My Mailing

Recently I spent much time and effort seeking to reach out to people with a collection of books. These were books that I thought would be desirable and acceptable by the multitudes. I wanted to distribute these volumes of various kinds in order to share God’s truth with them. You may think that this was a strange, useless, and unrealistic thing to do since it may be that many of the recipients really would not be that interested in this sort of project. Yes, that may be true, but I was convinced that people may or may not be desirous of receiving reading items from this outreach. At least, I assumed and even imagined that many may be interested in such an unusual project.

For this reason, I sent dozens of books in small and large boxes to people I had some knowledge of. Most were scattered across the United States. Altogether, I probably mailed hundreds of books out to many different people. I knew that some items may be rejected but I also expected that many may be eagerly received. At this time, I don’t know what the end result will be. Yet, already I have learned that some people were not at all interested and perhaps even negatively responded to such a gift.

I sent many books to “Steve” (not his real name) and he responded quite negatively.”Why would you even think of mailing me all of those books?” one person stated. He had not read a book in years and he wasn’t about to do so at this time. Another person said, “I haven’t read a book in thirty years, so why would you send me a box of books now?” The same was true of this person’s children. Just today, one recipient—“Tom”—returned the whole collection of books with the statement, “Richard, my reading days are over. I will always be a Catholic—Regards.” Apparently “religion” was more important than truth! And still another person (“Connie”) did express her gratitude. Yet another woman said that her daughter was interested in what I sent. Most didn’t reply (at least yet) but I have some hope yet that at least a few respondents did appreciate the gifts and would find value in them.

As I consider the boxes I sent and think of the one who returned the entire sizeable box of books, I do have a degree of sadness. I had hoped (and prayed) that the cartons of books might reach the heart of many people. I know that the public, in general, are not readers (even college-educated ones) but I also know that this was an attempt (maybe the only one) to reach at least some people with the truth.

Thankfully, some did respond positively, and for this I am grateful. But what of the many who received dozens (even hundreds) of volumes? Were they reached in some way? I don’t know but I do know that many people had the opportunity to receive and read books that did have at least some truth in them.

I had at other times attempted to reach out to people in various ways. One time, I sent out two or three hundred letters and tracts out to people on my mailing list. At another time, I wrote to about 350 people of the past. One person did respond—for which I was grateful. But what of the others? (Cf. Luke 17:17-18.)

However, I realize that some may be like the person who sent the gifts back—along with the message, “My reading days are over. I will always remain a Catholic. Regards.” What do you think that “Tom” had in mind when he refused to accept the books I sent to him and replied that he would always remain a Catholic? As I said earlier, I have great sadness with this sort of response. Why? I know that “Tom” will one day regret his response. God wants everyone to have the unique opportunity to come to Christ and find saving truth in Him. Those who turn from the opportunity to come to Jesus and close their heart to God’s ways will one day have the opportunity to face God in Judgment. And then what?