The Literature Evangelist

Q) Elder Mwansa, what has been your past involvement with the Publishing Ministry? A) Before I joined pastoral work, I worked as a literature evangelist, and I have been involved with the publishing work in various ways throughout my years of ministry. I have also performed the duties of chairing publishing boards both at union and division levels. I strongly believe in literature. For instance, my family and I have customarily purchased large quantities of The Great Controversy, The Desire of Ages and The Ministry of Healing, and we mail them to as many as 300 persons at a time. We especially enjoy doing this at Christmas time. On one occasion, we mailed books to all of the school principals in the nation of Zambia. Q) How do you see the role of the literature evangelist in the global mission of the church? A) Anyone who has done even a little study of the history of the church, both Christian church history and Adventist history, cannot fail to see the role of literature in fulfilling the mission that the Lord left to His disciples. Technology has come and a lot will yet come, but the role of the printed page will remain with us. Much of the world is still not familiar with using the communication technology that has already been developed. For them, and even for those who are familiar with the electronic media, the printed page is still a vital key in communicating the gospel message. In a recent action at the General Conference, we approved the start of a new World Adventist Review that will be printed monthly (quarterly is some cases). Why? The point is that much of the world is still a reading world!

Q) As you know, Elder Mwansa, Ellen G. White wrote that “ . . . in a large degree through our publishing houses is to be accomplished the work of that other angel who comes down from heaven with great power and who lightens the earth with his glory” Colporteur Ministry, p.4 and Testimonies, Vol. 7, pp 139, 140 [1902]). How do you envision this will come to pass? A) I envision this coming to pass in this way: First, we need to focus on the literature that particularly addresses what we regard as “present truth.” By this, I mean truths that Ellen G. White was referring to. The world as a whole does not seem to see the importance of the truth about the Sabbath doctrine. They also do not know what role the Sabbath will play in the last-day events. There are other such Bible truths that are unique to us as a movement. We need to focus on these identifying truths and invest our means on printing and distributing the same. Q) What means, do you feel, would bring revival to the Publishing Ministry in certain highly developed areas of the world where the work seems to be flagging? A) Gather literature evangelists into one place. Review with them why this ministry was begun and charge them with Holy fire from heaven to rekindle that mission. This passion in the hearts of our saints from developed nations needs to be rekindled. Are they not rekindled already? I guess they are somewhat, but I mean rekindle the flame to a much greater and heretofore unreached degree. If any one of us should have a child that is lost and we should be informed on good authority: “If you sell literature, your child shall be saved,” would we not immediately respond in order to save our own? Of course! God’s children are lost saints! Q) When you canvassed as a literature evangelist, can you recall one of your unique experiences? A) Yes. One day I entered a yard and as I approached the door, a big brown hairy dog suddenly appeared from the back of the house and charged menacingly toward me. I had but two choices: Retreat or advance. The dog meant business, and it was scary, but the Holy Spirit instantly encouraged me to advance. I got to the door and so did the dog. As I knocked, he just stood quietly at my side. Now, this was not just an ordinary pet. This was a ferocious watchdog. The owner opened the door and there, just inside the room, were a group of Pentecostal believers in a prayer session. They were about 13 in number. I was

invited in. They afforded me an opportunity to canvass them. God gave me unction, and what they purchased from me amounted to the largest sale I ever made! Q) What words of encouragement would you have for Adventist youth and laity regarding literature evangelism? A) START READING OUR BOOKS! Read the The Conflict of Ages series first, followed by others. As you read, your heart will be set afire by a Holy flame. You will want to share those books with others. You will have no choice but to go and sell -or to go and give- that message to others. You will never be the same again. Q) How do you see the best integration of Literature Ministry with other forms of ministry? A) They complement each other perfectly. There is a role for public evangelism, for media evangelism, for personal evangelism and various other wonderful forms of outreach -but they are incomplete without the printed page. Each ministry must be supported and promoted without leaving any out. They complement each another. Q) As an experienced administrator yourself, how have you been able to utilize the potential of the Literature Ministry? A) When our ministers conduct evangelistic efforts, they are more productive if literature has been at work ahead of time. For instance, when literature evangelists go into a territory and do a group canvass before hand, there is more interest for the pulpit evangelist to work with. By this same principle, I also like to use literature in another way: For the past three years, I have placed Voice of Prophecy study guides into the hands of 300 people (I call them “Gideonites” from the concept of the 300 hundred people who were used by God in the story of Gideon). I ask them to go out and conduct one Bible study each week, and they do. I have pictures of this plan at work. And after they have done this for about three months, then I go in to conduct a campaign. Literature does its work! We thank Elder Pardon Mwansa for sharing his thoughts with us, and we welcome him as our liaison officer for Publishing. May God continue to use him in helping us to strengthen Literature Ministry throughout the world field. -Editor January - June 2006

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professional growth

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What is Third-Party Selling By Bill Beckworth

We use a story of a third party when answering objections and also in our presentation. Mention a visit to the home of someone with whom you think the prospect may identify. You can tell how a third person used these books to help their children. For example, I related what one customer told me. She said, “My son had nightmares until we stopped his watching TV just before he went to bed. Instead we read these books to him.” Now the prospect was able to see herself in this third person’s experience. But if you had said to her, “Your child would sleep better if you would turn off the TV and read to her each night from these books,” you would seem to be preachy and talking down to the prospect. It’s an altogether different approach, but the same thing was said. Third-person selling can be effective in your presentation. When I’m in a home where people already have several books, I tell about a doctor that I called on who said to me, “You know, Bill, I already have those books.” He pointed to a wall of bookshelves. “I have all of these books, but The Bible Story books are the most used books in my home.” Your publishing leader and fellow literature evangelists will have many stories like

this to share with you, and you will build your own stories with experience. If you hear someone else’s story you like, use it, but say, “One of our customers said. . . .” You can also use personal testimonies of how the books have been a blessing to you. You may even want to carry a written testimonial from one of your customers. Sometimes we get wonderful letters, not only from parents but also from elderly people. An 80 year old wrote, “I’ve learned more in the last three months from reading these children’s books than I have learned by going to church for the last 30 years.” Remember simple, short, good “third party” stories. Show the benefits and sell books! Bill Beckworth, Director Publishing Ministries Department Southern Union Conference (U.S.A.)

