The Canvassing Work in North Carolina by T. H. Jeys

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 22, 1908

The Canvassing Work in North Carolina

By T. H. Jeys

BECAUSE of frequent inquiries, and because of the excellent opportunities for labor, and because of the crying need for the same, I am constrained to speak to my brethren everywhere concerning the work of the canvassing evangelist in our State.

First, as to the inquiries: I have answered by personal letter every question that has come to me. Some have asked about the price of land, the opportunities for farming, stock-raising, merchandizing, etc. I have not refused to answer such, but will say plainly that I much prefer to answer questions of another class. North Carolina is ripe for the third angel's message, and to those who have a soul-hunger more than a land-hunger, it offers exceptional opportunities. If there are those who desire to go somewhere to plunge into a career of money-making, I would advise them to stay away; but if any wish to take up a line of work that will pay heavy dividends in the world to come, I would say, Come with us, and we will do you good.

Second, as to the opportunities: I have never been in any place where the people are more considerate and hospitable, or where a larger percentage of the population were willing to purchase publications on present truth. There are scores of counties that have never seen a Seventh-day Adventist canvassing evangelist. This year the crops are good, the prices are fair, the panic is relaxing, and there are many who want the books containing the last warning message. Where are the men to carry them the books? A few weeks ago two of our boys from one of the local churches started out with “The Coming King.” They had no experience, and but little instruction in canvassing. I confess to some fear and anxiety for them. But at the end of the week they came in, one with twenty dollars' worth of orders, and the other with nearly as much. Their faces shone with interest and zeal. Their testimony in the social meeting was inspiring. They had not

had everything easy, to be sure, but they had tasted of the fellowship of Christ's sufferings. Since then they have been climbing steadily. As they learn their work, and become more efficient, they have better success. Last week one came in on Friday with thirty-two dollars' worth of orders. These boys are not giving up the message. They are not backsliding. They are growing in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus. Last week brought a report from another young man who has taken fifty-nine dollars' worth of orders; and in his note to the State agent he said: “Next week I mean to make it sixty dollars.” This was a young man who has been in the truth about two years, and whose relatives and friends have bitterly opposed him, and who predicted that if he went to canvassing, he would starve. Another item of interest is that it is now demonstrated that our larger books can be successfully sold here. No longer is the thought entertained that we can sell only twenty-five-cent books, with those of the dollar price for the outside limit. “Daniel and the Revelation,” “Great Controversy,” and “Patriarchs and Prophets” can be sold here as well as elsewhere.

Third, as to the need: The statement that the South is one of the most difficult fields is never fully appreciated until one is actually in contact with the real situation. The people are conservative, and very slow to give up their old customs. Before the message can be successfully presented by the living preacher, the territory should be thoroughly leavened by the introduction of our books into the homes. Silently, quietly, unostentatiously, the consecrated canvassing evangelist can go his way, and the books he leaves in the homes become the sappers and miners to reduce the strongholds of prejudice and superstition.

If there are those who desire a part in this good work in North Carolina, they may get further information by writing to our State agent, H. B. Tilden, 608 Newbern Ave., Raleigh, N. C., or the writer at Spero, N. C.

T. H. Jeys,

President North Carolina Conference.