Why do objections arise? Because the work is not understood as it should be.

Jesus repeatedly referenced written Scriptures. We should not decide in advance who will read and who will not read. God can create a willingness to read when literature is presented. But if no literature is presented, what will they desire to read? What God has clearly commanded us to do, let us not neglect because of our human reasoning.

The third angel’s message is to be given through this medium and through the living teacher. CM 4.2

We do not dispute that many African cultures are largely oral rather than written. But this fact does not diminish the importance of literature. People will read what interests them. Try to calculate how much time you or your friends on social media, some of which is pictures and some of which is reading. We don't have a problem reading what interests us.

Let more time be given to the publication and circulation of books containing present truth. Call attention to books dwelling on practical faith and godliness and to those that treat on the prophetic word. The people are to be educated to read the sure word of prophecy in the light of the living oracles. They need to know that the signs of the times are fulfilling. PM 95.1

The discourses given in the desk would be far more effective if reading matter were circulated, educating the hearers in the doctrines of the Bible. God will make many willing to read, but there will also be many who will refuse to see or hear anything upon the present truth. But we should not even think these cases beyond hope, for Christ is drawing many to Himself…. You should go forth with your hands filled with proper reading matter, and your heart filled with the love of God. (Ev 159.2).

I have a deep interest that all our people in all languages shall receive a large measure of the grace of our lord Jesus Christ. We are living in the last days, and there is a large work to be done among the people of all languages. Therefore every soul that believes the truth for this time, whatever his country or speech, should have an intelligent knowledge of the truths of the third angel’s message, that he may be able to do an intelligent work for God. The Lord will open the understanding of all who will come into right relation to Him. If you will search the Scriptures, and will walk humbly with God, you will find that there will come to you an understanding of the Word, and you will receive power to do a work for God. The Scriptures that our brother has read to you show that a mighty power is at work in our world, and that heaven will co-operate with those who will do the work of the Lord. (24LtMs, Ms 77, 1909, par. 7).

Those who come to our restaurants should be supplied with reading matter. Leaflets treating on the lessons of Christ should be given them. The burden of supplying this reading matter should be shared by all our people. All who come should be given something to read. It may be that many will leave the tract unread, but one among those in whose hands you place it may be searching for light. He will read and study what you give him, and then, perhaps will pass it on to others. (4MR 284.1).

We must teach them to read God's word, or they will become the ready dupes of false shepherds that misinterpret the Scriptures and that manufacture doctrines and teach traditions which will lead them into the paths of perdition. (SWk 32.1).

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. CM 5.2

The Lord has declared that these books are to be scattered throughout the world. There is in them truth which to the receiver is a savor of life unto life. They are silent witnesses for God. In the past they have been the means in His hands of convicting and converting many souls. Many have read them with eager expectation, and, by reading them, have been led to see the efficacy of Christ’s atonement, and to trust in its power. PM 354.1

A person states this objection when he does not comprehend the value of a soul. We should confuse cost with value. Many things that are free have immeasurable value. Air is free, yet being deprived of air means rapid death. A “free” tract may be the means of leading a person to Jesus and eternal life.

We think publishing is expensive when we forget about history when people were willing to pay three years' salary to buy one copy of a Bible. (See From Dark Ages to Light.)

For a deeper look, read Publishing is too expensive.

This objection is actually a strong argument for literature, not against it, because it is literature that creates the need for literacy. Why would I be motivated to read if there is nothing to read? I am more likely to be motivated to read if interesting literature is available.

In Martin Luther's time, literacy rates throughout Europe were around 5-10%. The recent invention of the printing press made his German translation of the Bible available. The availability of this Bible created the desire for literacy. The invention of the printing press also enabled Luther to print and distribute his own writings. “Luther, after the publication of his 95 Theses, became the best-selling author in Europe, and his writings accounted for nearly 20% of all purchased publications in Europe during his lifetime (by the way, this makes him the best-selling single author per capita in western history)…. Within a century of Doctor Luther's death literacy rates in Europe rose from perhaps 5-10% throughout Europe to around 60% in Protestant countries.”¹⁾

One literate person may share a tract he reads with many illiterate people, thus extending the influence of literature across the illiterate.

Why not include pictures, illustrations, diagrams, charts, etc., to attract attention and to help people understand what they are reading? Literature for the less-educated may contain more graphics than literature designed for those who read very well.

Too poor for what? God showers riches on us every day. He gives us air, water, life, health, intelligence, His Holy Spirit, family, and so many other things continually. Sometimes we get stuck with the idea that riches is money. But a man can be rich and have no money.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

You might clarify, “Really, I don't have much money.” Suppose a tract costs 10cfa. The average person, even someone living in poverty, can somehow find 50 cfa. That is enough to buy 5 tracts. What is the value of one soul who comes to Jesus because of a tract?

Jesus does not ask a person with little money to finance an evangelistic campaign. But He does ask them to glorify Him with what He has given them, whether it is little or much. See What Do You Have In Your Hand?

Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood. Mark 12:42-44

Poverty did not stop the Waldenses from continuing the publishing work. Poverty did not stop the early Adventist pioneers from establishing the publishing work in A Spirit of Sacrifice. Povery had not stopped many a literature evangelist who is dedicated his life to this work.

Why not dedicate a garden to God's literature work? Promise God that all money from produce sold from that plot of soil will be used to purchase literature. Why not buy a few chickens or other animals as your literature fund? Try it out and see how God blesses your project.

Who invented writing? Did not the idea come from God? In the Bible, God repeatedly gives messages and commands for them to be written down. By speaking, then writing the Ten Commandments, God showed the importance of combining the two methods.

The command to write did not come from America, nor from Europe. The Bible was written largely in the Middle East in various cultures. Moses wrote, the prophets wrote, kings wrote, Jesus quoted from the written Word, Publishing Ministry is not a Western idea: it is soundly a Biblical idea. See Biblical Origins of Publishing.

Phones can be distracting. Alerts, messages, email, and calls pop up at any moment.

Read In this Digital Age, Why Publishing?