Ideas and Suggestions to Improve Your Performance Do It a Little Better − Every Day “The canvasser should not rest satisfied unless he is constantly improving” Colporteur Ministry, p. 55). Some time ago, I read the story of Zico, a soccer player who became famous for scoring at least once in each game he played, and also for having a very precise and powerful kick. When asked about the secret of his success, he said, “After the regular training with the rest of the players, I always stay on the field to train more. I try to improve a little bit in everything I do, every day.” I find this to be an excellent philosophy for those of us who are involved in the Lord’s work as literature evangelists: “ . . . to improve a little bit in every thing, every day.” 10

The Literature Evangelist

By Mario P. Martinelli

Although having differences in background, education, and opportunities, all of us have the same day of 24 hours, the same air to breathe, and the same body with a brain, two ears, two eyes, two hands, and two feet. The question is: Why are some people more successful than others? Part of the answer is: Like Zico, there are people who have learned to do things in a better way and with a higher level of performance. They became successful either in sports, studies, professions, etc., not because they are super-gifted and/or have super resources. They usually do better because they try harder and are willing to pay the price success requires.

How can you as a literature evangelist improve and be more successful? I would like to share with you a basic rule: Do not think that you need to improve 20% or 30% in your overall performance all at once. Just try to improve 5% in everything you do. Try, for example, to know a little more about the literature you are selling. Try to save at least 5% of your time and use it to make an extra presentation per day. As you give a canvass, try to at least improve it 5%, speaking more clearly, with more enthusiasm and joy. Try to improve your closing, try to get more referrals and to broaden your sales methods by at least 5%. In doing so, you will automatically improve your overall performance. Here is a list of twelve items for you to consider and improve:

1. Your personal organization 2. Your personal appearance 3. Your personality 4. Your motivation and enthusiasm 5. Your sales presentation 6. The knowledge of the literature you are selling 7. The information about the market, your customers and territory 8. The way you use time 9. The number of sales presentations you make 10. The amount of hours you put into work 11. The look of your briefcase, prospectus and other materials 12. The way you manage and spend money

As God’s workers we must grow. Improvement should occur not only in the aspects directly related to the canvassing ministry. The faithful literature evangelist should also experience growth in his/her relationships−with the Lord, with family, with church members and with members of one’s local community. Improvement should also extend to areas of personal finances, personal health and personal spirituality. I would like to challenge you to do more to improve your performance in this special ministry that the Lord has called us to. It just takes a little bit more effort, a little bit more prayer, a little bit more work, a little bit more creativity, perseverance and determination. Just a little bit more−every day.

Mario P. Martinelli Vice President for Book Division Review and Herald Publishing Association

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special feature

World Publishing Ministries Directors Howard F. Faigao is the General Conference Publishing Ministries Director with headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A. He is a native son of the Philippine Islands with a rich background of Church service which includes that of a Church Pastor; College Bible Teacher; Literature Ministry Seminary Director; and directorships of local conference, union and division Publishing Ministries Departments. Prior to his election as GC Publishing Director, he served as associate for five years. His territory of ministry is that of the World Field. Elder Faigao and his wife, Ana, have a daughter and a son.

Wilmar Hirle is the General Conference Publishing Ministries Associate Director. He was born and reared in Brazil, where he entered the Literature Ministry. He has served in Publishing Ministry in Brazil as a progressive director of local conference, union and division Publishing Ministries Departments; and most recently, in the Euro-Asia Division. At this time he is transferring from Russia to his new post of duty at the General Conference Headquarters in the U.S.A. He joins Elder Howard Faigao as an Associate Director for the world field. Elder Hirle and his wife, Cleni, have a daughter and a son.

Division Publishing Ministries Directors

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Jules K. Lumbu-Kitambala East-Central Africa Division (ECD) Nairobi, Kenya

Mirto Presentacion Inter-American Division (IAD) Miami, Florida, U.S.A.

Gabriel E. Maurer Euro-Africa Division (EUD) Berne, Switzerland

Alvin Kibble North American Division (NAD) Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A.

Samvel Grigorian Euro-Asia Division (ESD) Moscow, Russian Federation

Dae Sung Kim Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) Koyang City, Korea

The Literature Evangelist

DIVISION PUBLISHING DIRECTORS

Almir Marroni South American Division (SAD) Brasilia, D.F., Brazil

Terence G. Goltz South Pacific Division (SPD) Wahroonga, N.S.W., Australia

Mosimanegape S. Moesi Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID) Harare, Zimbabwe

A. J. Tito Southern Asia Division (SUD) Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India

NOW HOLDING OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Four of our Division Publishing Directors have been called to other responsibilities or to other places of service within God’s work. The General Conference Publishing Ministries Department expresses appreciation for their dedicated services during the past quinquennium. They are: Johnny Lubis, Publishing Director of the Southern AsiaPacific Division for the past five years, is now President of the West Indonesia Union, which is headquartered in his homeland at Jakarta, Indonesia. Priscilla Ben, who holds the distinction of being the first woman Publishing Ministries Director of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, has transferred to Botswana, where she continues in publishing ministries as Botswanas Union’s Publishing Director. M. D. Joseph, Publishing Ministries Director of the Southern Asia Division for over five years, is now Health Ministries and Family Ministries Director of the same division. Glenn Mitchel, Publishing Ministries Director for the Northern Asia-Pacific Division, has transferred within his division to the directorship of the Communication Department. We wish them Godspeed, and we pray for the Lord’s continued blessings to attend their endeavors.

In Memoriam Vivencio Bermudez Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Silang, Cavite, Philippines

Miroslav Pujic Trans-European Division (TED) St. Albans, Herts, England

Oyeleke A. Owolabi West-Central Africa Division (WAD) Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire

The news of Dr. Witson Mwamakamba’s untimely death on December 19, 2005, grieves our hearts. We referred to his exemplary life of service in our last issue, and we announced his retirement plans for December 2005. Dr. Mwamakamba served faithfully in Publishing Ministries ever since his enrollment as a literature evangelist in 1966. In 1972 he was called to leadership, and he had served in leadership roles until his retirement at the end of 2005. At that time he had been the Director of the Publishing Ministries Department of the EastCentral Africa Division for over 13 years. During his lifetime, Dr. Mwamakamba distinguished himself in learning. He attained a B.A. degree in Theology, a M.A. degree in World History, a M.P.H. (Masters of Public Health Degree), and a D.P.A. (Doctorate of Public Administration). As a servant of God and a servant of mankind, his memory will live on in the hearts of the many whose lives he has touched. His works do follow him. We extend sincere condolences to Judith, Dr. Mwamakamba’s wife, and to their grown children: Lutufyo, Lusekelo, Lusubilo, Lufingo and Lwijisyo and their respective families. January - June 2006 13

