Stories from the Field
Many times our canvassers have life changing experiences in the field. Some stories reflect how our canvassers change the lives of the people that they me. Others tell the story of how their lives were changed. These are a few of those stories.
Message Book Saves a Life
While working one day I met a lady. I showed her God’s Answers to your Questions, she paused, and tears started pouring from her eyes. She had pills in her hand, ready to commit suicide. She told me,
"This is the book I’ve been waiting for. You must be my angel because God must have sent you here."
—Jeremiah
At the Mention of His Name
No one answered my knock at the Saint Michael Catholic church.
"Oh God, please let me talk to someone," I pray as I began to walk away.
Just then, a young man walked up to me and asked, "Do you need something?"
I showed him the books, especially emphasizing Desire of Ages.
"This one combines the four gospels into chapter form." I shared enthusiastically. "I enjoy how it brings out lessons to apply to my daily life." When I share that, he was excited!
"I’m studying to be a priest," he informed me, "so this takes the story of Jesus from the four gospels and puts them into chronological order?"
"Yes!" I answered, "and it’s my absolute favorite!"
"I want this one." he stated, pulling out his wallet.
Praise God, he got the Desire of Ages.
—Melissa
The Power of Persistent Prayer
It was our first day of canvassing. I had gotten out a few Happiness Digests, but no books. My prayer was that someone would get all my message books and sign up for Bible Studies. I ran between every house, eager to reach my goal. Soon we were on our last street, with no books out and still no one wanting Bible studies.
At the next house, I prayed extra hard that the right person would come to the door. A young man answered my knock and stepped outside. He was the only Christian in his home! This gave me a good opportunity to show him the message books.
Suddenly, before I could ask him, he asked me if I knew anyone who could study the Bible with him so he would know the Bible better! He signed up for Bible studies and then purchased The Great Controversy, Desire of Ages, Peace Above the Storm, He Taught Love, and God’s Answers!
God had answered my prayer all in one house by impressing this young man to sign up for Bible studies and to take all the message books! Praise the Lord!
—Titus
Willingness to Share Wins Respect
An older gentleman was working in the yard, but I was a little hesitant to canvass him, because he didn"t look friendly. After praying for courage, I walked up and began to canvass Peace Above the Storm. He flipped through the book and asked,
"Who are you with?"
"I’m working with the Bible Story Company."
"What religion are you with?"
"I’m a Seventh-Day Adventist Christian!" I answered with a smile.
"So, what do you do on Saturdays?" he asked as he closed the book.
"We go to church and then do something as a family or with friends."
"Do you go to the grocery store, pharmacy or any other store on Saturday?"
"No."
"I respect people who follow their beliefs," he said, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, "so I"ll buy one of your books."
—Jessica
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