Canvassing in South Africa by Homer C. Olmstead

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jul 1, 1909

Canvassing in South Africa

By Homer C. Olmstead

AFTER leaving the Kolo Mission in Basutoland, we spent about seven weeks in Kimberley. As one of the most important factors in the closing up of the message is the printed page, it was thought best for me to take up the canvassing work.

Since Africa is in such a poor condition financially, and so many discouraging reports had reached me, I began the work with much prayer and with renewed consecration to service. After canvassing for a short time, I found it

no exception to the rule. God will bless honest effort here, as he does in other fields. Although the closed diamond-mines had thrown many out of employment, they were willing to buy the truth—some borrowing money to do so.

A summary of the work done there is as follows:—

Hours of actual canvassing, 111; exhibitions given, 516; orders taken, 180; books delivered, 156; received for delivered books, $195.

The above does not include the time of delivering, which required a full week. Truly God blessed in all this work, and gave me many good experiences. I found less prejudice than in America, and more who were ignorant of the truth, yet willing to hear and investigate. Much time was taken to give Bible readings where opportunity offered. Three or four interested readers were left with Brother Sparrow to continue the studies. Considerable literature was given away, and seemed to be much appreciated.

HOMER C. OLMSTEAD.