The Work in Ontario by Joel C. Rogers

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Apr 8, 1902

The Work in Ontario

By Joel C. Rogers

At the invitation of the president of the Ontario Conference, in council with the president of the Canadian Union Conference, the writer came into this field to engage in the work of the message. An effort to enlist our Ontario churches in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” was the first work suggested. Our little company of about twenty-five members at Selton was visited. That is the only place in the conference where we have a church school at present. When the plan of building a school with the book was laid before the church, two sisters immediately volunteered to take five copies each. These had both sold copies of the book before, and knew the blessed experience of it. Others hesitated, some saying that they would do what they could, while some seemed too timid even to try. At the next meeting, the children broke the waiting spirit by offering their help. The first book was sold by a little girl of eleven years. Before leaving, the company of workers agreed to do their best to sell the fifty books taken there. Only twelve, including children, felt free to join the force of workers. But I believe they will sell the fifty books, and more. Nine copies were sold by three, or four persons in a few hours’ work.

At St. Thomas the company of active members numbers only about fifteen. At the first call for volunteers, forty-eight books were taken by twelve persons.

Two others agreed to sell as many as possible. One of these had already sold a large number. It was a pleasure for me to call upon the senior judge of the high court, who told me that he is convinced that Christian schools, such as we are building, are greatly needed. He showed his interest by purchasing two of the books. A brother of seventy-five years took ten books, and sold four the first day he went out with them. His testimony at the missionary meeting that night was better than a sermon. This little company has a rare opportunity of holding forth the word of life in that center of travel, and most of them are doing faithful work for Christ.

When the time came for our meeting with the London church yesterday, a cold, steady rain was falling. A brother of over sixty years, one of the elders of the church, had four miles to drive with the writer through rain and mud. This brother is actually preparing for the Lord’s coming. Having sold his farm, keeping only a garden spot for a home, he is ready to help advance the message with heart, hand, and means. We were pleasantly surprised to find thirteen gathered at the place of meeting. As soon as they understood that their co-operation was wanted in this work, they offered willingly, and seventy-six books were taken without delay. Of these, thirty-eight are paid for by the volunteers; the others pay as soon as the books are sold. I expect that other members will raise the number to over one hundred. A brother who had already sold ten copies, took twelve more for himself and family. Surely the Lord is moving his people here; and if this same spirit runs all through the conference, our industrial school to be opened next fall, will be placed on a substantial footing. JOEL C. ROGERS.