Two Colporteurs’ Institutes by I. A. Ford

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Feb 12, 1914

Two Colporteurs’ Institutes

By I. A. Ford

It was my privilege recently to attend colporteurs’ institutes in West Pennsylvania and Ohio. The West Pennsylvania institute was held at Johnstown. I arrived at this place in the midst of a blizzard early Monday morning, January 12. Notwithstanding the severe cold and blinding snow, it did not take long to find the church where the meetings were held, and the cold outside was soon forgotten as we talked of the work being done in the giving of this message. It always warms hearts to talk of the work of the Lord and of the rapid advancement it is making in the earth. It will not be long until all the storms of every kind will be past, and God’s people gathered home.

At this institute were seven young men, four of whom were new recruits, and all were earnestly studying how best to place our books in the homes of the people. Three of them had previously had some experience. Some of these young men left lucrative positions in order to enter this work. One had been employed by the railroad, and he had been advised by his friends that he would not only lower his situation in life but would probably come to abject poverty if he entered the colporteur work. He stepped out by faith, however, and the Lord greatly blessed him in selling that splendid book for children, “Easy Steps in the Bible Story,” and his first delivery, just before the institute, averaged him better wages than he had been getting with the railroad. He recognizes, however, that the greatest pay will come when the final rewards are given. Although our faithful brethren and sisters do not enter upon the colporteur work as a money-making enterprise, yet the Lord is greatly blessing them in sales.

After spending two days at the Johnstown institute, I went, in company with Brother I. D. Richardson, the union missionary secretary, to Columbus, Ohio, where we found about thirty-five brethren and sisters earnestly preparing for the finishing of the work in Ohio. Many of these were new recruits, and some of them had not been long in the message. All, however, realized the importance of the work and the necessity of thorough preparation not only in the knowledge of the books they were to sell, but also that preparation of heart necessary for the reception of the Holy Spirit’s power, without which all human efforts are in vain.

Studies were given in both these institutes on the books to be sold, the science of salesmanship, and in simple methods of hydrotherapy. Our colporteurs meet many who are suffering from common ailments, and their being able to suggest remedies will often open homes and hearts. The night meetings at both places were well attended by those not of our faith, and a real interest was shown. We look for the work to grow in both these conferences during the year 1914.

I. A. Ford.