Periodical Work in South Africa by G. H. Clark

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 25, 1910

Periodical Work in South Africa

By G. H. Clark

JOHANNESBURG and its suburbs contain a population of about one hundred eighty thousand persons. Elder H. J. Edmed, president of the Natal-Transvaal Conference, has been conducting a successful mission home in this city, and during the last two weeks the workers connected with the mission have made the following record: The first week they worked 119 hours, and sold 1,588 papers and magazines, the retail value of which was $187.68; during the second week they worked 118 hours, and sold 1,435 papers, valued at $161.20; making a total of 237 hours worked, and 3,023 papers sold, valued at $348.88.

The average is as follows: Twelve papers an hour sold; average amount an hour, $1.42, giving a profit of 71 cents an hour.

One of our agents sold 95 copies one day and 105 on another, making 200 in two days. Another, who recently came into the truth, sold 75 copies on the street one evening after the Sabbath. This is a practical demonstration of what can be done by consecrated effort under the blessing of God. Perhaps all can not reach this standard in handling our periodicals, but much can be done if our people will consecrate themselves to the Lord, and go forth with the truth-laden literature.

The mission workers are very happy in their work. Many words of commendation for the magazines are heard on every hand. Brethren and sisters, let us awake to our duty, and go forth with the printed page to help finish this great work.

To us this record seems very remarkable, as our paper work in this field has never been pushed like this before.

About six months ago we launched a new twelve-cent magazine,—the South African Signs of the Times. This magazine compares well with any American production, and the people to whom it has been sold are much pleased with it, and are anxiously looking for the new issue. In addition to this magazine we use the South African Sentinel and De Wachter, Life and Health, Bible Training School, and the English Good Health.

The church-members are waking up to their responsibility and opportunity to circulate these papers and magazines. For this interest we praise God. We can see on every hand the great work that may be accomplished by the circulation of our literature. While the truth contained in these publications is being carried to the people, we are by no means overlooking the importance of our regular large subscription books.

The best record made by any of the mission workers was by a young lady who recently came into the truth, and who is handicapped by physical disadvantages. We certainly have reached the time when the Lord is using the weak things of this world to confound the mighty. We are of good courage in the Lord, and rejoice that we have the privilege of taking part in this wonderful work. Let us rise and finish the work at once. All the necessary means and power are at our disposal.

We would ask all to remember us in their prayers. Our needs are great, and our opportunities to give the message are many and multiplying.

G. H. CLARK.