inspirational

Share What You Have Received Dorina and Michael Solonar are a married team in literature evangelism. They do their work in the country of Moldova, and they lovingly express their hearts to the readers of Literature Evangelist as follows: Dorina: In the year 1994 I felt a depressive emptiness in my heart and soul. I began to think about God, and developed a deep desire to know and understand Him. In March I “accidentally” came upon an opportunity to study the Bible in some meeting held by Pastor Victor Lotka. (At least I thought it was accidental at the time.) He showed slides about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in the book of Daniel. After this presentation I knew I really wanted to study the Holy Scriptures. I did study, and I loved it. In November of 1995 I was ready to make a covenant with God, and I became a baptized member. I was very happy and just wanted to share my joy with other people. I prayed a lot, and I wished to serve the Lord as a literature evangelist, but I did not feel adequate for my lack of knowledge and skills. Nevertheless, I went out and met the people, and little by little I learned through my contacts with them that God could bless me. God indeed helped me and supported me. In August 2003 I met my future husband during a literature evangelists camp meeting. Today we work together as literature evangelists, and we love to help people prepare to meet God. We tell them that Jesus loves everyone and is ready to help anybody who believes and accepts Him. Every wonderful experience we have just inspires us more. We pray for each other and help each other to see God’s presence in our lives. We clearly know we do not work by ourselves, but God does this work through us. We are just tools in His hands. This ministry of literature evangelism keeps us close to God, because we know we can do nothing of ourselves. We would like to tell everyone who wants to work for the Lord as a literature evangelist to just trust Jesus, and He will never leave you. He can open doors here on earth and He has prepared a place for us in heaven.

Michael: In May 1991 I visited a friend of mine, and I noticed some books on his bookshelf. Even though I wasn’t particularly interested in books, they drew my attention. Something seemed to prompt me to pick up a book called, The Acts of the Apostles. I borrowed the book and started reading. After a few days I had read every word from cover to cover. Then I borrowed a Youth Bible from my friend and kept on reading. I began to be tortured by my own conscience because I could see that my life was not in harmony with God’s plan. His commandments and my life were definitely at odds. In November of 1991, I made a covenant with the Lord and established a new relationship with Him. This relationship brought an abundance of joy and peace to my heart. Inasmuch as I became acquainted with my God by way of books, I decided to help others to meet God by way of books. I became a literature evangelist in 1999. During that year I worked in two towns and eight people were baptized. In 2003, at a literature evangelists camp meeting, I met my dear Dorina. After eight months of courtship we were married, and we firmly believe that God has united our family for ministry.

Dorina and Michael Solonar, Sunzherey city, Moldova

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The Literature Evangelist

Literature Evangelist Training School in Moscow Celebrates the First Graduates By Samvel Grigorian

In August 2005 a remarkable event took place in the Publishing MinistriesDepartment of the Moscow Mission. This was the occasion of the very first graduation ceremony for the very first graduating class at the Literature Evangelist Training School. Classes started in October 2004 and continued until May 2005. In July they started out in their practical work. Anna Balashova, Assistant to the Publishing Ministries Director, answered the following question: “What is special about a school like this?” She said: “The main thing here is persistence. Those who had a burning desire to start with, but cooled down before the classes ended, had to leave the school. But there were those who completed their studies, and they received the ‘crowns’ of graduates. In Literature Evangelism, education is equated with dedication. In fact, education and dedication go hand in hand for real success. When one has both of them miracles are seen to happen.” Pastor Taras Masiuk is the head of publishing ministry in the Moscow Mission. Probably, he is one of the few people who knows how difficult it is to organize LE ministry in a big city like Moscow. Strangely enough, the inhabitants of this city have many problems, which tend to inhibit their purchase and reading of spiritual literature. But God has a work to do here through literature, and the training school is an enabling factor.

Many people travel in, especially if it’s LE camp meeting

Moscow Mission Publishing Director, Taras Masiuk, and Assistant Publishing Director, Anna Balashova and LE School graduates

LE School students 2004 – 2005

Literature Evangelist Camp Meeting in Moldova They came from many places and various directions. Over 130 happy faces gathered for a rousing “LE Camp Meeting.” It was a wonderful balance with at least 50 percent of those assembled being young people. Some were married couples and others were single. Old and young mingled in perfect accord. Literature Evangelism is a unique ministry, and it attracted persons from across the entire spectrum of the church body for this special form of personal evangelism. All are united in ministry for our Lord Jesus through the distribution of Christian literature. January - June 2006 15

God Calls Literature Evangelists to Success Through His Enabling Power

Norma Medina is a literature evangelist in Honduras, Central America. She began her canvassing career under quite difficult circumstances. Prior to joining the Publishing Ministry, she had a rather prosperous business in the capital city of Tegucigalpa. Her business was located right on one of the banks of the river that runs through the city. Unfortunately, when the tropical storm “Mitch” swept through, her establishment was completely demolished. Not only was her business destroyed, but also her home, which was adjacent to her place of business. Norma had participated in a Literature Evangelism Training course some time prior to this event, but she had not yet made a decision to begin canvassing. Now, under those extreme circumstances, she decided to stop by the Home Health Education Service to make arrangements to join the Literature Ministry. Now more than ever she was determined to carry out this work that she had not fully decided to do in the past. At the beginning it was very difficult, since she was still trying to stabilize her family’s state of affairs. But in spite of several obstacles, this servant of God arduously continued her new ministry that now thrilled her. Among the various blessings God had bestowed upon Norma, she possessed the natural gift of enthusiasm, a gift that generated interesting experiences in her work. It is most interesting that by way of this respected literature evangelist, 16

The Literature Evangelist

God is opening the doors to people in prominent social circles. And furthermore, because Norma had taken two courses on mass selling in her sales training, she has recently began to initiate those principles into her canvassing work. God’s providence has positioned Norma in a sector of the city’s Social

Literature Evangelist, Norma Medina

Security Institute. There she began giving health seminars in the Retirement Department with the new books: Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power and Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. The people who attended the seminars that Norma presented are so excited they are now tuning in to a local radio program to listen to Norma’s presentations on the air. She presents health tips from our books on a halfhour show.

