More than 34 years ago, while I was working at Christian Literature Centre (CBCNEI) Guwahati I took Books to sell at the Annual Conferences at Kohima and Pfutsero. Many people purchased Christian Books. But on Sunday buyers were very few. One elder told me, “Our people do not believe buying Bibles on Sunday.” We had a good laughter. I thought it was a joke, but it was a fact.
Even today many Naga Christians do not like seeing someone selling books on Sunday after Worship services. I want all Christians, especially leaders to read the book, “There is Dynamite in Literature” by George Verwer, the Former Founder & Director of Operation Mobilization International. He himself was converted by reading the Gospel of John sent to him by a lady. He also wrote about the conversion of Bakht Singh by reading Bible. I have come across some young people in Tripura who accepted Jesus and became Christians after reading the story of Sadhu Sundar Sing, a small piece of literature distributed by the volunteers the Discipleship Centre way back in 1974-75.
Let us reflect on some of these few facts. (i) There are many nominal Christians in our society. They are to be nurtured with the words of God. A Pastor’s Messages alone can not win many souls. The good messages we heard in worship service die down slowly, within the week, before next Sunday. We should encourage members to read the Words of God and other Christian literatures. (ii) All know that books are available at book stores. But all have no time to go to book store just for a piece of literature. Even when one goes there he finds difficulty to choose one good book in the midst of several thousand books (iii) Not all Pastors have ideas about the latest publications available in the market. But some Christians know about it and they also can sell books. Encourage them to sell selected literatures after Worship services at the Church premises just for half an hour or so. (iv) Never think that such book selling is a money business only. Of course, the seller needs some income for his travel, living and to get more literature. Selling Bibles and other Christian literatures is very much a part of Evangelism.
Let us encourage all Christians to continue learning, preaching and teaching. Christian literatures are good tools to learn more about spiritual life. God told the Prophet Habakkuk, “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it” (Hab.2:2 NRSV) Many gifted Preachers and writers have written their visions. One can read those messages and be enlightened and strengthened. Let Church members too have the privilege of buying Bibles and selected books in our own Church premises after the worship service. Many Gifted Preachers will not come to our Church; but their messages are available in printed books. Let them have the privilege of reading the messages of Gifted Preachers who have gone long ago and those who are alive but not seen. When you get a new dress or any item you show it to your friends. Reading is another source of knowledge and power. Let us share the blessings gained by reading books. May God bless us all.
Rev. K. Somi
Retd. Pastor
