The Book Work in the Southern Union Conference by L. D. Randall

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 11, 1910

The Book Work in the Southern Union Conference

By L. D. Randall

INTERESTING indeed are the letters received at our office from canvassers in various portions of the Southeastern Union. The obstacles met and overcome, the individuals found anxiously longing for the precious truths of the message, and the success God is giving our canvassers in taking orders and delivering books,—all this would make a volume full of interest to every believer in the advent message. Yet to no one are these experiences so precious as to the faithful men and women who are making this record from day to day.

The call is more urgent now than ever before for consecrated individuals of mature years to give themselves wholeheartedly to the canvassing work in our great Southern field. Doors are now open on every hand, but these will soon be forever closed. Who will help us carry the message into every portion of our field?

During the first six months of 1909, the total value of book sales, retail price, in the Southeastern Union was $11,407.13. During the first half of this year there has been an increase in sales of $5,551.02, or a gain of almost fifty per cent. These figures refer to the actual net sales from the publishing house. All returned books have been deducted. The figures given are not based on the reports of orders taken,

but upon the actual value of books shipped for delivery, and practically represent the deliveries made. We praise God for his abundant blessing upon the efforts put forth, and credit this increase in the volume of book sales to God's special blessing upon the faithful efforts of the leaders of our work, and the untiring zeal of our loyal, God-fearing canvassers.

One brother, after being invited into a home, was asked if he was not an Adventist. Receiving an affirmative answer, the lady stated that she had heard some Adventist sermons, and the night before she had been impressed to study God's Word more carefully, and had prayed to know her duty, that she might do it, promising that she would no longer put off duty if it was made clear to her. With tears in her eyes, she said to the brother, “The Lord has sent you here in answer to my prayer.” True to her promise, she is now keeping the Sabbath. The same week, a sister in another conference had almost precisely the same experience.

A brother who started work early this year with the determination to take a thousand dollars’ worth of orders during the year 1910, writes, “I believe I shall take one thousand five hundred dollars’ worth of orders before fall, and make a total delivery of at least one thousand dollars.”

Many more similar testimonies might be added. The message from the Southeastern Union Conference is one of courage. We have firm confidence in our work, and are thankful that God has given us a place among his workers.

L. D. RANDALL.