By Jose Smith

Sometime later, the coordinator of this Social Security sector asked Norma if she might speak with her. Whereupon she inquired of Norma, “Would it be possible for you to help us train some people in your specialty? We need you to go to the different departments of the country to benefit our colleagues.” Our literature evangelist had not had a chance to respond, when the coordinator added: “We have made provision on our budget for this. We will pay you for each seminar you present, and you can still sell your books to the public.” Today, due to the work load this has generated, her husband and her daughter form part of her training team to assist the Social Security Institute in Honduras. It is amazing how God confirms again and again that He has not called us to failure, and that when we esteem His work as the most important thing for us to do, He is prepared to open the doors of homes and institutions for us, and especially the doors of people’s hearts. As of October 2005, Norma Medina has led 45 people to baptism. Today she continues with renewed enthusiasm for she is the current sales champion in the whole country of Honduras. May God’s name be praised as we pray for His continued blessings upon her and her important ministry. Jose Smith is the Publishing Ministries Director for the Mid-Central American Union Mission.

“The Singing Colporteur” By Bill Beckworth

As surely as Jesus called the disciples from the seashore, by God’s grace, in a dressing room of WSM’s Midnight Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, He called Paul Jensen, “The Singing Bricklayer” to become “The Singing Colporteur!” In spite of having been raised in a careful Adventist home, Paul became interested in country music and ran away from God and the church as fast and far as he could. And from the age of 17 to 23 he sang on various radio and stage programs, including Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour, U.S. Army Shows around Washington D. C. and in Korea, and at the WHO (Radio) Barn Dance in Des Moines, Iowa. One day in July, 1955, his Mother suggested, “Paul, why don’t you go into the Literature Ministry and earn a scholarship for college tuition?” So that same day he went to the Conference office and obtained a prospectus and a four-page sales talk from the publishing director. His instructions to Paul were: “Memorize this canvass, and I’ll send someone to start you out.” With the help of the Lord and the use of a tape recorder, Paul practiced that sales talk over and over and over again. Before the afternoon was over he had memorized his canvass, and the very next morning a leader by the name of George Sisson (“Little Debbie” McKee’s Grandpa) came and started Paul out in the literature work. At the end of that first day of working together and taking turns making the presentations, they were wonderfully blessed with sales results. Brother Sisson turned to Paul and said with a big smile, “You’re going to be a success!” After four summers canvassing and the Lord’s blessing with six full college-year scholarships, Paul realized what the Lord had been proving all along-that Literature Evangelism is ministry and “missionary work of the highest order!” (Colporteur Ministry, p.6) After graduating from college with a degree in Theology, Paul (with his new bride, Shirley) accepted a call to serve as an Assistant Publishing Director in the Gulf States Conference. From there he served as publishing director in many local conferences and unions both in U.S.A. and abroad; including Pakistan, Japan and East Africa. Paul officially retired on February 28, 1994, after 35 years of publishing ministry. After official retirement, however, with Shirley’s help at every step, he has spent eight more years as a full-time

literature evangelist in the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference, where the Lord blessed his ministry with over $500,000 in literature sales. In addition, he shared free literature with the people of over 5,000 precious families. Giving God all the praise, Paul’s testimony today is, “I am [still] not worthy of the least of all [His] mercies. . . “ (Gen. 32:10). “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal. 6:14). Paul continues to sing the great hymns of faith, and he declares, “What a joy and privilege to be serving Christ!” Bill Beckworth, Director Department of Publishing Ministries Southern Union Conference (U.S.A.)

Literature Evangelist, Paul Jensen and his wife, Shirley January - June 2006 17

Literature Evangelist Leads 68 to Jesus By Lisia U. Latu

Literature Evangelists Angel and Graciella Chire

For the past six years, through their work as literature evangelists, Angel and Graciella Chire have led 68 people to Christ and membership at the Las Vegas Maranatha Spanish Church. “Angel is a blessing to our church. He is loyal, helpful and supportive, and all his baptismal candidates are very well prepared and knowledgeable of Bible truths and church doctrines,” explained Dr. Armando Juarez, senior pastor of the Las Vegas Maranatha Church and Hispanic Ministries coordinator for the Nevada-Utah Conference. In the mountains of Peru, cattle ranching is one of the few occupations by which locals can support their families and, for a few, become successful and wealthy. In a hospital bed, sick from pleurisy, Angel believes he saw a vision of a heavenly being holding his hands and telling him that he would be healed of his sickness, but that he must become a literature evangelist. 18

The Literature Evangelist

So on January 22, 1968, at age 35, Angel left his successful cattle ranching operation to become a full-time literature evangelist. In his first year, Angel became the Southern Peruvian Conference “champion” (by selling the most books), and the next year he was the Union champion. For three years after that, he was the Division champion. In 1975, Angel became the literature evangelism program director for the Southern Peruvian Conference. Angel does his LE work in the same pattern he’s always used. Because many people of Hispanic or Latin-American origin have a Catholic background, he uses the Catholic (Guadalupe) Bible as his leading sales item, and he offers a free Bible study with it. Angel has many requests for Bible studies. In addition, he has many stories of God’s miraculous answers to prayer, and through these he encourages others.

The Oldest Chinese Christian Publication Celebrated Its October 23rd Centenary By Hanson Cho

A display showing the historical 100-year progress of the “Signs of the Times” magazine

“When the first copy of the Chinese Signs of the Times magazine was published by Dr. Harry Miller, the first editor, and his associates, little did they realize that time would extend for another one hundred years.” So wrote Elder Larry R. Colburn, former President of the South China Island Union Mission and former director of the Signs of the Times Publishing Association board. His letter was a congratulatory greeting for the Centennial Celebration of the Signs of the Times Publishing Association (STPA). It was held on October 23, 2005, at the Auditorium of the Taiwan Adventist Hospital in Taipei. More than 120 leaders, church members and wellwishers attended the occasion. Among the honored guests were Rev. Xiugong Ong, Director of Taiwan Bible Society and Rev. John Ash, President of the Taiwan Conference. Other honored guests included Calvin Teng, Editor (197082), and Paul Cho, President of Taiwan Adventist College and Treasurer of the Chinese Union Mission. James Wu, the current President of the Chinese Union Mission and also Chairperson gave the keynote address. He reconfirmed STPA’s special mission in literature evangelism and challenged the board, the manager and editor, the staff and the literature evangelists to move forward with courage and determination.

The highlight of the occasion was a presentation called “Journey Back to the Signs of the Times Magazine.” It was a flash presentation that traced backwards in time to 1905 in Henan Province, when the paper was known as Gospel News Paper,” and then 1908, when the publishing house was officially opened in Shanghai and the magazine was renamed as The Signs of the Times in the following year. The journey also took the audience back to times prior to and after the Sino-Japanese War and then World War II. In 1934 the publishing house was moved to Hong Kong, then back to Shanghai in 1939, and again it was moved to Chongqing in 1942. Five years later, in 1947, it was relocated again to Hong Kong, and then to Singapore in 1950. It was in 1963 that the South China Island Union Mission formally set up the Signs of the Times Publishing Association, and the Signs of the Times magazine was then handed back to the Taiwan Publishing House, its present home. The current building was dedicated twenty years ago, in 1985, the year marking the 80th anniversary of the Signs of the Times Publishing House.

