Every missionary contact by one of God's evangels, whether minister or layman, should point some soul to the distinctive message which only the Seventh-day Adventists proclaim. After the first verbal message is delivered, it is always wise to leave a printed message if such a message is in one's possession. This piece of literature should be mailed if it cannot be delivered in person. Concerning giving a message and leaving a message, we have been told, "You should go forth with your hands filled with proper reading matter, and your heart filled with the love of God."—Evangelism, p. 159.
Having enjoyed the blessing of five summers of canvassing, I would naturally believe in literature as a major help in giving the gospel. The truth can change the heart only as the mind is led logically and thoroughly to comprehend the Word of God. In a Bible study we create and begin to develop a truth in a receptive mind. Good literature finishes the task.
Recently I mailed out 65o letters to radio listeners, telling them of my change to another station. I added a Present Truth to each letter since the postage would be no more. In the last eighteen months we have circulated too,000 cards telling of the radio broadcast and Bible correspondence courses. Along with these we scattered about 25,000 pieces of literature. Many got our box number from the radio card and wrote for more literature. We put a radio card into each piece of literature and made certain that the rack in the back of the church was well supplied each Sabbath.
'When gifts are sent for the radio work, we always send the donor some appropriate book in appreciation. I keep the best interests for baptism in a small file or in my brief case. When I get some new or very appealing piece of literature I mail a copy to each of my choice names.
As pastor I watch for opportunities to buy the best literature for the least outlay. I search closets and attics to see that no bins are bulging with leaflets that ought to be out working. I keep my eye on the church literature rack. If no one else sees that it is filled, I do. I urge the missionary leader to put up public- literature racks. I praise and encourage the hardworking literature distributors, both in private and in public. I point the church to visible results of some brother or sister who is doing effective work. I urge testimonies of success in the missionary meeting.
One brother vowed to cover a whole city with literature. He made this promise to the Lord of his own volition. Some sisters have one whole day a week set aside for literature visiting. When they stir up an interest, I ask them to take care of it. This makes them happy soul winners who are seeing the results of their own labors. I feel that the pastor should accompany literature bands as often as possible, and help in their training.
Within reach of my desk is a file drawer which contains a few copies of each piece of literature that comes my way. These are filed under doctrinal titles. Our literature work is often dead for lack of an organized plan of operation. With this plan it is possible to pick out something on most any topic in a few seconds.
Give a sermon once in a while which shows that it is only pride, coldness, and a Laodicean condition that keeps us from doing more for God through literature. In order to make full proof of our ministry we should use every means within reach.
