What should be scattered? It is literature that presents the everlasting gospel and the unique, urgent, and final messages God is giving to the last inhabitants of the earth. It should be intensely interesting while at the same time containing real messages of truth.

Specific Objectives of Our Literature—Our publishing work was established by the direction of God and under His special supervision. It was designed to accomplish a specific purpose. Seventh-day Adventists have been chosen by God as a peculiar people, separate from the world. By the great cleaver of truth He has cut them out from the quarry of the world, and brought them into connection with Himself. He has made them His representatives, and has called them to be ambassadors for Him in the last work of salvation. The greatest wealth of truth ever entrusted to mortals, the most solemn and fearful warnings ever sent by God to man, have been committed to them to be given to the world; and in the accomplishment of this work our publishing houses are among the most effective agencies…. (CW 178.1).

Leaves of autumn Isaiah 40:8

Who? How? Where?

Scattering literature is a way to reach many people who would otherwise not hear the truth. During this stage, we may not see much fruit because this is the seed-planting stage. The fruit will surely come later.

Successful Soul-Saving Ministry—The canvassing work, properly conducted, is missionary work of the highest order, and it is as good and successful a method as can be employed for placing before the people the important truths for this time. The importance of the work of the ministry is unmistakable; but many who are hungry for the bread of life have not the privilege of hearing the word from God's delegated preachers. For this reason it is essential that our publications be widely circulated. Thus the message will go where the living preacher cannot go, and the attention of many will be called to the important events connected with the closing scenes of this world's history. (CM 6.1).

Scattering literature like the leaves of autumn does not necessarily mean to literally sprinkle tracts around wherever we go. We are not called to litter. This work should be done with much prayer. What should we pray for?

• Pray that you will be filled with the Holy Spirit
• Pray that God gives you an intense desire for saving souls
• Pray that God prepares people's hearts in advance before you meet them
• Pray that God sends the angels and the Holy Spirit to convict hearts
• Pray that God gives you discernment

When young men take up the canvassing work filled with an intense longing to save their fellow men, they will see souls converted. From their work a harvest for the Lord will be reaped. Then let them go forth as missionaries to circulate present truth, praying constantly for increased light and knowledge, that they may know how to speak words in season to those that are weary. They should improve every opportunity for doing a deed of kindness, remembering that thus they are doing errands for the Lord…. In their work they should always take some health books with them; for health reform is the right hand of the message. (ChS 153.1).

With literature distribution, we should learn how to incorporate other elements such as:

• Medical ministry
• Deeds of kindness
• Encouraging words
• Prayer

These actions can soften the hearts of the people and prepare them to more readily accept the words of truth.

No Higher Work—There is no higher work than evangelistic canvassing, for it involves the performance of the highest moral duties. Those who engage in this work need always to be under the control of the Spirit of God. There must be no exalting of self. What have any of us that we did not receive from Christ? We must love as brethren, revealing our love by helping one another. We must be pitiful and courteous. We must press together, drawing in even cords. Only those who live the prayer of Christ, working it out in practical life, will stand the test that is to come upon all the world. Those who exalt self place themselves in Satan's power, preparing to receive his deceptions. The word of the Lord to His people is that we lift the standard higher and still higher. If we obey His voice, He will work with us, and our efforts will be crowned with success. In our work we shall receive rich blessings from on high and shall lay up treasure beside the throne of God. (CM 12.1).

Medical missionary work is often the opening wedge. Consider the needs of the community. Consider starting the work with distributing health-related literature.

The canvassing work, properly carried on, is missionary work of the highest order, and is as good and successful a work as can be done in placing before the people the important truths for this time. The importance of the work of the ministry is unmistakable; but there are many who, though hungry for the bread of life, have not the privilege of hearing the truth from the lips of God's delegated preachers. For this reason it is essential that the publications containing these important matters be placed before the people, that the truth given us of God may go where the living preacher cannot go. In this way the attention of many will be called to the important events which are to occur in the closing scenes of this world's history. God has ordained the canvassing work as a means of presenting before the people the light which is contained in these books, and canvassers should have impressed upon them the fact that the work of bringing before the world as fast as possible the books which are necessary for their spiritual education and enlightenment is the very work the Lord would have them to do at this time. We cannot too highly estimate this work; for were it not for the work of the canvasser, many would never hear the truth. (AUCR April 1, 1901, par. 1).