Experience of a Bible Colporteur in Russia by G. PERK

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 4, 1909

Experience of a Bible Colporteur in Russia

By G. PERK

I was sent from Moscow to Siberia by the British and Foreign Bible Society, to scatter Bibles in that region. I was in the Siberian city of Irbit. In this place is held an annual fair. On my journey, I had lost all my Bibles, worth about a thousand dollars. For four weeks and more, I tried in vain to find them. The time during which the fair was held passed by, and my stock of Bibles had not been found. I became fearful of losing my position as a colporteur.

1. A LITHUANIAN SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH,
IN THE BALTIC PROVINCES
2. VIEW IN RIGA, OUR RUSSIAN HEADQUARTERS — 1. A LITHUANIAN SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, IN THE BALTIC PROVINCES 2. VIEW IN RIGA, OUR RUSSIAN HEADQUARTERS

Finally I resorted to fasting and prayer. On the third day the Lord heard my prayer, and helped me find my books. It was said that the one who had been transporting them was slain, and that the books had been hidden in the woods. Wonderful to relate, after receiving these books, I was only one day in disposing of them all.

Near the place where I was stopping was a large railway shop, which had more than ten thousand employees. I asked the director if I might sell my books in this factory. At first, he did not wish to allow it. Then I wrote him a letter, in which I called attention to the fact that the book I was selling has in it the power to make a man better, so that he will not give himself up to drinking. The director replied that if the book I was offering for sale could make his employees better, he was willing that they should try it.

Upon arrival at the factory, I was given a man to assist me. With note-book and pencil he went with me through his factory. At first I attempted to explain the nature of the Bible I was offering for sale, and point out the importance of securing a copy; but the gentleman accompanying me said, “Do not take so much time.” And then, turning to the employee, he would say, “You must have the book.” In this way, we wrote down name after name. In this remarkable manner I was able to dispose of all the Bibles that had been sent me by the society.

This experience gave me courage to begin keeping the Sabbath of the Bible, the seventh day, which I had for some time believed to be God’s will, but had found it hard to begin alone, contrary to the tide of public opinion.

G. PERK.