Canvassing in Central America
By Alvin N. Allen
SUNDAY morning, July 15, my wife and I landed in Belize, British Honduras, after a stormy trip of three days, from Puerto Cortez, Spanish Honduras. Copies of the Coronation number of The Signs of the Times reached us the same day, so I began work with them the next morning. This gave me a good opportunity to become acquainted with the people. The two hundred copies ordered were not sufficient to supply the demand. After these were all sold, I took “The Coming King.” This was a new book to me, but the first man to whom I showed it bought one, and a few minutes later sent for two more for his customers. Our supply of that book is now exhausted, and I am working with “The Desire of Ages” and “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” Some of those who bought “The Coming King” are now buying “Daniel and the Revelation.” We now have just two of these left. I have canvassed only the business portion of the town and a few of the best houses. I took a trip up Old River about fifty miles, and in three days sold $18.50 worth of books. God certainly is going before to prepare the hearts of the people to receive the books, as this is the hardest part of the year in which to canvass, there being very little money in circulation at present. When the winter months come, the logging men from up the rivers will return to spend the year’s earnings. This will make better times for all, and we are planning for a large sale. We have just ordered over eight hundred dollars’ worth of books for these months. Brother Braster is the only canvasser in the field besides myself. He is a native of this place, and is doing faithful work. As soon as a new supply of books reaches us, we intend to take a trip of several hundred miles together, canvassing the towns along the way. The first month here I sold seventy-five dollars’ worth of books, and I am still doing well. I find many interested souls, and I hope that the books will be the means of leading some to Christ. I like to canvass, and I believe that God has called me to this work. It cannot be done here, however, as it can in the States. Very few orders are good. The customer may intend to take the book when giving the order, but in a place where money is so scarce, it often occurs that the money has to be used to obtain food. When I take an order now, I obtain a small payment down if possible. This insures the delivery. This might be a good plan to follow in other places also. I am thankful for the privilege of having a part in giving the last message of mercy to a dying world, and hope that there will soon be others who will give themselves to the Master to be taught of him and used wherever he may lead. ALVIN N. ALLEN.