The storyline of this book focuses on key events in Seventh-day Adventist history from 1844 through 1891. Additional comments and/or contrasting viewpoints that have been expressed by various authors since that time have been included in the endnotes, and they have been indicated by an asterisk (*) beside the endnote reference number. The majority of material referenced in Return of the Latter Rain may be found in the Ellen G. White Writings Comprehensive Research Edition CD, which also includes Words of the Adventist Pioneers, over 175,000 pages from Adventist pioneer authors. This great resource may be obtained at any Adventist Book Center or the Ellen G.White Estate. Chapters 18 through 36 are currently being written and will be published as a second and third volume, Lord willing, in 2015.
In the rush to print Return of the Latter Rain volume 1 before the 2010 General Conference session, a much-needed final edit failed to take place. That fact, along with problems created between two incompatible computer programs, resulted in many formatting errors as well. Despite these shortcomings, 6000 copies have been distributed since the General Conference session. With the second and third edition much effort has gone into correcting typographical and grammatical errors, formatting mistakes, missing references and confusing chapter organization. Nevertheless, with all the work that has gone into improving the book, it still remains the collective effort of laymen whose expertise is not in the writing, editing, or the publishing profession. That said, the book has generated interest among church members around the world. It has already been translated into Korean, Portuguese, and Romanian, while Chinese, French and Spanish translations are still in the works. It is our prayer that The Return of the Latter Rain series might play a small part in a renewed interest in the subject of the latter rain and give a credible answer for its long delay.