January - June 2006 19

We regret that many valuable archived documents were lost during the numerous moves of the publishing house during those trouble years. However, both in the exhibition at the centenary and in a special issue of the Signs of the Times magazine that was published for the centennial occasion, numerous historic documents and photographs were displayed to reflect the magazine’s history. Hundreds of people who have dedicated their lives to the magazine and its mission were honored therein. Some of the former issues published in previous eras and a historic typewriter were also displayed. The Signs of the Times staff prepared three singing presentations: “The Song of the Signs of the Times” (composed by staff), “For Expecting Another Fruit Bearing,” and the “Sending Song.” Four staff members received Senior Staff Awards: Ruth Tsai, Tom Hsong, Hanson Cho and Selina Chang. They have served STPA for 31, 24, 23 and 21 years respectively. Refreshments were served after the formalities, and this afforded opportunity for casual fellowship. Old and new friends, staff members and literature evangelists shared many experiences from their memories of earlier days with The Signs of the Times. Many photos were taken, and well-wishers left with a sense of their ever convincing challenge to dedicate their efforts in literature evangelism. Indeed, the Signs of the Times has seen many ups and downs; good times, bad times, profound joys and yes, some sorrows along its 100-year journey. The explosion of technical knowledge and the incessant need for hightech equipment poses a continuing challenge to our publishing house in order to maintain itself. “Progressive steps in technology, productivity and profitability are necessary factors in the accomplishment of our mission,” pointed out Howard F. Faigao, Director of the Publishing Ministries Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Larry Colburn’s letter pointed out that, “Every copy of the Signs of the Times should be regarded as a seed of truth introducing a reader to Jesus and the hope of everlasting life.” We have begun another quinquennium. No doubt, our being faithfulness and diligence will invite the blessings of our Lord, Who will continue to lead this oldest Chinese Christian publication into the future. May it glorify His name.

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The Literature Evangelist

Signs of the Times Publishing Assoc. (STPA) manager, Hanson Cho (left), and James Wu (right), Chinese Union President and chairman of STPA Board

Staff of the Signs of the Times Publishing Assoc.

From a Street Child to a Respected Literature Evangelist By Pastor Geraldo Magela Oliveira Tostes

of Jesus and baptism into the When you see children on the Seventh-day Adventist Church. street who are barefoot and poorly When Nayara turned fifteen, dressed, with unkempt hair and sad she returned to her hometown and expressions on their faces their little found her mother. She arranged to hands extended for money, what goes bring her mother to her through your mind? Do you not grandparents home to live with ponder as to the conditions under them in Itajaí. This was a kind thing which such a child lives? Whether it to do, but her mother had a strong is on the downtown sidewalks of the temperament, and she made life city or at the main street crossings, very difficult for young Nayara. we look upon these children with a She was treated so severely by her sense of despair as to their dire mother that she began to become prospects for a bright future, don’t Student literature evangelist, discouraged. When she attended we? We foresee that misery and Nayara Cristina Machado Rosenda services at the Itajaí Central poverty will mark this child’s life Seventh-day Adventist Church, forever. But could a child who has lived more than five years however, some friends told her that she should go to college on the street begging for survival become a citizen of and that through literature evangelism, she could even pay for her school tuition. dignity and decency? Nayara had never heard of literature evangelism In reply, we present Nayara Cristina Machado Rosenda (age 19) who lived out this bitter life experience. before. The very thought of her selling books seemed Nayara is currently studying Literature at Brazil Adventist absolutely impossible. With the assistance of Pastor University – Campus II. She was born in the city of Guinter, however, she was directed to a group of student Piçarras in the Brazilian State of Santa Catarina, and for literature evangelists who worked there in the city of Itajaí. After several weeks of working, the inner character five years she was a dirty little child who begged on the of this young woman became known. She made a lasting streets with neither a hopeful future nor a chance for impression for good upon the other literature evangelists dignity. Our wonderful God, however, had a plan for Nayara, one day when she was settling her account with the leader and everything began to change when Pastor Gilson of of the group. She pulled $R50,00 out from her purse and Penha went to her city to conduct a Week of Prayer. It offered it to the leader to pass on to one of the other students was the city of Barra de São Francisco. There he went to who was struggling to get enough money together to pay visit the Adventist Children’s Orphanage. He asked if he for her schooling. Her noble and selfless act revealed her might take a certain 12-year-old girl home, a girl who beautiful character, and all of the members of that team had been brought up by her grandparents and who barely were mightily touched by her kindness. One day Nayara went to an office of The Bank of survived on the streets by begging. He was referring to Nayara, who had been taken in by the orphanage and who Brazil to do some personal business. As she waited in had been there three years. From this background, Nayara line, the cashier, while doing her work, turned toward the found a new start in life, which led to education, knowledge line and took an intensly inquisitive look at Nayara. January - June 2006

21

Nayara felt uncomfortable about this. Then, when Nayara finally reached the cashier, that lady said to her, “I know you!” “No,” responded Nayara, “I don’t think so.” “Yes!” the cashier affirmed. “You are that little girl who used to come and beg every day here at this bank. But you are so different and so pretty. What happened?” When she left the bank, she went to a jewelry shop to buy a watchband for her watch. While the band was being changed, the clerk scrutinized her carefully, and again Nayara felt uncomfortable. Then the lady said almost the same words to her, “Don’t I know you?” “No,” said Nayara. “Yes! Aren’t you that girl who came here everyday to the store to ask for money? You are so different. What happened to you?”

