EVANGELIST. Literature. The

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1 The Literature English Edition Also published in French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish EVANGELIST October-December 2011 See pages 12 and 13 for exciting news of the worldwide Great Controversy Project. The Great Controversy should be very widely circulated. It contains the story of the past, the present, and the future.... I am more anxious to see a wide circulation for this book than for any others I have written; for in The Great Controversy, the last message of warning to the world is given more distinctly than in any of my other books (Colporteur Ministry, p. 127).

2 The Literature Evangelist T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S EDITORIAL 3 Listen to Him By G. T. Ng INSPIRATIONS 4-8 LE Customers Start a Church Group By Delphine Harris Rescued Flood Victim Lives to Save Others By Jerry Fernandez What Was It? By Roma Ohman My Prison Ministry as a Colporteur By A-Wen Yang Praise the Lord, for He Is Good By Micah Mano LE PROFILE 9 The Great Controversy Wins Again! By Alexey Kropinov FEATURE STORY 10 A Life of Service, a Testimony of Grace By Mirto Presentacion PROMOTION & PROGRESS 12 The Great Controversy Project By Delbert W. Baker PROFESSIONAL GROWTH 14 Turning a Customer Into a Business Partner By Vivencio R. Bermudez PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE 15 The LE Ministry Enhances My Pastoral Ministry By Johnny Murison LE SUMMARY REPORT 16 ABOUT OUR COVER: President Ted N. C. Wilson and other staff at General Conference headquarters recently gathered to pray for the Holy Spirit to attend the shipping of a huge quantity of Great Controversy books to selected individual recipients in North America. This prayerful scene will soon be replicated throughout the world s 13 divisions as leaders and laity unite in distributing 100 million copies of The Great Controversy globally. See Delbert W. Baker s article on pages 12, 13. Director Howard F. Faigao Editor Mel Lyon Assistant Editor Jan Schleifer Editorial Secretary Viviene G. Martinelli Layout & Design Bill Kirstein Desktop Technician Tina M. Ivany Foreign Language Translators and Proofreaders Daniella V. Ducret, French; Denise Faye Santos, Portuguese; Claudia Blath, Spanish International Advisers/Contributors Vivencio R. Bermudez, Benedict Biswas, John Brereton, Teru Fukui, Philip Gai, Wilmar Hirle, Alvin Kibble, Pavel Liberanskiy, Almir Marroni, Gabriel E. Maurer, Super Moesi, Abraham D. Obaya, Mirto Presentacion, Miroslav Pujic No. 696, October-December 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 concern ing this publication, please write: Director, The Literature Evangelist, General Conference of S.D.A., Publishing Ministries Department, Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD U.S.A. FaigaoH@gc.adventist.org. Tel: Fax: Another publication, The Publishing Leaders Digest, is also produced quarterly and distributed by only. To receive it free of charge, send your request to FaigaoH@gc.adventist.org. Just state Send Leaders Digest and indicate your name and address. It may also be downloaded at any time from Click on Leader s Digest on the home page. Bible texts credited to NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

3 E ditorial By G. T. Ng Listen to Him This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him! (Matt. 17:5, NIV). Have you ever been caught by surprise? It may be the way your sales turn out. It may be your customer s unexpected response to your invitation for a Bible study. God is in the business of surprises. He does not operate as we do. My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isa. 55:8, 9, NASB). God s plan of salvation caught humans by surprise. The religious elites were utterly unprepared for Christ s first advent. Only a few shepherds witnessed the dawning of Christ s redemptive life on Planet Earth. The promise made in the Garden of Eden (see Gen. 3:15) was being fulfilled, but the religious leaders were not ready. The elites couldn t imagine a system of belief that had a greater antipathy to their preconceived notions of the Messiahship than the one presented by Christ s teaching. It was so alien that the elites dismissed His teaching from the beginning. In fact, they decided to get rid of Christ because He did not fit in with their idea of the Messiah s mission. Even the disciples had a hard time understanding the plan of salvation and Christ s ministry. They too had their preconceived ideas about a powerful, victorious Messiah, so they were not sure what to make of Jesus statements about His forthcoming suffering. He had predicted that He would be mocked, spit upon, scourged, and killed (see Luke 18:31-33). But the disciples understood none of these things, and the meaning of this statement was hidden from them, and they did not comprehend the things that were said (Luke 18:34, NASB). Again on the Mount of Transfiguration the disciples were caught by surprise (see Luke 9:28-36). Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him to the mountain. God the Father brought Moses and Elijah to encourage Christ to go through Calvary. So sacred was the occasion that Jesus was transformed with the light of heaven. The three disciples, who had started to go to sleep, fully awoke just in time to witness the magnificent panorama before them. They were surprised to see Moses and Elijah in their presence. Peter spoke up: Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah (Luke 9:33, NASB). As Peter was saying this, a cloud surrounded the disciples. God the Father immediately rebuked Peter, saying: This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him! (verse 35, NASB). The disciples believed that Christ s kingdom was about to be set up and that Moses and Elijah had come to announce its inauguration (see The Desire of Ages, p. 422). But obviously their agenda was not God s agenda. God s way of redeeming humanity was through the cross, through Christ s shame and suffering and death, so that humans might understand the depravity and consequence of sin. God wants to surprise us with His grace and power. You have no idea how your life will turn out, but God does. He is interested in becoming the captain of your life. When you turn your life over to Him, He will use you to bless others in ways beyond your wildest imagination. The English poet William Cowper penned these beautiful words: God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never-failing skill, He treasures up his bright designs, And works his sovereign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy, and shall break In blessings on your head.... His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower. G. T. Ng, Secretary, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 3

