Publishing Ministries Holds Prayer Session
by Almir Marroni | Publishing Ministries Director, General Conference
On March 30, 2020, General Conference (GC) Publishing Ministries held a Publishing Prayer Session via Zoom with publishing house representatives, division Publishing Ministries directors, as well as Chinese Union Mission, Middle East, and North Africa Union Publishing directors. The prayer session’s purpose was to intercede on behalf of literature evangelism in the world during times of isolation because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Billy Biaggi, GC vice president and Publishing Ministries advisor, and Almir Marroni, GC Publishing director, shared messages from the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, encouraging leaders to cling to God’s promises and depend on Him.
Then time was dedicated for a prayer on behalf of our publishing houses, literature evangelists (LEs), and for the millions of books that have already been distributed and are sitting on shelves in homes around the world. Leaders claimed the fulfillment of Ellen White’s words: “Time will come when these books will be sought for and read. Sickness or misfortune may enter the home, and through the truth contained in the books God sends to troubled hearts peace and hope and rest” (Colporteur Ministry, p. 150).
The second hour of the meeting was dedicated to brainstorming new sales methods that can be providential when LEs are in self-isolation. Publishing leaders shared some encouraging news from literature evangelists who use social media and other online methods to reach clients even when personal contact is impossible.
Several publishing houses are sharing free literature online, such as Sabbath School guides, daily devotionals, materials for children, and other free resources for church members.
Other meetings will take place in the near future to follow up on how literature distribution is happening during the worldwide coronavirus lockdown.
Please keep our publishing houses, literature evangelists, and the mission of our books in your prayers.
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Philippines Hosts Literature Evangelist Convention
by Almir Marroni | Publishing Ministries Director, General Conference
A visit to three unions in the Philippines was organized from March 2-14 by Rey Cabañero, Publishing Ministries director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. The first stop of the Publishing Ministries tour was in the city of Boracay in the Central Philippine Union Conference. From Boracay we proceed to the North Philippine Union Conference territory, where we visited the construction site of the Philippine Publishing House, planned for inauguration at the end of the year.
Then, guided by Mario Pallaya, Publishing Ministries director of the North Philippine Union Conference, we proceeded to Baguio, a picturesque city located in a beautiful mountain region 1,500 meters above sea level. There we addressed a message of encouragement to a group of literature evangelists (LEs) who sell books in the region.
The third stop was to the City of General Santos in the island of Mindanao. The South Philippine Union Conference held a literature evangelist convention, organized by Nildo Mamac, union Publishing director, and his team of Publishing leaders.
The inspiring meetings featured the participation of LEs who traveled from different regions of Mindanao, some of whom traveled more than 12 hours to attend the convention. Despite the long trip, literature evangelists were enthusiastic and joyful for the opportunity to fellowship with colleagues and share testimonies.
One of the highlights of the LE convention was the recognition of ministry of outstanding LEs and leaders. Among them were several who have dedicated decades of their lives to selling our publications. Also in attendance was a vibrant group of youth who are part of the Dreaming High Project.
Dreaming High Project has three main objectives for pre-college youth: first, to engage young people in missionary work as they visit people to share our publications; second, to provide a talent developing activity in which youth learn how to approach people and persuade them to purchase books; and third, to provide a means for our youth to earn money for college tuition.
During the convention, the Dreaming High group of LEs from the South Philippine Union was recognized for leading the entire country in sales.
Then, Almir Marroni, Publishing Ministries director for the General Conference, proceeded to the City of Butuan along with pastors Rey Cabañero and Nildo Mamac, where they led an evangelistic campaign that ended on March 14 with more than 150 people baptized.
Praise the Lord for our dedicated LEs and Publishing Ministries leaders in the Philippines. May our Lord continue to bless their ministry and keep them safe and protected.
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LEs in Mexico Break Sales Record Amid Covid-19 Crisis
by Cley Gómez | Publishing Ministries Associate Director, Campeche Mission, Mexico
I recently had the opportunity to go canvassing with Joel Hernández and Abersain Gómez, two literature evangelists from the Campeche Mission in southeast Mexico.
Our goal as we went out was to pray with clients and strengthen their trust in God. But God, who knows all things and is in control of His children, allowed us to offer them materials that would meet their needs.
 
To God’s glory (and to our surprise), by the end of the day we had book sales totaling $224,000 pesos (US$11,000). Among the books we sold were The Conflict of the Ages series, The Bible Story set, The Family Bible, Healthy Plants, and Healthy Juices.
We praise God for what He does for us during difficult times. He has 1,001 ways to supply our needs.
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Caribbean Union Holds Publishing Safari
by Stephen Apola | Publishing Ministries Associate Director, General Conference
A Publishing Safari was held in the Caribbean Union from February 20-23 and from March 7-14. The safari was a historic trek across four countries in the Caribbean: St. Croix, Trinidad, Guyana, and Barbados. The theme Cast Deeper—I Will Go corresponded with the objective to recruit new literature evangelists as we cast deeper and provide training and resources for Publishing Ministries directors, literature evangelists, Publishing coordinators, Personal Ministry leaders, and pastors.
Seminars were conducted by Super Moesi, Publishing Ministries director of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division; Judith Smith, Publishing director of the Caribbean Union; Dudley Hosin, Publishing director of the Jamaica Union, Renisca Mutueel, Publishing director of the Curaçao Conference; Durwin Clarke, Publishing director of the South Caribbean Conference; and Roosevelt Haynes, Publishing director of the East Caribbean Conference.
The purpose of the Safari was to rekindle enthusiasm for Publishing Ministries in the lives of members and their churches. The union-wide event sought to underscore that publishing is still relevant in the decade ahead. Publishing continues to play a vital role in the evangelistic life of the church through sharing, giving, and selling. The event was designed to engage both members and literature evangelists, since we are all tasked with the responsibility to warn others of the return of Jesus Christ.
As a result of the Safari, we are confident that there will be greater awareness, appreciation, and commitment for Publishing Ministries. Directors, administrators, pastors, literature evangelists, and other attendees recommitted themselves to move the work forward. In the East Caribbean Conference, 50 members responded to the call to full and part-time literature ministry.
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Bank in Colombia Recommends The Great Controversy
by Viviene Martinelli | Publishing Ministries Editorial Assistant, General Conference
On March 31, 2020, a large bank in Colombia (Banco Agrario de Colombia) posted on its Facebook page a list of 36 recommended books to read during the coronavirus quarantine.
The first book on the list is The Great Controversy, by Ellen G. White. Aside from the Bible at number 19, all other recommended books are secular in nature. The post got 975 likes and was shared by more than 1,800 people. Many users commented to support the number-one recommended book and encouraged others to read it. What an unusual way to reach people for God’s kingdom!
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