For Personal Tract Users

Could you talk about Jesus?

He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" Mark 16:15 (NIV)

"...so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)

Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) is a wonderful resource that can be a blessing to many.

LTM offers leaflets, text cards and bookmarks for most situations to offer comfort, hope, encouragement and joy.
To be effective, tracts need to be given with much thought and prayer.

The following are a few guidelines to make your tract mission a growing mission:

1. Pray

When giving a tract, or distributing tracts - PRAY. The Holy Spirit works through people praying. Ask God to direct you to choose the right tract for the person intended and to bless the tract and the reader.

2. Choose carefully!

A tract should fit the needs of the person to whom it is handed. If there is a specific need you know of - try to help the person with an appropriate tract. Otherwise there are many simple text cards and leaflets with just a simple Gospel message for anyone.

3. Share the tract personally

If at all possible talk with each person before and after you hand them a tract. This makes the tract a gift of friendship which could create a greater desire for the person to read it. If appropriate, share the thought behind the giving of the tract. Refer to the scripture.

4. Smile - God's at Work!

A friendly smile can brighten the darkest day. A tract given in such a manner will rarely be rejected. A genuine happy expression gives joy and hope.

5. Tracts are a gift, given in love

Offer tracts freely, but if not wanted, respect the decision. Tracts are meant to bring hope, encouragement and joy - not guilt!

6. Respect your Tracts

Make sure tracts are clean and in good condition - they will be received more gratefully.

7. Tracts build positive feelings

Tracts are given in love. As Christians, we are called to build each other up in the Gospel. We share, encourage and present the truth in a loving manner.

8. The many Uses of a Tract

The way we use tracts are only limited by our imagination. They can be used in business and personal letters, in cards and get-well messages. Put them in places where they are likely to be picked up and read.

9. Try one at a time ...

Start by picking up one appropriate tract and handing it to a friend or neighbour. Delight in the feelings of being a giver!

"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work."

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NRSV)