What happened is that Jesus changed Nayara’s life! She hardly even remembered that she had been a beggar on the street, but as she looked and listened to the lady in the bank and the lady at the jewelry store, she began to remember. She recalled what her life had been as a child, and suddenly she realized the contrast of her past to her present self - a young lady of beauty, dignity and a sweet nature. Indeed she is a confident and dignified young woman, a beautiful new creature in Christ Jesus. She is also a very capable and representative student literature evangelist. Pastor Geraldo Magela Oliveira Tostes Publishing Leader South Brazil Union

Aboriginal Elder Confirms Life-Changing Benefits for His People From Our Books By Terry Goltz

The following is an interview with Bruce Shillingsworth on August 19, 2005, at Congress, which was held at the South Queensland Campground. Andrew: Bruce, thank you for coming to Congress and sharing your culture with us. Without a doubt almost every literature evangelist in Australia would have a number of valued Aboriginal customers. It is appropriate that you shared this with us, because it has given us a better understanding of your culture, and a greater respect for your peace loving, spiritual people. It has been 10 years since you started receiving books from us in your home in Brewarrina. Now you have a wonderful display of nearly all our books in your library. Bruce, could you please give some examples of the benefits your family has received from the literature? Bruce: First of all, I would like to talk about when Andrew came across my path. It was just like God sent an angel at the right time, and He sent an earthen vessel to tell me the good news and the truth of life. It was back when my wife and I were having the darkest part of our years. We were 22

The Literature Evangelist

a small family just starting out. As you know, it is sometimes hard for young couples to get on. I was involved with a lot of work within my aboriginal community. I was living in ‘Dodge City’ on a mission near Brewarrina, and it seemed that our people were living in third-world conditions, while the people around us were struggling just to stay alive. That’s when I said to myself, “There has to be an answer, and there has to be a God, a true God that will lift our people and carry our people in ways of life that are appropriate to right living.” I’ve been involved with the health problems of our people, I’ve dealt with the educational system, and I’ve done police work. I’ve been involved with all the social systems that you can imagine, and I thought to myself, “they’re just not fixing our people’s problems.” So it seemed the Lord impressed me strongly: “My way is the true way. It is the way to eternal life.” I do believe that the only way our people will survive in this world is to come to know Jesus Christ. And then, Andrew came with books at the right time. He brought a lot of books that have helped us. The Family

Medical Care, where I read about the illnesses that many of our people have suffered, and these books have the answer to their problems. Then there are the great The Bible Story and the Bible Firsts for the little kids. Our kids learned the stories in those books, and they were soon telling other kids. Those other kids used to come and sit in front of our place and we’d keep telling them little stories and witness to the people. As Andrew already knows, our home back in Brewarrina had a wonderful garden, and it’s only because of God and His great help. And that garden was really flourishing and lovely, wasn’t it, Andrew? It started spreading throughout the streets. And the grasses beyond our street were getting greener, and the next-door neighbors and people down the street started to clean their houses and put in trees. These are some positive changes that we have seen.

Bruce: Attending your Congress and being around such God loving people who are so friendly, just goes to show me that we have brothers and sisters in all parts of the world. They are singing and praising with one accord, and they are telling us the truth. They are reading from true books and the Holy Bible. It is a message that we need to spread to the uttermost parts of the world!

Bruce: Thank you. We are always happily surprised at where the Lord takes us. It’s a pleasure to be with you.

We thank Andrew and Bruce for this interview. This interview was reported by: Terry Goltz, Director Department of Publishing Ministries South Pacific Division

Terry Goltz: We just want to thank Bruce and his family for coming all the way from Sydney. They have traveled all night long to get here. We really appreciate your coming up here, Bruce, and for being with us and sharing with us.

Andrew: Bruce, as a spokesperson for the working party in Brewarrina, what do you see as benefits that our books offer to help with your people’s well-known social and health issues? Bruce: Being involved in a lot of community organization and meeting with a lot of elders and leaders in our community, I was tired of seeing huge sums of money poured into the community, but used in ways that it didn’t really help our people. So I took the opportunity to start telling the people about the books you offer and of the medical care that is available within them. It’s right there. Really, finding answers to our health problems is a positive way we can move forward.

Bruce Shillingsworth (left) and Andrew Johnson (right)

Andrew: What benefit has it been to you and your family to have been here at Congress?

January - June 2006 23

New Church Group in Marapyane By Priscilla M. Ben

During November 2001, literature evangelist, Rose Kubeka, started selling books in the village of Marapyane. To do this she had to commute to her territory from Hammanskraal, a distance of more than 25 miles. She held a burning desire to reach the people of Marapyane with literature because no Adventist Church had yet been established there. While canvassing there, she soon discovered that some of her customers were interested in the teachings of our church. This is when she conceived the plan to conduct Bible studies on Sabbaths. A goodly number of her Adventist friends were persuaded to join her each Sabbath, and they traveled long distances to support Rose in her missionary project. Whenever a meeting was scheduled, they would come from great distances to lend their support. They found it a joy to do so.

A kind lady in the village offered to the fledgling group the use of her home. Soon the number of Sabbath-keepers increased. Traveling so many miles of commuting, utilizing public transportation, and the added expenses of working away from home, became a financial burden for Rose. Nevertheless, Rose was determined to keep the vision alive. She felt sure it was the Lord who inspired her to start her ministry there. So she persevered. Her faith and vision was recently rewarded when the first fruits of her labors were baptized, and by the grace of the Lord, a new church group was organized. We praise the Lord for the labor of Rose Kubeka, our consecrated and dedicated literature evangelist. And we thank her for allowing the Lord to use her in this bold venture for His Cause.

Literature Evangelist, Rose Kubeka

A Testimony From Thailand My name is Jarnhom Pong Nual, but my friends call me “Tan.” It’s my nickname. In the early part of 2005, I was working as the manager of a café shop in Bangkok, Thailand. One afternoon in April, two foreign customers came into my shop to buy cool drinks. I greeted these incoming customers, and to my surprise, I found them to be very friendly. After one of the men showed me his name card, I understood that he was a literature evangelist working 24

The Literature Evangelist

for the Thailand Adventist Mission. I introduced myself to them, and soon told them that I am also a Christian, a new Christian, attending the Sunday Church in Bangkok. Almost immediately, I felt close to them, almost like brothers. Before the men left my shop that day, they said they would come back the following day and bring me some books. The next day one of the men, whose name is John, brought to me three books, one being called, Let’s

