“There are many places in which the voice of the minister cannot be heard, places which can be reached only by our publications, — the books, papers, and tracts filled with the Bible truths that the people need. Our literature is to be distributed everywhere. The truth is to be sown beside all waters; for we know not which will prosper, this, or that. In our erring judgment we may think it unwise to give literature to the very ones who would accept the truth the most readily. We know not what may be that results of giving away a leaflet containing present truth.”

—Colporteur Ministry, p.4

the mission

youth rush is a student literature ministries program that has been a part of Washington Conference since the summer of 2010. Each summer young people come together to experience the power of God in mighty ways as they go from door to door in the cities and towns of western Washington. The books students carry cover a range of topics including health, spiritual growth, and moral values for children. The product line has even expanded to include three DVDs.

The day of a student literature evangelist begins with time for devotions and breakfast, followed by a group song service and Bible study. When they hit the field, they’re ready to canvass the rich and poor, and the results have been outstanding. Made possible by a generous donation, Youth Rush expanded this summer to include two locations. We would like to thank Auburn City Church, Puget Sound Adventist Academy, Transformation Life Center, North Cascade Adventist Church & Skagit Adventist School, and many other locations that graciously allowed us to use their facilities to further the work of spreading the gospel through the printed page.

God has undoubtedly bestowed a rich blessing on us this summer. We invite you to praise the Lord with us as we look at the numbers, the teams, and the stories of Washington Youth Rush 2012.

the numbers

of books were en español

in donations provide approximately $130,000 of outside funding for Adventist education

books left in homes for donations22,210

books were The Great Controversy (11,248 were Steps to Christ)1,096

6.5%$190,000+

total pieces of literature distributed

seventy sixthousando

ve

r

if you laid out all the literature distributed end-

to-end, it would cover 6.85 miles

baptismstwo

weeks canvassingten

cities and towns visited, and over 200,000 doors knocked on.

one hundred fifty three

young people participatedforty six

Back row: Ashley Miller*, John Miller II*, Christin Bange, Nathan Bange, Austin Miller, Lynnette King, Beth Esselbach, Janelle Glass, Dalia Reyes, Kirsten Boyd, Michelle Kinjo, Kirsten Walker, Sabrina Petersen, Rodrick London Front Row: Komar King, Mikias Shamebo, Seth Juergensen, Eric Tirado*, Amir Davis, Laressa Farnsworth, Robert Koorenny* Not Pictured: Laura Gren* (Leaders = *)

the teams

Back row: Joseph Jefford*, David Morales, Matthew West, Andrea Aguire, Katie Juergens, Ether Gow-Lee, Natasha Natansai, Jesse Norris, Jessica Hererra, Erica Luis*, Krista Walter Middle Row: Eugene Barajas*, Erika Mikkelson, Corie Butler, Julissa Ledezma Front row: Krantzy Boursiquot, T.J. Wagenkenect, E.J. Fernandez Not Pictured: Raquel Torres*, Eric Louw (Leaders = *)

the teams

the stories

Lynnette and Ashley were canvassing one day in Bellevue, and they met a lady who initially wasn’t interested in buying anything. However, when she found out that they had Christian books, her curiosity was piqued and she proceeded to invite them in so she could see what they had. It turns out that she was a Pentecostal and loved to study the Bible. Ashley and Lynnette told her that they were Christian, too, and started to show the books. After canvassing on a few books, the lady stopped and showed them a book she had been reading recently. Much to their surprise, they saw a very old copy of the Desire of Ages on her desk. She bought it 30 years ago at a garage sale and had read it countless times.

She absolutely loved it! The girls told her that if she loved the Desire of Ages that she would certainly love Steps to Christ and Christ’s Object Lessons. The woman was thrilled to get more good books like the Desire of Ages. Before they left, Ashley and Lynnette prayed with the woman and encouraged her in her walk with Christ.

As a seed-planting ministry, many times the literature that we distribute, whether in a Youth Rush program, or just passing out a tract, can seem like it does no good. That old Desire of Ages book, however, shows us that behind closed doors there are many who are holding preciously the literature that contains such important truths, and are being prepared for another time when they will be visited by another gospel worker like Lynnette and Ashley. Colporteur Ministry tells us that with the circulation of our literature, demand actually increases right along with it. Literaure distribution is both a simple and powerfully effective way to share the faith that God has given to us, and there are many who will cherish the bread of life they find and read it for years and years to come.

unity This summer’s Youth Rush team brought together a variety of students from different cultures to experience powerful results in ministry

Long before Sabrina began Youth Rush, she began praying for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of the people that she would meet. She did in fact see God at work, as she met countless people who were genuinely searching for the truth. One such experience took place in Mill Creek, Washington, when she met a woman named Leeza. Leeza had been trying to be healthier and loved the cookbook and went to find money for it. As soon as she came back to the door, Sabrina felt impressed by the Holy Spirit to show her Steps to Christ and The Great Controversy. After telling Leeza a little bit about each book, Leeza asked what church Sabrina attended.

“The Seventh-day Adventist church,” she proudly answered.“Yes, but what location?” As she told her where she fellowshipped, Sabrina came to find out that Leeza had previously visited

her own home church at one point. Leeza, not currently an Adventist, told Sabrina she had downloaded Ellen White’s writings on her phone and had some other Seventh-day Adventist books she was currently reading.

Sabrina was amazed to find someone who had actually visited her church and who had read some of our Adventist books. Sabrina left Leeza with the Great Controversy, Angels Among Us, and our 7 Secrets cookbook. This divine appointment reminded Sabrina of the verse found in John 4:35 which says, ““Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest?’ Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” This experience gave Sabrina evidence that the harvest is truly ready and that God is working in powerful ways!

Mikias, a senior at Auburn Adventist Academy, was praying for divine appointments, when he met a lady. He showed her Steps to Christ and told her how it would help her get to know God better as a friend. He also presented Christ’s Object Lessons to her and told her how it would bring the parables of Christ to life. As she saw the books her face lit up and she said, “You’re like an angel that’s come in answer to my prayers.” The woman paused for a moment and then told Mikias how she had just been praying to be able to have a deeper relationship with God and to study His word deeper. As she went to get her donation for the books, Mikias prayed that God would impress her to get three books. By God’s grace she was able to get those two books as well as the Messiah (a modern paraphrase of The Desire of Ages). Mikias believes with all His heart that God gave him just the right words to say and brought him at just the perfect time to reach this woman who was longing for a deeper relationship with God.

see moreWatch more Youth Rush stories on video by scanning the QR code or by visiting our YouTube channel:

youtube.com/washingtonyouthrush

People everywhere are hungering and thirsting for something deeper than what society will give to them. They’re on your street, maybe in your office, pumping gas right beside or behind you. We have great opportunities to share what God has given to us. Evangelism, p.161, says “There is a great need of men who can use the press to the best advantage, that the truth may be given wings to speed it to every nation, and tongue, and people.” Let’s give the gospel wings through the printed page!

Thank YouThanks for all the support you give to the Youth Rush

program through prayer, words of encouragement, and financial contributions. To learn more, visit us online.

www.washingtonconference.org/yr