Words of Encouragement to the Colporteurs by W. H. George

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 25, 1916

Words of Encouragement to the Colporteurs

By W. H. George

It seems strange that some colporteurs have fine success while others can hardly earn a living by their work. Those failing are apt to place the blame on the territory or unfavorable conditions, but I have come to think that territory has but little to do with it. This opinion has been formed from the actual experience of having succeeded in territory where even those of our faith said that one could not succeed, as money was too scarce. While waiting for the train one day, I took $52 worth of orders. A friend remarked that though the orders were taken, the books were not yet delivered. A few of the books were desired right away, and were sent by parcel post, and all the others were delivered at the appointed time, not one order being lost. One of the gentlemen ordering the book said that years ago he had prophesied that the day would come when some one would write a book on the prophecies, and that his prophecy had now been fulfilled.

At this time many are choosing their field for the summer. The one thing that the colporteur needs is the presence of God with him in the work, and the territory will be all right; and if he fails, let him consider that it is the man and not the field that is to blame, and seek God earnestly for help, and he will find the wilderness a fruitful place.

A word or two about the work here in Virginia. April 22 marked the close of the year that Brother T. D. Gibson has been laboring in this field, and during that year he worked 202 days, or 1,498 hours, and took orders amounting to $1,926 for “Bible Readings.” He will have placed nearly $700 worth of books in Staunton if the coming deliveries prove as good as those of the past. When he has finished the county, I believe he will have placed nearly $2,500 worth of books in it.

While waiting for the train at another station, I took four orders, amounting to $16, and received $4 cash and my dinner without asking for either. Surely the Lord is good to his people.

W. H. George.