The Canvassing Work in South Africa
By G. H. Clark
WE are glad to report progress in this far-away land. While the white population here is only two and one-half millions (about the same as in New Jersey, U. S. A.), the territory is more than one thousand miles long and seven hundred miles wide. The Lord has blessed and is still blessing this “missionary work of the highest order,” for which we are truly grateful to him. Although we have passed through some trying experiences, there has never been one moment since coming here that I have been discouraged. Praise the Lord! Of late he has drawn me closer to himself than ever before. His love is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto me. The Comforter has come to abide forever, and he has given me victory in every difficulty and conflict. I am finding that his yoke is easy, and his burden is light. My greatest desire is to become more and more like Christ, and to be used in saving and edifying many others, for whom he died. The following people are represented by our force of canvassers: the English, American, Scotch, Irish, Jewish, Scandinavian, Dutch, and German, and the native.18The Lord has united our hearts so that perfect harmony prevails among us. The desire to save souls is growing stronger and stronger. We have pledged ourselves to reach others, with God's help. One of our brethren made the following record: In eight and one-half days he secured $477.90 worth of orders for “Great Controversy.” During the past eleven weeks he has secured $1,413.22 worth of orders and delivered $763.02 worth of books; and since he began canvassing forty-three months ago, he has actually delivered an average of $173.70 worth each month, or a total of $7,616.56 worth. Another brother has delivered during the past four and one-half years $5,962.86 worth, while the total deliveries of books and sales of papers in this field for the four and three-fourths years have been about $65,000 worth. Fifteen hundred and eighty dollars' worth of native literature has been sold during the past year to natives in the Johannesburg mines. The light contained in these different books and pamphlets will be scattered among many thousands, and will, we hope, open many blind eyes. A permanent laborer has been secured for this work, and native literature is being prepared in order to advance this long-neglected work. Steps are now being taken to secure men and vehicles for doing country work among the many scattered farmers within our borders. The drought has affected them for several years, but we must not cease our efforts, whatever may be the hindrance. We are glad to have such a stanch friend and supporter of the canvassing work in Elder W. B. White, our new union conference president, and we expect the work will take advance steps under his wise and aggressive leadership. Brethren and sisters, the end is near. Jesus is soon coming. I wish to join you in the Lord in finishing the work in this generation. G. H. CLARK.