A Missionary’s Dream
In 1925 E. C. Hadley went as a missionary to the French Sudan (now the Mali Republic) in NW Africa. While on furlough in Switzerland, E. C. met his wife, Lydia Chevalley, and together they began to dream of a world-wide gospel literature ministry. A tropical disease forced him to leave the mission field and return to the USA.
In 1931, the first gospel tracts started rolling off the press at Grace & Truth in Danville, Illinois. While E. C. travelled extensively preaching to God’s people in North America, Lydia assumed most of the responsibility for the print ministry.
Printing In The Kitchen …
One story that has persisted over the years says that E. C. made his first printing press from some 6 inch pipe and other miscellaneous hardware. According to Sam, E. C.’s son and present manager of G&T, it was actually the folder that was hand-made, not the press. However, it is true that the first press room was the kitchen, and some of the printing equipment did occupy the table between meals.
… And In Railroad Cars
From 1936 to 1950 the print shop was housed in two old railroad cars that had been placed side-by-side on the property near the house. They accidentally burned to the ground after the shop was moved to its present site.
Grace & Truth Magazine
The need for a monthly magazine was made evident from the feedback of many recipients of gospel tracts who asked for a steady diet of encouragement and instruction. The first issue of G&T Magazine rolled off the press in 1933 as much needed “food for the family of God.” It has continued uninterrupted to the present time, with the majority of the copies being sent free to the third world.
Our Work Today …
We are one of the largest distributors of free Christian literature to the third world.
We publish in 12 languages.
Our Grace & Truth Magazine circulates in 71 countries.
Our average work-day production is about 72,000 gospel tracts (approx. 18,000,000 per year).
… in the following formats:
General Gospel Tracts (2-page, 4-page & 6-page)
Tracts for Young People
Tracts for Children
Holiday Tracts
Spanish Tracts and Booklets
Other Foreign-Language Tracts
Tracts and Booklets for Believers
Grace & Truth Magazine (monthly)