Canvassing in a Strange Language by N. Z. T.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 27, 1910

Canvassing in a Strange Language

By N. Z. T.

A RECENT letter from Brother J. A. P. Green, of Mexico, tells of the experiences of Brethren Martin and Phillips, who recently went to that field, in their first work in the unfamiliar Spanish tongue:—

“Think of canvassing in a strange tongue after being in the country only two weeks! Brother Phillips made his first delivery to-day. In four hours he delivered orders to the value of $17.70, and in addition took $6 worth of orders. He has been here only four weeks, and the last two were spent in the field canvassing.

“Canvassing under difficulties? Listen to a first attempt: Buenos articulos por entendidos medicos, such as Dr. Kress, Dr. Cummings, and so forth. Tabla las enfermedades y sus tratamientos,—let’s see; what shall I say?” One man said, ‘Por ahora no,’ which means, ‘Not now.’ The canvasser looked around, and said, ‘What is he saying?’ I told him to continue to canvass; he did, and the man signed for one year’s subscription to Salud y Vida, our Spanish health paper. These brethren had their canvass committed, but when questions were asked, they would look around for help. Sometimes the man canvassed would say that he had no time just now; but not knowing what he said, they would keep on canvassing, and very often get an order. There is sometimes an advantage in not knowing what is being said.

“The first trip made by these young men was rather a hard one; but they kept bravely at work, and now they are getting along well. We rejoice to know that our workers have help to carry the message to Mexico. Better still, Heaven rejoices to see young men willing to leave pleasant surroundings, and give their lives to these needy fields. We ask your prayers that God may do a wonderful work through his representatives in Mexico.”

Writing later, Brother Phillips speaks thus of his experience:—

“Our work in the federal district of Mexico began August 8. I went on a canvassing trip with Brother Green, and listened while he gave his canvass, noting carefully how he approached the people and addressed them, all the time storing up knowledge for future use. Finally, August 12, Brother Green said to me, ‘Here, take this, and try your hand.’ Having studied my canvass, and believing that the Lord would help, I took my first subscription, with a little assistance from Brother Green, who attended to the details. This I could not do, not knowing the language thoroughly. By steady application to study and practise in the field, I am now able to understand nearly everything in connection with our work. The Lord has blessed wonderfully, and to him we give all the glory.

“Brother Martin and I are doing our own cooking; and as I was at one time a master of the art, it soon devolved upon me to do that part of the work. We fare well, as fruit and vegetables are cheap. For instance, lemons are a cent apiece; large red bananas, which cost from five to ten cents, gold, at home, are only two cents here. Other native fruits and vegetables are proportionately cheap; but imported foodstuffs are exceedingly high.

“The people are very courteous. Men meeting us on the car will shake hands; meeting again, on the street, ten minutes later, they shake again. Their expressions of good will are very frank. The homes of the people are very beautiful. Even the homes of the poor have a patio, in which flowers and trees and grass, arranged artistically, are pleasing to the eye.”

N. Z. T.