4 I nspirations By Delphine Harris LE Customers Start a Church Group Awonderful feeling of excitement raised me right up out of bed one Sabbath morning! I looked out of my window, and although everything looked quite the same, things were not the same. This would be a Sabbath like none before it, and the village of Tiputa would be changed forever. Georgy, Pete, and I had arranged for a special meeting with God and our new brothers and sisters that we had met the past week while working in Tiputa. Tiputa is a small village across the lagoon from Avatoru, the main village on the island of Rangiroa. Tiputa can be reached only by boat. We had worked on one side of Tiputa two years before, and we left with a plan to return and finish what we had started. That plan had finally been fulfilled the previous week. Compared to our first visit, we sold many more books and were welcomed into more homes the second time. In the evenings Georgy and I gave Bible studies to some of our customers. Some were former church members who had not been to church for a long time. Some wives had drifted over to their husbands churches mainly because there was no currently active Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church there. Five homes had opened their doors for Bible studies during the past week, and everyone willingly accepted the idea to worship together on Sabbath. This would be happening for the first time in 15 or more years. Though we were only a small group, we were all excited at the prospect of starting something very special for these five families. The pastor from the SDA church in Avatoru couldn t join us, so Pete, Georgy, and I conducted the church service. When we arrived at Patricia s home, she greeted us with a big, happy smile and a warm hug. This is the first time to be having worship in my own home with people of my own church, she said. I never thought we could do it in such a simple way. God is so good to me, and He makes me feel so special today. Thank you for making this Sabbath so special for us, she added. Her words of gratitude tugged at my heart as I sensed her deep longing for God and fellowship. We started at 9:00 a.m., with Pete and his guitar leading us in song. We sang lots of songs, and the new churchgoers loved singing from the hymnbooks we brought, which were donated by members from the SDA church in Avatoru. For mission stories, we shared literature evangelism stories from different areas throughout the division, and they really appreciated them. Georgy did the Sabbath school lesson study, and I finished with the main message. We brought food to share with them, but they surprised us with many dishes that they had prepared. So we ended up having a banquet together. They all asked lots of questions, and we answered them and listened to their stories and experiences. What a blessed day of rest and fellowship we had with God and our new family members! We felt special because they felt special. And they gave us so much love. It was hard to break away and say farewell, but our boat was leaving for Avatoru that afternoon. We had to go. It is amazing to experience the Holy Spirit s work in gently touching people s hearts and changing them. We praise God and give glory to Him for the privilege of sharing His love and His Word with those who are longing to know Him. I ask all the readers of The Literature Evangelist magazine to please remember Patricia, Elda, Vaihere, Gloria, Paul, Soraya, Quinnie, and their family members in your prayers. Thanks and God bless you. Delphine Harris, LE Area Manager, French Territories, New Zealand Pacific Union 4 The Literature Evangelist

