{"id":26585,"date":"2026-09-09T15:48:45","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T15:48:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/?p=26585"},"modified":"2026-09-09T15:48:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T15:48:45","slug":"literature-as-a-tool-for-mission","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/literature-as-a-tool-for-mission\/","title":{"rendered":"Literature as a Tool for Mission"},"content":{"rendered":"

8 September 2026 | Grantham, UK [Charlene Martin with tedNEWS<\/em>]<\/p>\n

Stanborough Press<\/a>, the British Union Conference<\/a> (BUC) publishing house, welcomed visitors to its annual Open Day in Grantham, UK, on Sunday, 6 September, highlighting the role of literature in ministry and outreach, and hosting the launch of Brenda Walsh\u2019s latest book, Behind the Mask<\/em><\/a>. The event gave visitors the opportunity to browse its range of Bibles, books, periodicals and devotional materials while learning more about the work involved in producing resources for Adventist churches as well as for individuals.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is important for us to be visible, to show what we do and the full wealth of titles the church has as resources,\u201d said Elisabeth Sanguesa, a member of the Stanborough Press team. \u201cThere are many content creators, but they need content, which we provide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Books, ministries and activities<\/h2>\n

Before the main programme began, guests browsed aisles filled with books and other resources, as visitors browsed the displays, purchased their items and caught up with friends. One attendee shared, \u201cI love it, that is why I attend every year. Books stimulate the mind and deepen my knowledge of the Bible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another attendee said she enjoyed purchasing books to share with friends, while first-time visitors spoke positively about the welcoming atmosphere created by the Press staff.<\/p>\n

Visitors were also able to meet vendors and representatives of ministries and community initiatives. Children were included in the day\u2019s activities, with North England Conference Children\u2019s Ministries Director Bekezela Peters and her team organising games and using everyday objects to help explain spiritual truths in ways children could easily understand. Food was available throughout the day, with visitors able to choose from snacks and full meals.<\/p>\n

\"Attendees
Attendees listen during the Stanborough Press Open Day programme in Grantham, UK<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Literature as a tool for mission<\/h2>\n

The main programme began with worship led by a praise team from Milton Keynes, followed by a presentation from Dusanka Rancic, editor of the Messenger<\/em><\/a> and Focus<\/em> magazines.<\/p>\n

Rancic explained the role of the Messenger<\/em> in communicating the Adventist Church\u2019s vision, strategic plans, reports and news from across the United Kingdom and Ireland. She also highlighted the importance of printed and digital media in evangelism and explained how Focus<\/em> can be used as a tool for outreach.<\/p>\n

Her presentation showcased resources available for adults, young people and children, as well as publications designed for people who do not yet know Christ, encouraging church members to use literature as a means of sharing the gospel.<\/p>\n

Brenda Walsh launches Behind the Mask<\/em><\/h2>\n

One of the highlights of the Open Day was the launch of Behind the Mask<\/em>, the 20th book by author and international speaker Brenda Walsh. Known to many as \u201cMiss Brenda\u201d through her role as host and producer of Kids Time<\/em>, Walsh has written devotionals, children\u2019s titles and books on relationships.<\/p>\n

During the launch, she spoke about the personal experiences that led her to write Behind the Mask<\/em>, a memoir in which Walsh describes a marriage that began with a shared faith and the hope of serving God together, but which she says later became marked by narcissistic abuse. The book presents Walsh\u2019s account of the emotional impact of those experiences, the challenges she associates with surviving silent abuse, and her journey towards healing through faith.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was not a story I wanted to write,\u201d Walsh said.<\/p>\n

\"Brenda
Brenda Walsh, right, meets an attendee during the book signing for Behind the Mask<\/em> at the Stanborough Press Open Day<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

She told attendees that she completed the book in 38 days and believed God had given her the strength to share her experiences openly in the hope of helping others.<\/p>\n

Walsh\u2019s presentation prompted discussion during the question-and-answer session about how individuals and churches can support people experiencing similar situations. Attendees wanted to know how they could better respond to those in need and provide appropriate support.<\/p>\n

Pastor Don McFarlane, a former president of the BUC, said the book had created an opportunity for more open conversations. \u201cThe book has opened a space where we can take off our masks and seek help,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Following the presentation, visitors purchased copies of the book and attended a signing session, where Walsh met readers, posed for photographs and offered words of encouragement.<\/p>\n

For more than 60 years, Stanborough Press has produced and distributed Christian literature and resources from Grantham. Its publishing ministry continues to support churches, outreach initiatives and readers through material intended to educate, encourage and, in the words of the Press, \u201cintroduce people to Jesus\u201d.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

[Photos: AKlass Photography]<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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