A group of ten young people, ages 18 to 25, joined the Youth and Student Literature Evangelism program in the Western Australian Conference (WAC). During two weeks in January, the young evangelists were divided between Bunbury, Busselton, and Harvey, where they went from door to door, selling books for a donation. From January 3–18, the group distributed 1,746 books, more than 1,000 of which were copies of Steps to Christ. 

Brenton Lowe, Literature Ministry coordinator for Australia and New Zealand, explains that the program’s primary purpose is to engage young people in sharing their faith, growing spiritually, developing people skills, and being part of the mission in their own backyard. 

Literature evangelism, fundamental for the development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia, is still a relevant outreach method.

“The first church in WA was established through literature evangelists selling books. And it still continues to be a simple way that people share their faith,” said Lowe.

With experience in canvassing, Rachael Lowe and Caleb Hodgkinson were the two young leaders of the group. They both have full-time jobs but found a way to pass on their experience to others. “I love canvassing! This program helped me to see a dream become a reality—of being able to allow other young people to experience what I love to do,” Rachael said.

During the two weeks that Rachael led the project, she was amazed by how God led in numerous circumstances. “It was incredible seeing God’s clear providence, leading every one of them to meet the right people and give them the right books at the right time, and to say the right words,” she said.

The young people shared many stories of knocking on the door of someone who was already expecting them and bought a book. “There were so many incredible experiences that they couldn’t wait for testimony time to share what happened during the day,” said Hodgkinson.

Through visitations, prayers, and distributed books, the young literature evangelists brought hope to numerous people and also grew personally. “I love how the program made people blossom,” said Paul Bodor, WAC Literature Ministry leader and coordinator of the program. “It’s not just us blessing the community with good books, but the people doing the work grow in it as well. I really appreciated seeing personal journeys and personal growth in people’s walk with God.”

According to Brenton Lowe, future plans include expanding the program to other conferences in Australia to engage more young people in literature ministry.

“You don’t need to be a preacher. You just need to be a friend and open to sharing a piece of literature and continue being their friend while the book speaks hope into their hearts,” said Lowe.

If you want to learn more about literature ministry or get involved, click here.

This article was originally published on the website of Adventist Record