p. 20 | A Beginning in Porto Rico by E. R. P.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 11, 1909

A Beginning in Porto Rico

By E. R. P.

A LETTER dated October 15 received from Brother William Steele, of Mayaguez, in Porto Rico, gives the following interesting account of an experiment he has tried to see whether books can be sold in that mission field:—

“I canvassed some in the United States, but never made any record-breaking sales. I have now canvassed four and one-half days here in Mayaguez. Before beginning work, there seemed to be many lions in the way. The people are poor, and business is dull, but in the Lord’s work there are no hard times, except it be in the hearts of the workers.

“The best I ever did in the United States for six consecutive days was to sell books to the value of one hundred nine dollars. Here in Porto Rico, in four and one-half days the Lord has graciously given me orders to the value of $116.20.

“All the cities and towns in Porto Rico and Santo Domingo should be canvassed at once for ‘Patriarchs and Prophets’ and ‘The Coming King.’ Then they should be canvassed for ‘Home and Health,’ and the other books as they come out in the Spanish.

“Two or three canvassers could keep at work indefinitely, but I do hope we may have at least one at once. The time has come when our books can be sold in all Spanish-speaking countries, and we should at once improve the opportunity that the Lord has given us.”

Brother Steele makes an urgent call for at least one canvasser. When books can be sold successfully in the mission fields, and the work thus be made at least partially self-supporting, surely we should do everything within our power to secure proper literature and workers.

We trust that the Lord will direct in his own way in the selection of a good pioneer canvasser for Porto Rico.

E. R. P.