Those who had the privilege of attending the recent institute held at Elizabeth, N. J., greatly enjoyed the opportunity, and joined heartily in the effort to gain an experience that would make their work as canvassers effective. We were much pleased with the spirit shown by this little band of workers, who are to pioneer the way of the message in many places where the living preacher has never gone.
The instruction was given by Brother E. R. Numbers, and Elder I. G. Bigelow of the missionary department of the Columbia Union Conference, assisted by the New Jersey field agent, Brother C. E. Grey, and the writer. It was decided to hold the institute two days longer than had been announced, so that there might be time for actual field work under the personal instruction of those in charge.
These two days were devoted to the sale of “Ministry of Healing,” and all agreed that the experience gained during that effort was the best of the whole institute. The entire company present, including the preachers, went out together into the homes of the people with the “Ministry of Healing.” The blessed experiences of those days will not soon be forgotten.
The prospect for the work in our State this year is good. We hope to be able to do even better than last year, when the average for all our canvassers in the entire State during the year was eighty-three cents’ worth of books delivered for every hour spent by our canvassers in the field. With a population of over two and one-half million, which is being increased at the rate of nearly one hundred thousand each year, there is still plenty of unworked territory. One of our resident canvassers is going over the same ground for the third time in three years, and reports that though he had good success on his previous trips, he is making his best sales this time. There are many opportunities here for the resident canvasser, where splendid missionary work can be done in places where souls are hungering for truth, but to which we are unable to send ministers. We pray earnestly that the blessing of God will be with our faithful band of canvassers.