5 I nspirations Rescued Flood Victim Lives to Save Others sick at the realization that he had lost his grip on his son, he sobbed desperately to God to save his boy. But where could he be? Before Rogelio even finished his cry to God, he heard a familiar voice calling Papa, Papa! It was his son Roel, who also had found something to hold onto. For the next seven months Rogelio pondered the obvious double miracle he and his son had experienced! He pondered life and its meaning. He praised God and continued to think about how he might best utilize his life that God had spared. In 1992, a year after the flash flood, his son Roel was attending a Seventh-day Adventist school, where he enrolled in the canvassing program. He was assigned to a student group that was going to work in the city of Catbalogan, on the Philippine island of Samar. Roel returned home jubilant after a school vacation period and told his parents that he had sold 20,000 Philippine pesos worth of books. The Lord used this event to lighten Rogelio s troubled heart. He thought to himself, If my son can sell like that, then surely I can be successful at it also. After conferring with his wife on the subject, Rogelio then took her with him to the conference headquarters in The Arriesgados receive awards at the annual LE convention. By Jerry Fernandez The year was 1991, and the world s media was carrying alarming news of the horrendous Ormoc, Philippines, flash flood. In broad daylight the writhing tide of deep, swirling, mud-bearing water killed about 8,000 people and destroyed land, buildings, and livestock. Among those caught in the sudden rush were Rogelio Arriesgado and his oldest son, Roel. Rogelio, a humble, softspoken church member and the father of five children, was suddenly thrust into the raging horror of that flood, a result of excessive rainfall from a brooding typhoon. He was sucked under the water by the strong current five times. And every time, his oxygen-deprived lungs were about to burst when a swell of that mud-thickened water pushed him up just long enough to gasp a breath of air before being pulled down again. Five times, his whole life passed before him, and he seemed at death s door. He suddenly caught hold of a hard pole, which he grasped and desperately clung to for hours until the waters began to subside. Heartthe first week of June They enlisted to become literature evangelists. After a week of intensive training they were full of determination to follow the road that Jesus had shown them. They began what has become a journey of 19 years in the publishing ministry. Having achieved success and honor, Rogelio continues to serve in the canvassing work with full dedication and diligence. He is personally committed to ministering in this way until his death or until Jesus comes. To him, it is as though he already died in that flood, and now he just wants to live to serve others in literature ministry. In 1992 Rogelio attained full credential standing, and since then he has not stopped or faltered in reaching well beyond those annual requirements. In fact, his average annual sales are 500,000 pesos. He has provided well for his family, and four of their children have graduated from our schools. Two are church school teachers serving the denomination. Rogelio is now past retirement age, and although his pension is quite in order, he still goes out enthusiastically to canvass in search of souls for God s kingdom. Since being miraculously saved from the flash flood, Rogelio has lived by the truth of this promise: There is no limit to the usefulness of the one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God (Ellen G. White, Christian Service, p. 254). Jerry Fernandez, Director, Publishing Ministries Department, Central Philippine Union 5

6 I nspirations By Roma Ohman What Was It? Do we really believe in miracles? So often we think of a miracle as something big and don t recognize the smaller miracles that happen from day to day in various ways. Most likely we just call these coincidences, but are they really? I invite you to read the following experiences from two colporteurs in England. Were they coincidences or miracles? Tudor called on a home that had a long path leading to the front door. As he walked along the path he heard dogs barking and growling and saw them running toward him. Tudor wasn t close enough to the house to make it to the front door, and he was too far from the gate to get out before the dogs reached him, so he hastily offered up a prayer for help. When the dogs were about 10 feet away from him, they skidded to a halt and then ran away, yelping with their tails between their legs! Tudor continued along the path to the front door, where the lady of the house was now standing. When she heard the commotion, she had rushed to the front door and witnessed what happened. She apologized and said that she thought the dogs had been locked in their pen. She wanted to know what had made the dogs suddenly stop in their tracks, because she had been sure they were going to attack him. Tudor explained that he had asked God for help and believed that the dogs had seen his guardian angel and that this had frightened them away. The lady was very impressed that Tudor s God would do that for him. She told Tudor that she wanted to get to know God herself and purchased the books he was selling. Was it a coincidence or a miracle? I believe it was a miracle! Jack was out selling books one day, and toward the end of the morning he checked in the trunk of his car to see how many books of each title he had left. He particularly noted that he had only three sets of Bedtime Stories remaining. Jack took all three sets with him as he proceeded to the next house, where he sold one set. At the next house the lady wanted three sets of Bedtime Stories. Jack explained that he had only two sets. However, the lady was insistent that she wanted three sets and that two sets would be unacceptable. It was three sets or nothing. Jack told the lady that he would go to his car and check his stock again to see if there was another set. He was well aware that there were no more sets of Bedtime Stories left, because he had carefully checked earlier. As Jack walked to the car he offered up a prayer. When he opened the trunk, there before him was one set of Bedtime Stories! He knew that God had put the set there! He returned to the lady, joyful that he was now able to supply her need, and she purchased all three sets. Was it a coincidence or a miracle? I believe it was a miracle! When life gets tough and things aren t going as we had hoped, it is good to sit back and recall how the Lord has helped us and others in the past. Such recollections bring comfort and hope to our weary, struggling souls, reminding us that our God cares for each one of us individually and enables us to meet today s trials with renewed confidence in Him. Roma Ohman, Trans-European Division 6 The Literature Evangelist

