About YAP

    The Young Advent Pilgrim began in 1994, when I was 12 years old. As a home-school student, I had the privilege of working in a part-time job/apprenticeship—learning to type, edit, and print gospel literature. As my skills increased, my employer asked me to create a children’s corner for his newsletter. Not wanting to do something half-heartedly, I designed a children’s booklet—8 pages of stories, poems and inspirational articles. My employer was kind enough to publish it and send it out with his other mailings—giving me my first experience at breaking into print.

The name I chose for the magazine came from my desire to influence young people to think of themselves as pilgrims on this earth. Pilgrims who were preparing for Christ’s imminent return—His Second Advent.

 Although the name has remained, much has changed in the last twelve years.
In 1995, my grandfather gave me a book from his library. The title, “Honesty the Best Policy and Other Stories,” as well as the publisher, “Religious Tract Society,” sparked my interest. It was written by Mary E. Ropes, the same author who wrote “Mary Jones and Her Bible.” This book was published in the 1880s. After reading the stories, I knew that I wanted to reprint this book. The literary quality was impressive and the possibilities for character-building were very exciting.

After months of typing, editing, and formatting, Honesty the Best Policy was ready to go press. I had saved my money from different part-time jobs—now was the time to invest it in something really important! The thought of sharing this treasure with families thrilled me.
In the fall of 1996, my first 1000 copies arrived! Although marketing has never been my strongpoint, God blessed the sales. Within a year, I sold out of the first print-run.

This book holds a special place in my heart, because in the spring of 1997, my grandfather passed away. He stayed in our home during his last three weeks of his life. I remember walking down the stairs, carrying a box of books to be shipped. He looked up from his chair in the living room and asked me if the box was full of “his” books. When I responded that it was, he said, “Ship them out!”

 In the spring of 1998, I was asked to sell books at a small family camp-meeting near my home. I remember the work I did to set up wholesale accounts with book distributors and how I searched to find the very best books to share. The first year, I had 10 books, including Honesty the Best Policy. This led me to create a small catalog. Since that time, I have sold books at several locations as well as expanded my catalog and mail order business to an online presence.

It was 1998 when Honesty the Best Policy returned to press. This time, it had a redesigned the cover and was headed for 3000 copies. The cover was a miracle: I spent hours on the internet searching for the perfect picture for this new edition. When I came across Sandra Kuck’s “Yesterday” painting, I knew it was what I wanted. I wondered how much it would cost to use it as my cover. After talking to someone in Sandra’s office, and explaining what I wanted the picture for, they allowed me to use the painting—free of charge!

By this time, I was no longer working as an apprentice. I had continued to design the magazine for publication, but wasn’t involved in the printing and distribution. I felt that it was time to take personal responsibility for the publication and distribution of the magazine. My former employer gave permission for me to use the name and format to continue publication. Today, the magazine is in its thirteenth year!

Early in 1999, I felt a burden to reprint another treasure. The Heart of the Rose, a book written by Mabel McKee, is a beautiful story of purity. It was first published by Fleming H. Revell Company in 1913. My mother had a copy of the book that I had often read in my early teenage years. I remember reading it at 10 or 11, and not understanding what it meant, but enjoying the story. As I matured, my comprehension of the message of the book grew. At 17, I knew that this book should be given to all young people. Elisabeth Elliot agreed. When I wrote, asking for her comments, and she responded, “[This is] a book that should inspire every young person to purity.” I thanked God for the miracle of having her endorsement for this book. In my quest for an appropriate cover, I again searched the internet. My search led me to a college student’s website. He was majoring in photography, and had posted several of his photographs on his website. As I browsed through, one picture struck me—it was a picture of a young girl that looked like the emblem of purity and innocence. When I wrote him about using the photo he agreed not only to let me use the photo but also to design my cover.
In the fall of 1999, The Heart of the Rose was ready for publication. In the years since I began distributing it, I have heard from parents and young people alike who have been blessed by reading this short story—a story of purity. I praise God to be used as His words to reach young people for Him!

The past several years have led me through many different experiences. I have gained experience in midwifery and Doula work. I finished high school as a home-schooled graduate, and have explored many different types of career choices. In 2002, I took medical transcription courses, and, after graduation, found that I hated the monotony of typing for hours on end. Although I am slightly introverted by personality, the idea of never seeing people did not appeal to me!

 It was the summer of 2003 that I began taking online classes toward an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. I love kids, and thought it would be a wonderful experience to work with them. I was 21, and had been in a courtship for almost three years. My goal was to complete this education so that I would be the best possible teacher for my own children. The hope of immediate realization of that goal was squelched when I realized that God was calling me to end the courtship. It was one of the most painful things I’ve ever done. God’s way is best, though, and in the last three years He has led me on an incredible journey of service and growth. From mission trips to summers as a counselor, from personal growth to seeing a church grow together, the last three years have been the best of my life.

 I graduated with my Associate degree in May of 2005. Currently, I am enrolled in East Carolina University’s online program to earn my bachelor degree. I also work full time as the lead teacher in a Head Start program. God has blessed, and although the work is very challenging, He has given me a mission field of children who desperately need His love. It is my prayer that I will be an instrument in His hands.
In the past few years, The Young Advent Pilgrim has taken a backseat to other endeavors. However, as I interact with families, I realize how important it is to make sure that quality materials are available. This has inspired me with a renewed determination to actively pursue bringing these materials into the public eye. Each product I sell is one that I have scrutinized to make sure it is character-building and appropriate for the Christian family.
I welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions.

God Bless You!

-Elizabeth Collins

A Special Thank You…

…to God, the Worker of miracles, and the Planner of destinies

…to Mom, who always listened, always encouraged, always loved—never let go
…to Dad, my rock of stability—thanks for holding on to me—even through the tough times

…to Bro, I’m privileged beyond words to have you for a brother—you’ve always wanted the best for me, and you’ve given your love and support to me

…to Grandpa Collins, you planted the seed that started me printing

…to Grandpa Taylor, you’ve been the impetus behind my education, you’ve encouraged my dreams, and given me permission to soar

…to Grandma Taylor, your love and sympathy have been a lifesaver—thank you for what you endured, and for loving me through it all