The Canvasser’s Leaven
By J. B. Blosser
“Let those who gain such an experience in working for the Lord write an account of it for our papers, that others may be encouraged. Let the canvasser tell of the joy and blessing he has received in his ministry as an evangelist. These reports should find a place in our papers; for they are far reaching in their influence. They will be as sweet fragrance in the church, a savor of life unto life. Thus it is seen that God works with those who co-operate with him. “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.”—“Manual for Canvassers,” pages 38, 39.” Why does the general agent when visiting the churches in the interest of the canvassing work, everywhere meet the searching inquiry, “Is the canvassing work as prosperous as it used to be? I don’t hear much said about it.” Is not the answer apparent? Certainly God has not ceased to bless and prosper the faithful, God-fearing canvasser. But his good experiences are not passed on to the people as much as they should be. These experiences to the church are “a savor of life unto life.” They are to the canvassing work what leaven is to the dough. They will elevate and quicken it to action. Others will want to join the ranks and gain a like experience in working for the Master. Shall we not recognize this, and encourage our canvassers to send in these accounts of their experiences for publication? Not only for publication, but at our camp-meetings and general gatherings time should be allowed for them to tell of their work. At several of the camp-meetings in the Lake Union Conference last year meetings of this character were held, and the “sweet incense” of the reports and testimonies of the canvassers spread to the congregation, and from many came the hearty response to the call for volunteers, “Here am I; send me.” Let those having the arrangements in charge for meetings at our coming camp-meetings see to it that ample time is given this important branch of God’s work.