North American Division — Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders have declared 2004 as the "Year of Evangelism." The North American Division (NAD) received the declaration and challenged its constituency to distribute 25 million Bible study invitation cards to contribute to the world church’s Sow 1 Billion project.

“The orders for the Bible study invitation cards totaled 25.9 million, which included 2.3 million Spanish and 1.5 million French card orders,” said Debra Brill, NAD vice president for ministries. The majority of requests are being managed by the Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible School, including those received online at HopeTalk.org.

Here are some tips for placing newspaper advertisements for the Sow 1 Billion/HopeTalk Project taken from “How to Place Newspaper Advertising” published by AdventSource.

1. Make a list of local or regional newspapers that serve your target area.

2. If you are located in a large metropolitan area, compare the costs of various ad sizes in several newspapers. You may also check with the smaller community papers.

3. Make an appointment to speak to the newspaper’s ad representative. Tell them you are interested in placing a display ad for your local church as part of an ongoing awareness campaign. Ask for non-profit organization prices. Many newspapers have special rates.

4. Talk to the ad representative about targeting your ad for its intended audience. Are you trying to reach the general population, Boomers, young adults, couples with children, retirees, etc. Ask their advice on ad placement, size, and costs.

5. Expand your coverage! Check out directory or calendar listings that may be free of charge to church organizations.

6. Share the cost of an ad campaign by including one or two other local or district churches in the ad. Negotiate for a larger ad if the combined budget allows.

Samples of Sow 1 Billion ads can be found at http://www.nadadventist.org/article/articleview/436/1/13/

Some church members have been placing the Bible study invitation cards into people’s personal mailboxes. In the United States, it is illegal to place anything in mailboxes unless it has postage affixed. Discover Bible School will be charged full price for any card placed in a mailbox, and it could jeopardize the Voice of Prophecy’s mailing permit.

George Johnson Jr., NAD communication department