7 I nspirations By A-Wen Yang My Prison Ministry as a Colporteur Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matt. 25:40, NIV). Who really cares about prisoners? Unless one is a close family member or a very dear friend, few people want to even think about those who have broken laws and are now behind bars. But Jesus cares about them. My name is A-Wen Yang, and I am a female literature evangelist (LE) from Korea. My focus, however, is not on doorto-door work, but upon the men and women whose illegal actions and poor choices have led to the lonely miseries of incarceration. Christ died for these people, too. And He wants to redeem them. For the past 27 years I have been visiting prisons, and I have ministered inside every prison in Taiwan. I try to rotate my repeat visits at 3- to 6-month intervals. My objectives are to enter prisons and lift up Jesus and emphasize His power to break the shackles of sin and to offer pardon, peace of mind, and ultimately the opportunity of a heavenly home. I enlist the help of others who are interested in this ministry, and we conduct worship services, supply Christian counseling, and offer hope and encouragement. We give gospel and health literature to those whose lives we touch. Good literature provides a service that continues after our visits. The books that I give to inmates are free to them, but the cost is sponsored by outside people who care. Through the help of many Christian friends, I have been able to place more than 80,000 volumes of hope into the hands of grateful prisoners. It is not an easy work, as there are many details to look after. It is not a simple matter to gain access to the prisoners. Security measures within the prison system are necessary, of course. So doing Sabbath services as an outside person coming in with several other outsiders to help with the teaching, preaching, and singing involves a long process of clearances. There are so many contacts to make, so many forms to fill out, and so much trust to develop with the wardens. The circumstances are unusual, and the schedules are a challenge. But once all is in place, we are able to minister to the great and abiding human needs that prisoners have, including the very basic need to feel cared for by someone. I ve been asked: Why do you keep going with this prison work that is so taxing? and Why don t you give this up? Perhaps the following letter from one of my prisoner friends will help answer both questions: Dear Auntie Yang, I am sorry it has taken long for me to write to you. When you visit me, I sense deeply your encouragement and care. Your love toward me is better than that of my own family. They never visit me. You are my only family now. And because of you I feel society may not be so cold. You give me hope. Thank you for the care in giving me some clothes and some money in the red envelope. I will ever remember you. Especially, I am remembering your good advice. I would like to be able to call you Mom if you could allow me such a blessing. Your love for me goes beyond what I can express. Thank you for giving me new confidence. May God s peace be yours all the time. Chung-Jing. This young man is now out of prison and working again. I pray that he will continue his life with God as his partner and guide. Through this letter and others that I receive, I sense the Lord telling me that I must continue to stand up and keep moving forward in prison ministry. A-Wen Yang, Literature Evangelist, Taiwan Conference 7

8 I nspirations By Micah Mano Praise the Lord, for He Is Good Susan Nasak, our area manager, visited us in the city of Luganville (see photos), on the island of Espiritu Santo, in the archipelago nation of Vanuatu. We canvassed together for two days. On our first day we canvassed at six homes, and someone in every household bought books. On our second day we continued where we had left off the day before, and after calling at several homes, we came to the harbor master s house, where a few ladies were congregating. We showed them our books, and they placed orders. Before we left, they told us about Jacob, who lived next door but was sick. They said he had recently returned from the hospital. We told those ladies that we would try to visit Jacob. Approaching his door, we called, Knock, knock! Jacob came out of his house when he heard us calling. I could see in his eyes that he was glad to see us. We found a shady spot where we could sit. We attempted to communicate with Jacob, but although he could hear, he could not speak, and his sign language was very difficult to understand. Later we learned from Susan s husband that Jacob had been attending the Seventhday Adventist church on Ambae, his home island, also a part of Vanuatu. When we had visited Jacob, we prayed with him and his son before we left. I asked him if he wanted me to pick them up on Sabbath for church, but his son said they were moving to another town that was kilometers away from Luganville. We shook hands and wished them God s blessings. The next Sabbath morning, Susan related the story of Jacob during Sabbath school. Then on the following Monday, when I was planning to do my follow-ups, Gibson, one of our church members, gave me a lift into town. He told me that when Susan was relating the story of Jacob in Sabbath school, he was very impressed, because he d had prayer with Jacob on the Friday before. I was so shocked, and I said to Gibson, Praise the Lord, for He is good! I was trying to find someone in the area who would continue to visit and pray with Jacob, so I asked Gibson if he could do that for me. He kindly agreed to do so. Please pray for Jacob and the many others in the world who cannot speak, or hear, or see. Pray that God can get through to them so that they can share the good news of His love and His soon coming with their families and friends. Thank you, and may God bless you as you continue to do His work. Micah Mano, Literature Evangelist, Vanuatu Mission, South Pacific Division 8 The Literature Evangelist

