OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL TO WORK.
By Lena E. Williams
Are there not many of us who feel a great desire to do our part, as week after week we read appeals for means for our various lines of work, and the institutions representing them? Yet how often our purses are empty! For sixteen years I taught school, and had something to give. Nearly three years ago I gave up my work to unite my efforts with my husband’s in missionary work. But I do miss the privilege of responding as in times past to calls for help. I wonder how those to whom God has given money can hold it back, and I sympathize most heartily with those who are anxious to give, yet have empty hands. The call came, a short time ago, for the orphans and the aged. I thought of our little Sabbath-school, recently organized — some unable to give, others whose husbands would object to their money being used in that way. I felt I must do something for that cause, especially as we are asked to contribute only twice a year. We had a few books on hand that we had procured to use in introducing our Bible work here. After earnestly asking God’s blessing on my effort to add my mite to the Orphans’ fund, I took the books and presented my plea for the orphans at our Bible readings. Our time is so fully taken up that I was obliged to do my canvassing at “odd minutes and between times,” lest it should interfere with our daily work. Next I called on friends living near the one with whom we had had the Bible study. For three days I sold in nearly every house I visited. When the Sabbath came, I gladly dropped seven dollars into our class envelope. I enjoyed it more than in the years when it was easy for me to give. Perhaps some sister reading this is disappointed, thinking I had some big thing to tell as the result of my canvassing. But I am no canvasser, and I write this to show how, in the midst of our daily work, and with no ability, experience, or gift, we may help a little, and many littles will help a great deal. Now is the time of the year when illustrated books with pretty covers sell easily for Christmas gifts. Cannot many of our sisters dispose of a few every week from now on till Christmas? Let us not leave all the field around us to be harvested by others. In our odd moments we can put a host of small books into homes where they will prove a blessing, and we have something to help hasten the coming of our Lord. We shall find that our friends are more willing to buy of us than of strangers. From this small beginning some may develop into successful canvassers. I intend now to sell books to get money for the work in the Southern field, then India, and next will come our Christmas offerings. After that it will be dull and hard to sell books. Then I hope to work again for the orphans, as people are more willing to help them than to assist in other branches of our work. I find Sister White’s books especially helpful to all classes of people. It saves much time to deliver the books when you sell them if the people are prepared to take them. I usually carry an armful with me, and it grows lighter quickly. I pray God that many may be moved to join in this work. Even an invalid in her home may share in the blessing by working with those that call on her.