Opportunities in Louisiana by I. T. Reynolds

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 13, 1908

Opportunities in Louisiana

By I. T. Reynolds

THINKING that perhaps there may be some among our brethren in the Northern or Central States in whose ears the call to the Southern field has long been ringing, and who desire to know something concerning prospects and conditions here in Louisiana, I will state some facts.

Louisiana lies below latitude 33° north, has an area of 45,966 square miles, 59 parishes (counties), and 28,000,000 acres of land, in which is included the largest body of alluvial lands in the world. Only about 5,500,000 acres are in cultivation, on which are yearly produced nearly $100,000,000 worth of crops.

Land can be bought very reasonably, the price varying according to richness of soil, improvements, etc. Products are varied and abundant. Sugar, cotton, corn, rice, oats, sorghum, millet, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits (such as peaches,

grapes, oranges, figs, etc.), are easily raised. Horses, mules, cattle, sheep, and goats thrive on the nutritious Bermuda grass and cane-break.

The population of Louisiana is nearly 1,500,000; largely American born, with a large percentage of French and Italian. The climate is healthful, not subject to extremes of heat in summer or cold in winter.

Now as to our work here. Only about thirty of the fifty-nine parishes have had our literature placed in them to any extent, and only ten of them during recent years, so that much of our territory is virgin soil for the canvasser. Times are as good here as in other States, and the people seem anxious to buy our literature; in fact, it seems that the Lord has in a special manner prepared this people to receive this message.

Wherever our books are sold, an interest has been awakened, with a desire for more instruction. Canvassers can go over the same territory again with splendid success. During the last conference year four of our canvassers sold four thousand dollars’ worth of books, and the time reported was less than five months each.

Our workers do not need to lay off on account of severe cold weather, but can work twelve months in the year. We want good, energetic workers to come and locate among us, to assist in giving these kind, hospitable people the great truth we love so much, and for which they are hungering.

I shall be glad to answer the inquiries of any one interested in this field. My address is Box 18, Pineville, La.

I. T. REYNOLDS, State Agent.