The Silent Messengers in Lady Lakes

The canvassing work, properly conducted, is missionary work of the highest order, and it is as good and successful a method as can be employed for placing before the people the important truths for this time. The importance of the work of the ministry is unmistakable; but many who are hungry for the bread of life have not the privilege of hearing the word from God’s delegated preachers. For this reason it is essential that our publications be widely circulated. Thus the message will go where the living preacher cannot go, and the attention of many will be called to the important events connected with the closing scenes of this world’s history. – {CM 6.1}

Continuing our efforts to see the literature work progress, M.E.E.T. Ministry’s six-week winter canvassing campaign was brought to the sunshine state— Florida. We teamed up with the Florida Conference to bring the light of truth to the precious souls of Lady Lakes, FL and beyond.  While many were enjoying a time of rest and relaxation over the holiday season, there were 18 footmen, ages 14-40+,  who answered the call to win souls through the published works. The campaign proved to be a success with over 3,500 books that have gone out as well as the many lives that were touched and changed through divine appointments and prayer.

The emphasis on spiritual books such as The Great Controversy and Bible Answers served as the basis for the sales. This was true so much so that the administration was amazed at how many of these books went out versus the lighter, less intimidating titles. This is as God would have it since we are told:

My heart aches as I see those who profess to be looking for the Saviour devoting their time and talents to circulating books that contain nothing concerning the special truths for this time… It is not our mission to circulate such works… We have a definite mission, and we should not turn from it to side issues. Men and means are not to be employed in bringing before the people books that have no bearing upon the present truth.– {CM 120.4}

Canvassers should be encouraged to take hold of this work, not to canvass for storybooks, but to bring before the world the books containing truth essential for this time.— Testimonies for the Church 6:315

In addition, this campaign was a first-time for some.  Due to the consecrated nature of the program, some have since gone on to continue to canvass and have developed a love for the colporteur ministry. Here are just a few highlights from the campaign:

The Lord’s hand was heavy upon Wiljon today. His personal goal was 15 books and 5 Great Controversy so I prayed for it. The day was going well for him meeting it, so as the day went on, I prayed even more for it. In the last 10 minutes he had 12 books and 4 Great Controversy's. I went in a culdesac and the Boynes and I had a season of prayer for him and the team. When it was time to pick him up, he ran to the van with the biggest smile. In his last door some one received 3 books and 1 of them was a Great Controversy. Glory to God! 

I try to set a team goal everyday, and usually we get it. Today I asked for 60. Was it possible? of course. Fast forward to the end of the day, after counting we had 54.  Brittany remembered we had to go to Walmart to get some cashews real quick. While she was inside 4 of us (including me) decided to canvass the parking lot. A young man bought a Peace Above the Storm from me, then I met another individual that was familiar with SDA's but didn’t know much, I showed him Great Controversy and he got it! When Brittany came back, we came together and asked each other how many books each of us got out. It was 6. Coincidence? I think not. We serve a loving God:)

I went into a business and initially when I canvassed one of the workers he said he was not going to get any of our books.  I assured him that was fine and proceeded to  asked if he had any prayer requests. He told me to pray for his family because many of them were lost. He continued and told me how he had been thinking about those who had not the knowledge of God and wondered  if God would spare their lives because of their ignorance. God is a Just God.  Just as his Character is God WILL without a doubt have mercy on them. We then spoke about the soon coming of our Saviour. I believe that our conversation gave him hope for the future. I left the store and as I was walking the Holy Spirit pressed so heavily on my heart to turn around and give him the GC for free. Heeding to his voice I Marched back and said "I have a gift for you!"   and he joyfully said "I have a gift for you too!" He received the Great Controversy with gladness and appreciation and gave me a donation.

2 points to this story :

Listen the the voice of the HOLY SPIRIT. 

Canvassing is about ministering to the people. If you've canvassed and this wasn't the aim,  you've missed the point.