9 LE Profile The Great Controversy Wins Again! By Alexey Kropinov Irina Yoroshko became a baptized member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church toward the end of A citizen of the city of Slavyansk-on-Kuban, in the Krasnodar Territory of Russia, Irina started to work as a literature evangelist (LE) shortly thereafter. One day early in her experience, Irina was working in a marketplace. She had arranged her books in an attractive display on a small folding table. A man named Alexander came by and purchased from her the five-volume Conflict of the Ages Series. Then 11 years later, shortly before the evangelistic series called What Is Truth? was to be presented in Irina s city, a man came to visit her church in Slavyansk-on-Kuban. The pastor welcomed him and invited him to stay for the worship service. He chose to stay, and during the break before the church service started, he was offered a copy of The Great Controversy as a free gift. But he answered, Oh! I already have that book. As it happened, Irina was sitting right next to him and heard what he said. She turned to him and asked, Would you please tell me where you obtained your copy of The Great Controversy? Alexander replied, I have the whole set of five volumes, which I bought years ago from a woman who was selling books in the marketplace. Irina s heart quickened, and she joyfully exclaimed, Alexander, you bought those books from me! Then she asked, Have you read them? He answered, Yes, I have! But I couldn t understand them at first, so I set them aside. But after some time passed, there again arose a new inspiration to read them. So I took the first volume and started reading it. That s when I found out about the Sabbath. I was attending an Orthodox church, and I asked the priest, Why is it that in the Bible it is written to keep the Sabbath holy, but we keep Sunday? Alexander paused for a moment and then continued. I did not receive convincing answers to that question and other questions I asked the priest. I kept on reading the books until I had finished all five volumes. Since then I have visited many churches, but their teachings did not satisfy me. Alexander s diligence in studying the five books had made his Christian experience grow, and when he heard about the What Is Truth? evangelistic series to be presented by Eugene Zaytsev, he attended and listened carefully. On June 17 and 18, 2011, Irina took part in a meeting of LEs. There, the director of the General Conference Publishing Ministries Department, Elder Howard Faigao, presented inspiring messages drawn from all over the world. Irina felt deeply LE Irina Yoroshko displays the Conflict of the Ages Series. impressed that she should contact Alexander, and when she reached him, she asked if he felt that he should go all the way with God and become baptized. He answered with confidence that he was ready. Alexander s baptism was scheduled for Sabbath, July 30, As a result of reading The Great Controversy and the other Spirit of Prophecy writings, as well as hearing the Word of God preached, Alexander was brought into the complete fellowship of God s remnant church. We praise the Lord for this, and for the ministry of faithful LEs such as Irina, who has now given 12 years in fruitful service for the Master. Alexey Kropinov, Director, Publishing Ministries Department, Caucasus Union, Russia 9

10 F eature Story By Mirto Presentacion Mandela Hector conducts his gospel-sharing LE ministry on the island of Trinidad. A Life of Service, a Testimony of Grace Dedicated LE Mandela Hector Mandela Hector is a career literature evangelist (LE) who serves in the South Caribbean Conference publishing ministry of Trinidad, West Indies. There he has been faithfully selling his favorite book, The Next Superpower, a powerful book that is convicting the hearts of many. During a recent visit with Mandela, his friend Mrs. Denise Rose told him about her son Shane, who had found a new friend while working at his new job. Shane said that his new friend, Lee Mitchell, loves spiritual things and is a real seeker for truth. Mrs. Rose said that during the two young men s discussions Lee 10 The Literature Evangelist

