'“Publications must be multiplied, and scattered like the leaves of autumn. These silent messengers are enlightening and molding the minds of thousands in every country and in every clime.” (Review and Herald, Nov. 21, 1878. {CM 5.2})

After a five-year Signs distribution plan, church members in Japan wished to continue the magazine contact evangelism through 2006. In 2001, the Adventist Church in Japan launched the ‘Signs of Times Magazine Contact Evangelism’ as a five year evangelistic project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Signs of Times magazine.

As the five year project is coming to an end, the Japan Union Conference Publishing Ministries Department did a survey collecting responses from local churches. Most of church members shared their experiences saying that they could expand evangelistic opportunities through the distribution of the Signs Magazine because of the personal contacts.

According to replies from the 81 churches returning the questionnaire, 61 (75%) responded that their church members wanted to continue the distribution activity. 57 (70%) reported that more than half of participants delivered magazines to people in person. 176 people subscribed for the magazine after they were given a free copy. It is about 2.2 per church.

From the survey, there were many positive comments regarding the results of these activities. Some churches reported that one out of 5 recipients who are living nearby the church attended the church. “Through the magazines, people’s relations are better, they gather at church and talk to each other easily, and naturally sharing their difficulties and health,” said some replies.

* Source: Adventist Life, The Japan Union Paper of Seventh-day Adventists, October 2005, Vol 91, No 10