By Jarnhom Pong Nual

Not Forget God’s Blessing. Dr. Helen Spregle wrote it. I was impressed with this book, and it made me want to know more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Heretofore, I had heard nothing of them. A week later, Brother John came back to visit me, but as it was a Friday, it was very busy in my shop. I could only give him my mobile number so he could contact me later. The following Sunday I went to worship at the Sunday Church, but

after the worship service I was not very happy. I felt confused because there seemed to be something missing. I soon realized that reverence for God was missing. It was more like a market where many things were being sold at the church building. This put a lot of questions into my mind, and I prayed to God for answers. At just this time, Brother John rang my mobile phone. I asked him to come and visit me in my home. Soon John arrived along with two of his friends. This was my opportunity to ask many questions. God was already answering my prayer. The four of us studied the Bible together for two hours, and when Brother John asked if I would like a Pastor to come and visit with me, I replied, “Yes, please!” After two days, Pastor Seksak and Sister Prasana came to my house. It was very good to meet them because both of them come from my home area in the north of Thailand. I marveled at how God had worked through Brother John to bring my own country people to help me. Pastor Seksak studied with me and a few of my friends from the Sunday church. The more we studied the Bible, the more we realized that we had found the truth. We stopped going to the Sunday Church and began attending the Adventist worship service, and in July of 2005, after many Bible studies, my friend and I were baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The time was right to resign from my managerial job at the café, and with my friends, we started to teach children and young people the Bible stories and Christian songs right in my home. Of course, we needed to have money for rent and food so that we could continue to teach the children and their parents. We realize we could not do much by ourselves, but that with God’s help, the way could be opened for us to teach an English Bible Class. For this reason, I chose to become a literature evangelist. This is the best way to share the truth with people, and it also provides an income to help with our outreach plans. We are enjoying our work as literature evangelists. Please remember us in your personal prayers for we do wish to establish an Adventist Church in the Banna area of Bangkok. Jesus is coming very soon, and we must not waste any time. There are souls to win for Jesus. We are happy that we came to know and understand God’s truth before it was too late. We must hasten on with our work while there is still opportunity to win souls for His Kingdom. Thank you for your prayers and support. “Tan”

Pictured left to right: Amjad Waryam, Publishing Director of the Thailand Mission; John Sinkamba, literature evangelist of the Thailand Mission; Tan, our newly baptized Church member and now literature evangelist; Mary Sinkamba, wife of LE, mother and supporter of the work.

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New LE Subscription Books For Northern Europe By John Arthur

Northern Europe has a rich publishing tradition. In the 1870s, John G. Matteson, a Dane living in the U.S.A., began printing magazines in the Scandinavian languages. Adventists in North America sent many of these publications to relatives and friends in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and very soon there were numerous requests for further information. This led to Matteson’s transfer to Denmark in 1877, where he would pioneer the work of the church throughout the whole region. Shortly afterwards, our message was established in Russia – again, largely due to the circulation of literature. The first S.D.A. publishing house in the “Russian Empire” was opened in the Latvian capital city of Riga in 1899. The church in these northern territories is greatly indebted to the penetrating work of literature evangelism. Through the years, the publishing ministry has brought great strength to our operations in this part of the world. In the 1960s and 1970s Finland (where literature was also the entering wedge) led the world field with per capita sales for literature evangelists. Sadly, with the popularity of secularism and materialism in recent times, it has become more difficult for full-time literature evangelists to earn a livelihood. However, there are still in excess of 150 church members and students who distribute books and magazines on a part-time basis. Recently, several meetings have been especially convened to attend to the need for new books for literature evangelists. Plans have been formulated to print several modern titles dealing with the relevance of the Adventist life-style in today’s world. During the next eighteen months, it is hoped that at least two attractive publications, which have originated with the Safeliz Publishing House in Spain, will be printed in the Danish, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, and Swedish languages. Much will depend on the church’s ability to find the necessary financial resources in the context of numerous other

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challenges. Another hope is to produce a parallel Greenlandic – Danish version of Steps to Christ so as to help in the re-establishment of Adventism in Greenland. During the summer of 2005, students who came from various parts of the globe, sold more than $600,000 worth of literature in Norway. Literature evangelist training workshops continue to be held each year in the Baltic countries. It is the prayer of the whole church family that as new publications come off the press, Publishing Ministries will regain its momentum. We ardently desire that publishing will play as strong a role during end-time events as it did during Adventism’s inaugural years in Northern Europe. John Arthur Retired Division Publishing Director

Guest speaker, Elizabeth Sanguesa, from the Safeliz Publishing House in Spain, presents a lecture on Christian salesmanship at the LE gathering in Latvia.

Southern Union Student LE Program By Rocky Davis

When 210 student literature evangelists and 22 Bible worker evangelists entered the field here in the Southern Union on May 29, 2005, they had a mission: It was to contact 1,000,000 homes, (touching the lives of approximately 4,000,000 people), and prepare for and conduct seven evangelistic series of meetings. By August 7, more than $700,000 worth of literature had been sold and delivered, five evangelistic series were held, 18 individuals were baptized, with dozens more preparing for baptism. Several churches are retaining six Bible worker evangelists, and two or three more evangelistic series are planned for September.

Student Quotes: “Canvassing to me has meant a deeper relationship with God. To be successful at canvassing you have to learn to rely on Him for strength, and in the end it brings you closer to Jesus.” Phillip Stone “It’s reaching people that pastors can’t….” Austin Cole

“Canvassing has meant hard work, dedication, and lots of prayer. I’ve prayed harder this summer than I have in my entire life.” Amanda Mecozzi Rocky Davis is the student Publishing Leader for the Southern Union Conference

“I love to see God work in my life to reach others.” Daniel Baker “It has been great knowing that some of the people I have met will be in heaven because of my visit. The canvassing work is the planting of seeds.” Raisel Varcorcel

The display board of the Southern Union Conference Student LE Program

Some of the student literature evangelists and coordinators at the 2005 summer rally gathering in Latvia. January - June 2006 27

Why I Chose the Literature Ministry By Luke Riseley

During this past summer of 2005, I have seen the working of the Holy Spirit in ways I had not experienced before. Many amazing things have occurred. I first began canvassing in the prior summer vacation period of 2004. But when I started working this summer of 2005, I sensed that God wanted me to make a life work of canvassing. I tried hard to push that thought away, but it persistently recurred. While I enjoy canvassing, I am sometimes insecure about such things as the amount of success I will have in any given week. How many books will I be able to sell? How much income can I count on? To put it simply, I have found it difficult to have to depend on God for every thing. Finally, I prayed to God that if He would enable me to sell at least a given amount (a goal I set in my heart), I would strongly consider making canvassing my life work. To my amazement, God answered my prayer and brought it to pass. This started

me thinking in the right direction, but still I held onto some reservations about whether He was really calling me to a lifetime of service as a literature evangelist. In the 8th week of the summer of 2005, I found myself under strong conviction about this matter. Yet, it seems that the devil was on the attack, and he did not want me to surrender to Christ and do His bidding in this work. It seemed the evil one was reminding me of my past mistakes in order to confound me. He would have preferred me to just be a partially committed canvasser, one who would work now and again but not give it my best energies. God, on the other hand, seemed to be determined to encourage me by helping me recall many of the good experiences in the work. Experiences such as the one where I met two people within the same hour, both in earnest search for the truth about Jesus. Then there was the time my field leader dropped me off in a business section of

Luke is standing at the middle, in front of the microphone, giving his testimony. The rest in the picture are members of the Student LE Team where he was assigned under the supervision of Ed Rockwell, the Associate Publishing Director for the Review & Herald.