11 New converts and church members Lee and Kimberly Mitchell raised many thoughtful questions about subjects such as the Bible, the Ten Commandments, God s Sabbath, and others. As a result, Mrs. Rose asked Mandela if he had any literature to help Shane answer Lee s inquiries. Mandela was happy to oblige. He immediately reached into his bag, took out a copy of The Next Superpower, and told Mrs. Rose about it. She became convinced that the book contained many of the answers to Lee s questions, so she purchased a copy for him. After some time had passed, Mandela again visited with Mrs. Rose and, to his happy surprise, found her eagerly waiting to share some good news with him. She said she had given the book to Lee and that he was reading it enthusiastically. In fact, he was so convinced of the truth of its messages that he had already begun to attend church on Sabbath. Lee was so elated with his newfound faith that he immediately began to witness to everyone with whom he came in contact. Of course, he shared with his wife the wonderful things he had learned about Jesus and His soon coming. But his wife seemed uninterested and determined not to listen to him. Lee then began praying earnestly that the Lord would intervene and soften his wife s heart and convict her of His truth. Then one Sabbath morning when Lee awakened from sleep, he became aware that his dear wife was preparing to go somewhere. Carefully he inquired what her plans were. She replied, I had an amazing dream last night. A man in white apparel told me many things, but he especially said that I should listen to my husband, or I could be lost. She continued, I immediately awakened from my slumber, and I began to weep. When Lee heard his wife s experience, his soul rejoiced, because he realized that it was the working of the Holy Spirit in his wife s life. It was a direct answer to his earnest prayers for her. On that Sabbath morning, for the first time since his conversion, Lee and his wife went to church together. They were soon baptized. Lee sensed the Lord s call to ministry, and he decided to make the necessary arrangements that will enable him to enroll one day in a theological course of study. In the meantime he took the major step of resigning from his job as an insurance agent to become an LE. He realized that in switching his vocation from earthly insurance, he was moving into the realm of extending heavenly assurance. While canvassing at the Port of Spain General Hospital, Mandela encountered a young woman named Sharlene, who expressed her desire to know Bible truth. Upon hearing of her interest, Mandela immediately arranged for an appropriate time and place for them to study the Bible, and during that time the Holy Spirit truly worked on Sharlene s heart. As the Bible studies progressed Sharlene was so amazed at the truths she was learning that she invited Beverly, her coworker and friend, to join her. She also invited her sisters, brothers, children, and friends! The study group grew rapidly, and to make a long story short, they all decided to become baptized members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church! They are rejoicing in God s truth. The group continues to grow, as many more are attending the studies in their thirst for His Word. And God s work of grace in the literature ministry of Mandela Hector continues. Amen! Mirto Presentacion, Director, Publishing Ministries Department, Inter-American Division 11

12 P romotion and Progress By Delbert W. Baker The Great Controversy PROJECT The Great Controversy Project (GCP) is one of the most promising literature endeavors the Seventh-day Adventist Church has ever undertaken. The goal is to distribute The Great Controversy, by Ellen G. White, en masse throughout the world field and thereby provide a global witness of heretofore unknown dimension. Shortly after being elected General Conference president, Ted N. C. Wilson clearly articulated the urgent need for Adventist members to read, rally, and personally share multiplied millions of copies of The Great Controversy on a one-toone basis as a means of witnessing to twenty-first-century readers. The excitement is already growing in the world divisions for achieving this objective in the present quinquennial period of It is in harmony with our Tell the World theme, and it couples with the revival and reformation emphasis. A challenging goal The goal to share 50 to 100 million copies is challenging! It is a bold, heavenly anointed challenge that will become a reality through the excitement and determination of our committed Adventist world membership. A life-changing book Hope is what the gospel of Jesus Christ is about, and that is what the GCP is about. The Great Controversy was written by Ellen White to provide a prophetic lens that allows interpretation and understanding of the times. It was written to direct attention to the Bible and to Christ, our only hope. As members of God s remnant church, all need to personally participate in this exciting outreach program. The Great Controversy will now be offered to the world under the title The Great Hope. Here are five basic questions that lead to a brief overview of the program. 1. What is the GCP? The Great Controversy Project is a program to challenge all Seventh-day Adventist members and church workers to do the following: (1) read or reread The Great Controversy (The Great Hope) for themselves in 2011, and (2) invest in multiple copies of The Great Hope and personally give them to family, friends, associates, and strangers during The ideal is for members personally to take the books to the world and present them cordially as free gifts. Alternately, members may also choose to distribute copies in public places and/or mail copies, as appropriate. Each book will have an introduction that tells why the book is being shared. It will contain information about Adventist radio and television resources, Bible study courses, helpful Web site addresses, and how to contact local Adventists. In short, the plan is to read about and share the great hope found in knowing our Lord. Historically, The Great Controversy has been printed under a number of different titles. It is felt that the title The Great Hope will appeal directly to the hearts and minds of today s readers. The Web site has fully downloadable versions of The Great Controversy in nine languages absolutely free. (See question 5.) Printed copies of the book will be available in the following forms: (1) the classic formats of The Great Controversy or The Triumph of God s Love versions, with 600 plus pages; (2) The Great Hope adapted version, which will have 11 chapters; (3) the children s version, titled Michael Asks Why; and (4) a modern English version, with 300-plus pages, which will also be printed with the title The Great Hope. The various versions have been processed through the Ellen G. White Estate for coordination. For The Great Hope, there may be a number of cover varia- 12 The Literature Evangelist

