The Need of Educating Canvassers
“CANVASSERS are to be educated and trained to do the work required in selling the books upon present truth which the people need. There is need of men of deep Christian experience, men of well-balanced minds, strong, well-educated men, to engage in this work. The Lord desires those to take hold of the canvassing work who are capable of educating others, who can awaken in promising young men and women an interest in this line, leading them to take up the book work and handle it successfully. Some have the talent, education, and experience which would enable them to educate the youth for the canvassing work in such a way that much more would be accomplished than is now being done. Those who have gained an experience in this work have a special duty to perform in teaching others. Educate, educate, educate young men and women to sell the books which the Lord by his Holy Spirit has stirred his servants to write.”—“Manual for Canvassers,” pages 63, 64. This Testimony from the Spirit of God gives us definite instruction, which if heeded, will bring the canvassing work to the place God would have it occupy. The plan is simple, yet it is comprehensive. First of all, the canvassers are to be educated and trained to do the work required in selling books upon present truth. This is to be accomplished by those who have been educated, and who have gained an experience that qualifies them to train workers. It is perfectly plain to those who are familiar with the present situation of the canvassing work in the different parts of the world, that there is a great dearth of young men who have gained such an experience as is spoken of above, which qualifies them to be trainers, and renders them capable of educating others in such a way that much more would be accomplished than is now being done. State agents are needed who not only can show the canvassers how to sell the books, but who are men of faith, and have ability to organize companies of canvassers, and who can interest the youth in this work. Trained men and men of experience are needed to act as leaders of companies, co-operating with the State agent in the work of training those who consecrate themselves for service. These leaders cannot be picked up from our ranks indiscriminately. They must be trained and tried. The selection and the training of these men constitute the first step in the building up of the canvassing work. The training of an army of workers will rest on those who have gained an experience. In “Gospel Workers” we are told that “there ought to be connected with our schools the best possible facilities for the preparation of laborers for both home and foreign fields.” Several of our schools are recognizing this, and are doing a good work in this direction. In those districts where the schools have taken an active interest in the training of canvassers, we see the work in a much better condition than where this is left to the State agents alone. It is from these districts that most of the leaders are found for regions beyond. I am glad to know that arrangements have been made for a course of training at the Emmanuel Missionary College during the fall term, beginning October 5, and lasting ten weeks. During this time attention will be given to those studies that will be most needed by the canvasser; namely, Bible, hygiene and simple treatments, reading, book study, and principles of canvassing. At least half the time will be spent in actual field work with capable leaders. This will give the students experience, and at the same time help in defraying their expenses for the term. For further information about this course, write to the undersigned.
Berrien Springs, Mich.