p. 17 | Success of Seminary Students

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 18, 1912

Success of Seminary Students

BROTHER A. L. SHIDLER, who, with three other young men, went from the Foreign Mission Seminary to Cuba at the close of school, sends an encouraging report. Brother Shidler has a very limited knowledge of the Spanish, being able to say little aside from the printed description of his book, which he has learned, and of course understands little when the people talk to him. But notwithstanding this, the Lord is blessing him, as well as the others who are with him. He says:—

"First, I wish to say that I believe this is where the Lord wants me, and also that the health book is the book for this people. From the first, the Lord has given us wonderful success. While I can scarcely say anything more than my canvass, yet my extremity is proving God's opportunity; and last week in twenty-seven hours I took $59.50 worth of orders, and delivered $19.50 worth of them Friday evening. To-day (Tuesday) I delivered the remainder without losing an order. At one place the people had moved, but their little boy saw me, and came running after me, and took me to their home, where I readily delivered the book.

"Last night, when I knocked at a door, a colored man came across the street and said the man was not at home, and tried to explain to me, but finding it difficult, he told me to come over to the other side of the street, saying, 'Ella hable Ingles' (She speaks English).

"Brother Robinson and I had been at this house the day before, but the woman would not let us in, so I seized this opportunity

to show the book. The mother said they would not have it, but I told her that in return for the help that her daughter had been to me in interpreting for me, I would be glad to show them the book whether they took it or not. With this she consented, and I gave them a canvass, the young woman acting as interpreter. As I had an extra book with me, they bought it, paying me the cash. When it was all over, they had a good laugh, and told me to tell my friend how well I had succeeded.

"This morning, as I was finishing my delivery, I met a woman who had seen a book that her daughter had bought, and she told me that she would like one, too. She is the wife of a Cuban senator.

"Brother Spicer took $89 worth of orders last week. He is working with Brother Brown, and I with Brother Colthurst. Yesterday Brother Colthurst took $34 worth of orders. One of his orders was from the daughter of the leading rebel general.

"In closing, I will say I enjoy it here very much, and for the first time in my life, I have not had a 'blue Monday' while canvassing. I hope that you have found several strong men who will be ready for this field next spring."