13 tions, but the two most used covers will be either a depiction of the Second Coming by the artist Nathan Greene or simply the title The Great Hope in the form of a compelling graphic on the cover. In most cases throughout the world, Adventist publishing houses will be doing the printing, and divisions will have latitude to adapt the project versions according to their diverse cultural and geographic circumstances. 2. Why use The Great Controversy instead of another book? Though other books by Ellen White are widely distributed, and with good results, Ellen White wrote: The Great Controversy should be very widely circulated. It contains the story of the past, the present, and the future.... I am more anxious to see a wide circulation for this book than for any others I have written; for in The Great Controversy, the last message of warning to the world is given more distinctly than in any of my other books (Colporteur Ministry, p. 127). With the present political and global turmoil, the message of this book contains the inspired urgency appropriate for this time. 3. How should The Great Controversy be distributed? Again, the ideal is for members to distribute the book personto-person. Others may want to distribute it by putting copies in public places or by mailing it to targeted areas or to specific addresses. Some may be impressed to sponsor large-quantity distributions in parts of the world where the need is great. Interested persons can request a copy of the book via the Web site or by contacting church entities. (See question 5.) 4. What is the desired or expected outcome of this Enthusiastic supporters of the GCP include (from left) GC Publishing Ministries director Howard Faigao, GC president Ted Wilson, GC general VP Armando Miranda, GC Publishing Ministries assoc. director Wilmar Hirle, and Review and Herald Publishing Assn. president Mark Thomas. project? The desired outcome is for there to be a clear and unambiguous witness about what God s Word says concerning our times and the great controversy now taking place. The Great Controversy will provide understanding in light of Bible prophecy and spiritual truth. More specifically, the sincere desire is for light to be shed upon the hearts of all readers, whether they are overtly pursuing an interest in God s whole truth or not. Either way, as we conduct the program with tact and prayer, a tremendously broad-based witness will be made. 5. How can I help? The program needs the help of every church member, minister, literature evangelist, leader, and interested person. You can help by praying for the project and the people who receive the book. You can especially help by participating in the personal distribution program, in which you meet people one-on-one and offer them the free blessing of a copy of the book. We recommend that you visit the following Web sites for more information: (1) thegreathope.org, providing general information; and (2) greatcontroversyproject.adventist.org, the project planners site. The gigantic global program is outlined on this second site, with specifics on how to understand it and become a part of this dynamic outreach. Just think of the impact of more than 100 million of these wonderful books being placed into the hands of people around the world! May God s richest blessings be upon all of us as we link hands throughout the world for a powerful and unified distribution of this book, a volume that is sure to touch hearts and lead people to receive Christ as their personal Savior. Delbert W. Baker, A General Vice President of the GC, and Coordinator of the Great Controversy Project, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 13

14 P rofessional Growth By Vivencio R. Bermudez Turning a Customer Into a Business Partner Successful selling is based on a good and cordial relationship between the literature evangelist and the customer. A good sales transaction should not be a one-time event, but the beginning of a permanent relationship with a new customer. Consider these 10 ways to help turn a customer into a business partner. 1. Extend free service in time of need. Literature evangelists can perform a Christian service in the form of comfort or encouragement to a customer in a time of sickness, emergency, or other need. 2. Give tangible thanks and appreciation. A customer is delighted to receive a letter or certificate of appreciation indicating that he or she has in one way or another contributed to the success of the sales representative. 3. Contact the customer occasionally outside of the selling time. Connect with the customer by personal oral or written communication about other important matters of interest to the customer. At those times, do not even mention your usual selling agenda. 4. Remember the customer s special dates. It pays to take note of special occasions that relate to the customer. Send him or her best wishes and greetings on birthdays, wedding anniversaries, etc. It costs little money, but it pays dividends. 5. Offer something free. At times, give a gift a souvenir or some other incentive item just to show that you care personally and are interested in the customer as much more than a source of sales. This builds a sound relationship. 6. Invite the customer to a special program. Cordially invite the customer to a special church program, such as a concert, a cooking demonstration, or other function that would entertain, enlighten, or do both. Provide a brief description of the program. 7. Build trust and confidence. There are times when you can leave your book with a good customer without demanding payment at once just to show your trust and confidence. Trust begets trust. 8. Present a patronage and courtesy citation. For a long-term and good-paying customer, give a plaque of appreciation issued by the office management. This can boost morale and encourage ongoing patronage. 9. Deal honestly with the customer. In all things major and minor show that you are not taking advantage of situations, but that you are genuinely interested in the customer s welfare and concerns. 10. Pray regularly for your customer. Whether or not customers allow you to pray for them in their presence, do pray for them regularly on your own. They will be secretly blessed and will be receptive at your next visit with a new product. In such ways as these, people become not only customers but also business partners. By God s grace it can be done! Vivencio R. Bermudez, Director, Publishing Ministries Department, Southern Asia-Pacific Division 14 The Literature Evangelist

