Personal Experiences in Colporteur Work by Wm. C. Rahn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 7, 1907

Personal Experiences in Colporteur Work

By Wm. C. Rahn

SOME time has passed since I last reported, and as the Spirit of the Lord instructs us to write our experiences that they may be a source of encouragement to others, I do not wish to disregard his desires, especially at a time when every soul is tried to the uttermost. The Lord is certainly adding his blessing to those who are working for souls in this long-neglected field. We are told that it is our privilege to know that angels of God are round about us when we visit from house to house. I have realized that more here in South Carolina than in any other State in which I have worked.

The past week I have been conscious of his special guidance in my work. In finishing my territory I had to do a great deal of walking; so, tired and worn out, I found a stopping place at a house previously visited, but where I had taken no order. They gladly received me and kept me overnight, and I had no difficulty in selling them a book in the morning. In the next two houses I sold two more books for cash.

In the forenoon of the next day I came to a well-to-do man who was staking out his cow, and had his mule harnessed ready to plow. He seemed to be in a great hurry. I told him that I had a book which I would like to show him.

But he “had no time this morning to look at a book;” but after a little conversation, we sat down and went through the book “Coming King.” He asked if I did not think the Lord would give a message before he should come. “Yes,” I said, “and this is a special invitation to you this morning.” It had a deep effect upon him, and he wanted me to stay longer. I took his order for the book, and went over the hill praising the Lord.

In the distance I saw a man sitting by the roadside, waiting for the mail-carrier. The Spirit of the Lord impressed me to canvass that man. With full courage I went to him, sat down by his side, and the Lord came very near, but the man would not give his order, so I went on to the end of the road. A man told me that by going through the woods I could find another road. I failed to find the other road, and had to come back to that same road and pass the house of the man whom I had canvassed by the roadside. After I had passed his house, I heard him calling me. He said he wanted one of the books. The Lord had led me back there again. I never saw the Lord work in a more marked way than here.

He gives me new zeal and new courage from day to day, and I shall trust more in him. I often think if we as a people could realize the time in which we are living, and the world's great need of the third angel's message, and would arise as one man, how quickly the work might be finished. If any who read this feel impressed to come here, I hope they come at once; there is room.

WM. C. RAHN.

Laurens, S. C.