n an unprecedented move, General Conference (GC) president Jan Paulsen challenged members of the GC Executive Committee to support a brand-new initiative-"Sow One Billion." The plan calls for the distribution in one year of one billion "tracts"-leaflets briefly inviting people to get in contact with the Adventist church and begin Bible studies.

"Today we are presenting in bold strokes a concept that is huge," said Paulsen. "It may take your breath away." Many questions remain, many things are still to be worked through, he added, but it was part of the church's answer to the need to witness to an increasing world population.

"How do we reach an increasing population? Are we not being left behind?" Paulsen asked. "God wants us to be his witnessing instrument in these last days. We are here presenting a huge initiative. This is a concept that would accompany-not replace-the work that is already being accomplished. We want to put into the hands of our members a tool, a small piece of literature. If we were able to place into every home-that the World Health Organization has an average of 4.2 family members-then we would reach two-thirds of this world's population. If just 0.5 percent responds by asking for Bible studies, then we will have five million studying!"

Paulsen admitted that the plan will be expensive. However, four couples, major donors to the church, have already committed to funding the printing of one billion tracts. "But this has to be your program where you live," he urged? "In many areas these leaflets can be hand-delivered to every home. Members need to become personally involved in mission."

Mike Ryan, director of Global Mission and a special assistant to the president for Strategic Planning, added that though we have many things to be thankful for as church, the needs of the billions on this planet demand our attention. "Think of the large cities with many millions. Where do we begin, how do we keep pace? We can't afford enough workers. All the programs we have are not big enough. We need something bigger."

Adventist-Laymen's Services & Industries president Denzil McNeilus, spoke of his thrill at such a massive program. "We've been told to spread the word like the leaves of autumn," he told the committee in a live telephone call.. "Right now, look at the leaves of autumn-they cover the whole ground. I get goosebumps when I think about 1 billion! What a start! Don't be afraid!"

Noting that the printing "is the easy work," McNeilus pointed out that "the hard part is the follow-up. This program will only be effective if this group here ignites the church. For me it is a privilege to work together with the church to finish the work."

Responding to the challenge, Annual Council attendees were enthusiastic. GC Sabbath school and personal ministries associate Jonathan Kuntaraf said the program was exciting and responded to the need for materials. Oakwood College president Delbert Baker called for the involvement of educational institutions in the plan. Both Robert Kyte and Robert Smith, presidents of Pacific Press and Review and Herald publishing associations respectively, promised support.

In the words of one lay committee member, "It's a real crazy idea, but it will work!"

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Jonathan Gallagher is the United Nations liaison director for the General Conference.