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Canvassing in Chile

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 2, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 48.

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Canvassing in Chile

By Thos. H. Davis

THE canvassers' institute held at the Pua school is just over, and nine able-bodied men and one sister, filled with the message, are out in the field. The writer thought that six weeks would be too long a time to hold it, but the weeks went by so quickly that the institute closed before we could accomplish all we desired. Several of the young men were taking the canvassers' course, which began in April, and they worked Sundays selling books. One told me he sold over two hundred forty dollars' (Chilian) worth of books the few hours he worked on Sundays—enough to pay his way through school.
The experiences of these young men were very interesting to me as they came together Sunday nights and told of their work during the day. One told of a policeman trying to stop his selling the Señales in the station of Temuco, but the brother asked him what authority he had to stop him, as Chile was a free country, and said that in order to show him he had no such authority, he would sell the paper to his superior (the station master). This he did, and as the crowd gathered about, he was able to sell many papers.
Our canvassers are doing well since the institute, which closed the fifteenth of September. One Chilian who is working with me is averaging more than one order an hour from the middle and upper classes, for “Patriarchs and Prophets” and “Coming King.” I am averaging a little over two orders an hour here in the south of Chile for large books.
It was thought best for this young brother to work awhile with me, as he was young in the faith. One brother who works farthest north writes me he is having excellent success in the sale of our literature, and feels of good courage. Two sisters will try one thousand of the new health magazine, which comes out in January.
The only trouble which confronts us now is that we can not supply our workers with large books for several months yet, as it takes from four to six months to get an order from the States. The Spanish canvassing work is on the rise, and young men and women are offering themselves for the work. How thankful I am that I can help them!
THOS. H. DAVIS.