Pacific Union Recorder

"I would like eight more books," noted a woman's letter accompanied by a check, "and please send someone to study the Bible with me!" The books she wanted were ones that literature evangelists distributed for donations during the annual Youth Rush program this past summer. "I hope the enclosed $80 will cover it," she added.

Lupe visited the home of two men in Oxnard. When one man said, "I need peace in my life," she told him about the Steps to Christ magabook, suggesting a donation of $10 to $15 dollars. "I can only give $5 for the book," he replied.

"Five dollars will be fine, because of some donations given earlier today," Lupe said.

"I have your $10," he quickly responded. Noting Lupe's surprised look, he explained, "I wanted to see if you cared more about the money or about me having the book. I saw that you cared more about me having the book."

Literature evangelism can change the lives of people who buy the books, and it can also ignite the Spirit's fire in the lives of the young people who work in the program. "This summer's program taught me that it's one thing to be hearers of the Word," said Jordan, a student from Tehachapi. "It's a whole different thing to be doers of the Word."

As the '09 Youth Rush students discovered, there are both spiritual and financial blessings for those willing to step out in faith to distribute free tracts or books for donations to those needing to hear the message of truth. "If you step out as we have, you will find that people are very receptive," Jonathan, a program leader, said. "They are searching for more than this world has to offer."

2009 Summer Youth Rush Statistics

• Message Books Distributed: 22,195
• Total Books Distributed: 26,774
• Bible Study Interests: 215 Total
• Personal Studies: 85
• Correspondence Studies: 130
• Donations Received: $171,094
• Money provided for Adventist Education: $85,000
• Homes Visited: approx. 185,000
• Students involved: 40+