p. 18 | Some Encouraging Figures by Edith M. Graham

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 6, 1916

Some Encouraging Figures

By Edith M. Graham

EIGHT of the union conferences in the North American Division show large gains in book sales in this month's summary over what was done in the same month in 1915. In the Columbia, Southwestern, and Central Unions the sales were nearly doubled, and in the Pacific Union they were more than doubled. In four unions there was a loss in the sales, but two of these are in Canada, where war conditions have made it almost impossible to sell books. When we consider these difficulties; we see that in eastern Canada an excellent record has been made, as the loss in sales is small.

The reports from the four unions in Central Europe and from all Russian unions have failed to reach us, and in all the European countries the sales have been less. But it is encouraging to see that the good work goes on, even if its volume is lessened.

The Asiatic Division fields and South Africa have also come up, and some small mission fields are represented in this report that did not appear last year.

In spite of the missing reports and the losses caused by special difficulties, the total sales very nearly equal those of last year. The actual sales were larger, for we know the German reports would considerably more than cover the difference.

The magazine sales are not so encouraging, as all over the North American Division they are smaller, with two honorable exceptions, the North Pacific Union and the Southeastern Union. This loss appears in most of the foreign fields also, and the grand totals show a drop of more than $15,000.

This loss seems an unnecessary one, in this country at least, and it shows that some of our people must be growing weary in well-doing. The magazines never sold more readily than they do now. One young sister sold 250 Watchmen in one day and 300 in another day in one city, and her sales on other days have been large. Others have been making large sales. What the Lord needs is more willing hands and feet to carry these magazines to the people.

· EDITH M. GRAHAM.