An Incident by H. C. Olmstead

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 3, 1910

An Incident

By H. C. Olmstead

IN the REVIEW of a few months ago we noticed a call for our workers to collect canceled postage-stamps, to be sent to America and sold for the benefit of mission work. Acting upon this, we began to save what we could, and also asked several others to help in the collection, but they grew in numbers slowly, and more slowly in value, as all were recent issues.

Last week after paying for a book ordered, a woman said: “I want to ask you a question! We have a box of used postage-stamps that we have been collecting for years for mission work, and now if you can use them, we will give them to help in your mission work.” As I had never mentioned stamps to her, tears of joy filled my eyes when I realized, and told her, that God by his Spirit had prompted her to offer them for that purpose. I told her my story about collecting them, and we praised God together.

When she brought the stamps, I saw there were from eight to ten thousand of them. Only a few have been classified, but they are of considerable value as a whole, and all to advance the truth. Praise the Lord!

But this was not all. She asked for addresses, so that she might send what money they could spare for mission work. To my knowledge she does not know that I am a Seventh-day Adventist, yet said she wanted to help in the mission work with which I am connected.

After a good talk we arranged a Bible study for the next Sunday. At this study of nearly three hours, her husband—of a similar character to his wife—and their two children were present. They were much interested as “Christ’s second coming” and the “millennium” were studied. They are familiar with Scripture, and grasp truth readily. Every word was accepted, even though some truths were contrary to previous ideas.

Tuesday night they came to us, and we studied Daniel 2, 7, and 8, omitting the subject of the Papacy. We had another blessed time, and were invited to go to their place the following Sunday and give another study.

God’s blessing and Spirit has humbled us, and we are seeking for wisdom and power to witness for him. May the seed sown here bear an hundredfold in the Master’s kingdom.

As to the canvassing work here, God has blessed in the delivery. Considering the hours spent in canvassing, we praise the Lord for results. “Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you,” has been more than verified in our experience here.

H. C. OLMSTEAD.