p. 17 | An Appeal for Canvassers by Roscoe T. Baer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 6, 1911

An Appeal for Canvassers

By Roscoe T. Baer

The Lord is calling men and women everywhere to consecrate their lives and their talents to his service, because he is desirous of making a quick work for the saving of the lost and the gathering out of those who are honest in heart. “For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness; because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.” Rom. 9: 28.

While visiting churches recently, there has come under my observation the great amount of good which might be accomplished through the efforts of faithful canvassers. I quote from “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, page 315, these words: “The time has come when a large work should be done by the canvassers. The world is asleep, and as watchmen they are to ring the warning bell to awake the sleepers to their danger. The churches know not the time of their visitation. Often they can best learn the truth through the efforts of the canvasser. Those who go forth in the name of the Lord are his messengers to give to the multitudes who are in darkness and error the glad tidings of salvation through Christ in obeying the law of God.”

The Chesapeake Conference affords an excellent field for this work. Young men have earned scholarships here, and others have succeeded in supporting their families, from the sales of our truth-filled books. I will offer in substantiation of this statement a few experiences of men now working in this field. A young man canvassing in Sussex County, Delaware, writes: “The Lord has been very good to me, and has blessed my efforts. I recently took thirty-eight orders for ‘Coming King,’ delivering thirty-five, with a promise that the other three will be taken later. While canvassing, I met a young man sick in bed with a fever. I spoke to him of God’s love, and he asked me to explain the Word of God to him. I began by telling him about the message, all of which he accepted. He asked me to pray with him, which I did. He confessed his sins, arose from prayer, and walked about. He has kept two Sabbaths, and desires to be baptized. I praise the Lord for a part in his work. This is my first experience in the canvassing work, but I am encouraged to continue in it; for the Lord has shown me that this is my work.”

CANVASSERS AND FIELD AGENTS OF NEW YORK CONFERENCE

Another canvasser, returning to this field after an absence of over a year, writing of his success, says: “The territory is very good here. I have not had as good success since I left Cecil County, Maryland, over a year ago. I shall soon have to have more guaranty-slips. Please send a supply at once.”

A brother from western Maryland, canvassing for a scholarship, reports having taken seventy dollars’ worth of orders in one week. This young man is practically a new canvasser, but the Lord is blessing him in his work.

I would like to relate other experiences our canvassers are having, but time and space will not permit. Where we now have one canvasser, we should have at least five giving all their time to this work. I extend an invitation to those who wish to take up the canvassing work in the Chesapeake Conference. There are opportunities for those who desire to earn scholarships during the summer vacation.

All those desiring to canvass here should write to Brother Joseph E. Jones, Ford’s Store, Md., who will be glad to give further information concerning the work, territory, etc. May the Lord impress our youth to become strong, active workers now, while the field is white for the harvest, and while the Lord is calling for laborers.

ROSCOE T. BAER.