Working With “Ministry of Healing”

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 7, 1912

Working With “Ministry of Healing”

Some encouraging reports are being received from some of those who are engaged in the special effort for the sale of “Ministry of Healing.” W. R. Beatty, field missionary agent of the North Pacific Union Conference, speaks of the manner in which the work is being done there. He tells his own experience in a personal letter, as follows:—

“Our ‘Ministry’ campaign is on. Nearly all the workers in this union were present at our workers’ meeting, and our campaign was supposed to start October 19. Some of the workers are succeeding very well. Elder M. H. St. John, pastor of our East Portland church, sold nine copies the other day here in Portland, and he called at only eight houses.

“I had good success with the book two years ago here in Portland, but I felt that I could not fall back on that experience, so I went out to learn a selling talk. I selected Woodland,—just an ordinary town with no factories, mills, nor other financial interests,—and worked there one day. I secured orders from fourteen of the representative families of the place in the one day’s work. I got more real pleasure out of this one day’s work than any previous day for a long time. The people received me good-naturedly, and I think it was the easiest day’s canvassing I have ever done. I found nearly all interested in the missionary and benevolent objects of our sanitariums. Two families said they would speak a word for the Portland Sanitarium the next time they knew of any of their friends coming to the city for medical attention; and one woman told me that she had not been well for some time, and that she and her husband would go to the Portland Sanitarium in a short time for two weeks’ rest and recuperation. I know that if this work is properly carried on, it will be the means of sending many patients to our sanitariums.”

An outline of the selling talk that Brother Beatty developed in his practical experience is given herewith, and will no doubt offer suggestions and help to others.

The Central California Conference is engaged in a relief campaign in behalf of the educational work, using “Christ’s Object Lessons.” “Ministry of Healing” may be added later. Some good suggestions for the relief work in general

are given in communications sent out by the president of the conference, Elder J. H. Behrens. A letter of instructions is sent to all the laborers of the conference, together with a printed canvass, selling points, etc. Among some of the points covered in the instructions are the following:—

Spend time in thorough study of the book, canvass, methods, and principles of salesmanship.

Carefully study the territory.

Counsel with church leaders as early as possible, laying before them the whole plan, and telling them of the spirit of the work, thus gaining their cooperation.

Visit members in their homes to acquaint them with the work, and get book studies started.

Observe the Sabbath appointed for special services, making the service appropriate for the study of the work. Prayer and fasting.

Hold meetings for thorough preparation of members.

Carry on field work with members.

Have frequent rallies and experience meetings to keep up interest and help the discouraged.

Report to the office daily if possible. We hope to issue a daily bulletin throughout the campaign.

As early as consistent, secure orders from the members so that an order for books may be placed. “Ministry of Healing” should receive as much attention as “Christ’s Object Lessons.”

Any books found should be reported at once.

Let us hear from you frequently. Read Neh. 2: 17, 18; 4: 6; and Joshua’s experience recorded in Num. 13: 30.

A general letter is sent to church officers, explaining the work and emphasizing the need of cooperation. There is also sent a copy of a number of selections from “Testimonies to the Church” bearing on the work in hand. Very full provision is made for a successful work.

Outline Canvass for “Ministry of Healing”

1. Greeting.

2. Calling in the interests of the sanitarium work.

3. Name which sanitarium you are working for. (Show picture.)

4. These sanitariums were established solely for missionary purposes, to benefit all classes of people, no matter what creed or nationality.

5. There are about forty of them located in various parts of the world.

6. Charity phase of their work.

7. Not endowed, nor owned by private individuals.

8. Need of help. (Present book here.)

9. Place book in the hands of prospective customer.

10. Turn to page 8 and read, “It is a dedicated book, . . . one on which publishers make no profit.”

11. Show letter.

12. Read page 8, par. 1, from “It reveals to us” to end of paragraph.

13. Turn through the book hurriedly in a general way, explaining that it is one of the finest books on health principles ever published. It tells us how to live happily and keep well while well. If there are any children in the home, say: There is a splendid section devoted to children. It begins right at the cradle, and tells the mother how to feed, clothe, and care for the infant until grown.

14. The price of the book is only $1.50. and I feel, Mrs. —, you will greatly enjoy having the work, and at the same time you will be helping a worthy charity. Now, I do not make my delivery until about the first of the month. I suppose that time will be agreeable to you (rising inflection).

15. Show guaranty book.

A letter of introduction is used by Brother Beatty, as follows:—

“To whom it may concern.

“The bearer of this note, Mr. W. R. Beatty, is authorized to call on you with the work ‘Ministry of Healing.’ Mr. Beatty receives no remuneration for his services, the entire proceeds from the sale of this book going directly to the Portland Sanitarium. This institution is established solely for missionary and benevolent purposes, no profits going to any private individual.

“Respectfully,

“PORTLAND SANITARIUM,

“(Signed by manager).”