BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PUBLISHING MINISTRY

“God has ordained the canvassing work as a means of presenting before the people the light contained in our books. This is the very work the Lord would have his people do at this time.” (Colporteur Ministry p. 6)

THE VISION

The Publishing program of the Seventh-day Adventist church is anchored on the vision that God gave to Ellen G. White on November 18, 1848 at Dorchester, Massachusetts.

RESPONSES TO THE VISION

By the summer 1849, James White’s burden to start a little paper in “defense of truth” was so great that he decided to mow hay to earn printing expenses. EG White was instructed in vision that it was not James’ duty to labor in the hayfield. He was to write and publish. As they stepped out in faith, funds would be provided to meet publication needs.

THE FIRST PAPER

The first official SDA magazine was an eight-page paper, entitled “The Present Truth.” In July 1849, a printer in middle town, connectcut, agreed to print 1, 000 copies of the first issue on credit. This first number was devoted mainly to the Sabbath truth.

THE FIRST LITERATURE DISTRIBUTION

The precious sheets were brought into Albert Beldens in Rocky Hill, connectcut, where the Whites were living. The papers were folded, wrapped, and addressed to individuals who might be expected to read them with open minds. They knelt around the papers and with humble hearts and many tears, besought the Lord to let His blessings rest upon these printed messengers of truth.

After much prayer, James and Ellen White put those mails into a carpet-bag and carried them on foot to the middle town post office.

The publishing work was established in great sacrifice. Inspite of adversities and some opposition that brought discouragement to James and Ellen White, God instructed them to move forward.

THE BEGINNING OF PUBLIC SELLING

At a camp meeting in Wright, Michigan, in 1868. J. O Corliss set up a display of literature for sale to the public. He surprised everyone by finding that many people purchased our literature. This was the beginning of public selling.

The house to house literature evangelism was started by a humble and simple man, George King a young Canadian in 1870.

MISSION OF THE PUBLISHING MINISTRY

• Literature Evangelism is a means of bringing souls to Christ
• To make truth clear and plain
• Means of quickly giving the message
• To prepare a people to meet God. The publications sent forth from our printing houses are to prepare a people to meet God. --- 7T p 139.
• To nurture and strengthen the believers. The printed page is essential, not only in awakening people to the importance of the truth for this time but in rooting and grounding them in the truth and establishing them against deceptive error.--- 6T p 315

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evangelism – To reach out to those who are still in darkness and bring them to Christ.
• Nurturing – It’s our duty to care for believers in Christ by providing the truth contained in our literature.
• Health life style – To provide quality health life style as promoted in our publications. It is the right hand of our message.
• Character development – We are committed to providing quality information that brings development of good life style and make our society a better place to live in.
• Responsible family life style – Our function is to provide in families balanced information so that every house hold member is taken care of.

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