igns of the Times published a cover article in November 2001 entitled "Where Was God?" that commented on the tragic events of September 11. The same article and cover formed the basis for an entire special issue on September 11 that was released in early October. The initial print run of 250,000 quickly sold out to Adventist churches all across North America that were looking for ways to reach out to their communities. Each copy included a card for people to send in requesting the Voice of Prophecy's Discover Bible correspondence lessons about prophecy.
The Minnesota Conference voted to send a copy of the special issue to every home in the state-a total of 2 million copies-on the condition that they could be mailed by the middle of November. Pacific Press kept its web press running day and night for two weeks to meet the deadline. To save on postage, the magazines were shipped to Minnesota on five tractor-trailers and mailed there.
A special Bible study request card was inserted in each issue that was returned directly to the Minnesota Conference. The results have been impressive. By the first of August the conference had received more than 7,000 Bible study requests. At first, cards came in at the rate of 50 a day, and as late as July 1 approximately five cards were still trickling in each week.
Other highlights of the response to the Minnesota mailing:
The Northbrook church in Minneapolis (253 members) received 650 Bible study requests.
The Anoka church (300 members) received 400 requests.
A church of 100 members with 55 in regular attendance received 381 requests.
Every church in the conference is now registered as a Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible School, and every church received some requests.
One woman requested 10 extra lessons for her non-Adventist church's youth group. When they finished those, they completed the Amazing Facts lessons.
While Minnesota is a stronghold of Lutheranism, the response was strongest from Catholic parts of the state.