15 P astoral Perspective By Johnny Murison The LE Ministry Enhances My Pastoral Ministry When I graduated from college and began my pastoral ministry, I was placed in the western region of the metropolitan area of Sydney, called the Western Suburbs. There was already an established literature evangelist (LE) program in that area, which has the highest Indigenous population in New South Wales. An LE working in the area of my church at Mount Druitt started gathering a list of people interested in studying the Bible. Most of the people on the list were Aboriginal, and being an Aboriginal myself, I found it easy to contact them. The very first contact I made through the LE follow-up program became baptized a year later. Today she still loves God and is dedicated to Him. At the Mount Druitt church alone, 10 LE contacts were baptized, and these converts are eagerly sharing their faith with their friends. I see their hard work, and it inspires me to do the same! The LE work has enhanced my ministry through increased baptisms, new friends, and dedicated colleagues. In the Western Suburbs I worked to set up a Literature Evangelist Follow-up Team. It consisted of a new pastor, two canvassers, a Bible worker, the head elder, the women s ministries leader, a Bible teacher, Pastor Murison and the LE Follow-up Team and me as director. As we met together we prayed over each name received, and we dedicated ourselves to appoint the appropriate people to visit each of the contacts. Our work expanded, and another Bible worker was added. This team was very effective. As more Bible studies were conducted, more decisions for Christ were reached, and more members were added. What makes this an effective ministry? The elements of fervent prayer, genuineness in relationships, and personalized LE work combined with giving Bible studies. Our LEs looked beyond the not-unimportant financial aspects of their sales to the greater goal of souls to be saved! We found that we needed patience in this team effort, because not everyone moves in their spiritual journey at the same pace. While some move rapidly, others are yet a work in progress. We excel at giving encouragement to one another in this work that has its highs and lows. This ministry is a bridge to build lifelong relationships with those who want a better lifestyle for their families and children. The LE work has been a massive success in the Western Suburbs of Sydney, and I believe it will continue to be as long as all the necessary ingredients are in place. There is urgency. The publications sent forth from our printing houses are to prepare a people to meet God. Throughout the world they are to do the same work that was done by John the Baptist for the Jewish nation (Colporteur Ministry, p. 3). My ministry began with following up LE contacts, and I have no doubt that the LE work will continue to win souls and strengthen the awareness of God s love in these last days. Being involved in and with this ministry is both fruitful and exciting! Johnny Murison, Pastor, Greater Sydney Conference, Australia 15

16 Literature Evangelist Summary Report PUBLISHING MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT General Conference of SDA As of June 30, 2011 Reporting Organization Publishing Leaders No. of Literature Evangelists Total Sales in US$ No. of Books & Magazines Sold Free Literature Given Prayers Offered No. of Homes Visited Interests Contacted for Bible Studies LE Contacts Baptized FT PT Total FT & PT STU* East-Central Africa (ECD) 169 2,502 2,496 4, $ 2,894, , , , , ,319 18,889 Euro-Africa (EUD) $ 3,478, ,508 52,533 2,233 38,898 2,174 9 Euro-Asia (ESD) ,339 1, $ 1,187, , ,698 24, , Inter-American (IAD) 168 1,758 2,112 3,870 4,083 $ 8,254, , , , ,280 61,592 2,021 North American (NAD) ,985 $ 5,715, , , , ,465 10, Northern Asia-Pacific (NSD) $ 2,189, ,559 1,023,023 14, ,134 2, South American (SAD) 309 2, ,966 9,983 $ 42,104, ,932, , ,568 1,932,598 93,308 1,768 South Pacific (SPD) $ 1,177, ,828 10, , Southern Africa-Indian Ocean (SID) 90 1, , $ 2,412, , , , ,899 43,588 5,029 Southern Asia (SUD) $ 92, , ,019 29, ,519 1, Southern Asia-Pacific (SSD) 265 2,833 1,534 4,367 1,726 $ 3,321, , , ,139 1,680, ,738 8,247 Trans-European (TED) $ 876, ,086 21, , West-Central Africa (WAD) 52 1, ,154 1,047 $ 1,489, ,007 72,599 93,293 96,823 18, Grand Total 1,367 14,184 10,779 24,963 19,940 $ 75,194, ,246,226 4,375,589 2,879,287 6,553, ,963 36,704 *The Student LE figure is based on Student Annual Report. The number of LE students is reported only once a year in December.