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Washington, Pennsylvania, and said: “There are people looking for Jesus on this street, go find them!” I accepted his challenge. At the third place of business, I met a lady who decided to purchase from me the books God’s Answers to Your Questions and Peace Above the Storm. She wanted to know what church I attended, and I told her that I attended the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She explained that years ago she had a Seventh-day Adventist Aunt and Uncle with whom she would

a customer walked in. Often when a customer walks in, the storekeeper feels obliged to serve them, and that makes me feel obliged to leave. This time, however, one of the ladies I was talking with took care of the customer, and the other continued to look at the books. She explained to me that she had been praying that God would help her to draw closer to Him, and she was discussing this request with her coworker at the very time I walked in. After looking at the books, she indicated her belief that God wanted

“...all who have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves” (Steps to Christ, p. 46). attend church services whenever they got together. About one year ago, this lady moved to a new neighborhood in town, and now the Baptist Church she had previously attended was too far away for her to attend. She has been visiting some of the local churches but found most of the people to be cold and unfriendly. I asked her if she had ever thought of attending the Seventhday Adventist Church. She confessed that she had not been invited to attend. So I invited her to attend church the very next Sabbath. She said that she would consider attending, and she requested Bible studies. Continuing down the street I walked into a financial institution and approached two ladies behind a counter talking to each other. They started looking at my books, and then

her to obtain and read Peace Above the Storm and The Desire of Ages. On the 10th week, I once again asked God for a sign. I requested no more and no less than the sales of eight major books and the acquisition of three Bible study and Revelation Seminar interests. I did not tell anyone but God about my goal, and at the end of the day I had achieved exactly the amount I prayed for. Now I have known from that time on, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that God wants me to make Literature Evangelism my life work. On Monday I was led by a fellow literature evangelist to read and absorb the meaning of the following statement, and I was further strengthened: “God does not require us to give up anything that it is for

our best interest to retain. In all that He does, He has the well-being of His children in view. Would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves” (Steps to Christ, p. 46). I still do not have the answer to all the uncertainties, but of this I am now certain: I know God has called me to work in the Literature Ministry. My job is to trust Him to take care of the unknown and do what He has asked me to do. Perhaps you, too, are struggling with the question of what God has in mind for you. If you are impressed to be a literature evangelist, it is probably His call for your services. There is a way to end the struggle. Say YES to Jesus! Note: This was Luke’ second year canvassing. He received the “Most Enthusiastic LE” award in both 2004 & 2005. Luke Riseley, 18, is a student literature evangelist with the Review and Herald Literature Ministries Program

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Y

 ES!

I want to be a literature evangelist. Please send me information on how I might become a part of this mighty army for the Lord.

Name ____________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ _______ City _________ State/Prov._______ Zip/Postal Code____ Country _____ Please clip this form, place it in an addressed envelope, seal and mail it to the Division office nearest you.

Division Offices

Please return the above form and direct all other inquiries to the Publishing Director of the Division office nearest you.

East-Central Africa Division • Publishing Director • P.O. Box 14756, 00800 - Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa Euro-Africa Division • Publishing Director • Schosshaldenstrasse 17, 3006 Berne, Switzerland Euro-Asia Division • Publishing Director • Krasnoyarskaya Street 3, 107589 Moscow, Russian Federation Inter-American Division • Publishing Director • P.O. Box 830518, Miami, FL 33283-0518 U.S.A. North American Division • Publishing Director • 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 USA Northern Asia-Pacific Division • Publishing Director • P.O. Box 43, Koyang Ilsan , 411-600, Korea South American Division • Publishing Director • Caixa Postal 02600, 70279-970 Brasilia, DF, Brazil South Pacific Division • Publishing Director • Locked Bag 2014, Wahroonga, N.S.W. 2076, Australia Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division • Publishing Director • P.O. Box H.G. 100, Highlands, Harare, Zimbabwe, Africa Southern Asia Division • Publishing Director • Post Box 2, HCF, Hosur 635110, T.N., India Southern Asia-Pacific Division • Publishing Director • P.O. Box 040, 4118 Silang, Cavite, Philippines Trans-European Division • Publishing Director • 119 St. Peter’s Street, St. Albans, Herts. AL1 3EY, England West-Central Africa Division • Publishing Director • 22 Boite Postale 1764, Abidjan 22, Cote d’Ivoire, West Africa

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recruiting

Here Are My Hands, Lord! By Jonathan Zita

I met Stefan when I called at his home. As I spoke with him, he told me that he couldn’t stand for very long because of a problem with his legs. Soon I learned that, along with weakness in his legs and some additional health problems, he also was the victim of a fatal disease. The medication he was taking was so strong that many of his teeth had fallen out. As though he didn’t already have enough problems, his wife had taken their child and left him. The doctor had informed him that he would not live long enough to see his son graduate from elementary school. Stefan was in a most difficult and painful state of being, and I could not help but feel deep pity for him. In spite of his problems, however, Stefan could still smile even with the few teeth he had left. You see, Stefan had recently found Jesus, and he told me this: “I praise the Lord even in my sickness because if it wasn’t for this illness, I might never have come to know Jesus.” I gave Stefan a copy of The Great Controversy, which he accepted gratefully. Then I asked if I could pray for him. Stefan was happy to have me pray for him, and after

I finished, he started to pray. I don’t remember everything he said, but what he asked God for brought tears to my eyes. His prayer went something like this: “Lord, I pray for healing that I may serve you like these young people. Even if you don’t heal me Lord, please use me still. I have lost the use of my legs. My health, my family and my future seems gone . . . but Lord, I still have my hands. Here are my hands, Lord. This is all I have left. Please use my hands.” As I drove home that night, my heart was sad. I thought of Stefan in contrast with the thousands of us in the church who have legs and hands and a future, but don’t do very much for Jesus. Stefan’s prayer inspired me, and now I simply pray: “Here are my hands, Lord. Please use my hands.” I want God to use everything I have for His service. For Literature Ministry God invites many good hands. Won’t you bring yours and join us? Jonathan Zita is a District Director Canada Youth Challenge Program

“Lord, I pray for healing that I may serve you like these young people. Even if you don’t heal me Lord, please use me still....Here are my hands, Lord. This is all I have left. Please use my hands.”

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statistical report

The Literature Evangelist