Roanoke, Virginia, July 11, 2018
To All our brethren and leaders of God’s Church around the world, we extend warm Christian greetings with the following inspired words:
“Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days," Ecclesiastes 11:1.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion Thy God reigneth,” Isaiah 52:7.
The purpose of this letter is to call the attention of our leading brethren around the world to one of the most effective works in behalf of souls: the canvassing work.
The recent canvassing campaigns held in the United States, Australia, and Papua New Guinea made evident that this kind of missionary endeavor can be successful in almost every country on our planet. No doubt about it, the canvassing work is one of the best ways to reach new souls for the Lord.
In 1942 our small Brazilian town, my birthplace, was reached by three colporteurs who sold a prophecy book to my father. After reading that book, my father accepted the three angels message preached by the Reform Movement. Later, he became a church member, and our entire family became part of God’s family on earth.
When I was sixteen years old, I left home to attend the missionary school in Sao Paulo, Brazil. At the same time, I began my first experiences in the canvassing work. For eight years I was involved full-time in this wonderful activity.
Many souls were reached by this mean of spreading the word, and a variety of blessings helped the development of the church in Brazil.
It has been proven that canvassing work blesses the church in many ways:
Spiritual blessings
The young people who are involved in this blessed work, become effective missionaries. They not only help the church and find new souls but also strengthen their own faith.
Those who persevere in this activity are potential voluntary Bible workers. The books which are distributed take the message to places otherwise practically impossible to reach.
Financial blessings
Not only the canvasser is monetarily benefited, but the church also receives a great financial help to apply towards the work of evangelism.
The tithes returned to the treasure house and the profits received through canvassing are a great blessing for the church.
What is written by the Spirit of Prophecy about canvassing?
“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," {CEv 5.1}.
Ordained of God
“God has ordained the canvassing work as a means of presenting before the people the light contained in our books, and canvassers should be impressed with the importance of bringing before the world as fast as possible the books necessary for their spiritual education and enlightenment. This is the very work the Lord would have His people do now. All who consecrate themselves to God to work as canvassers are assisting to give the last message of warning to the world. We cannot too highly estimate this work; for were it not for the efforts of the canvasser, many would never hear the warning," {CEv 5.2}.
“The lost sheep of God's fold are scattered in every place, and the work that should be done for them is being neglected. From the light given me I know that where there is one canvasser in the field, there should be one hundred. 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," {CEv 7.2}.
“The intelligent, God-fearing, truth-loving canvasser should be respected; for he occupies a position equal to that of the gospel minister. Many of our young ministers and those who are fitting for the ministry would, if truly converted, do much good by working in the canvassing field. And by meeting the people and presenting to them our publications they would gain an experience which they cannot gain by simply preaching. As they went from house to house they could converse with the people, carrying with them the fragrance of Christ's life. In thus endeavoring to bless others they would themselves be blessed; they would obtain an experience in faith; their knowledge of the Scriptures would greatly increase; and they would be constantly learning how to win souls for Christ,” {CEv 15.1}.
Recently, I made a telephone call to a canvassing leader, asking him about the progress of the work. He said that he was trying his best to promote the work among our young people. He also told me that if all the ministers, especially those occupying leading positions would support this work, the success would be much greater.
Therefore, we are appealing to our leading brethren in various positions, whether in the Unions, the fields, or in the missions and local churches, to give full support to this divinely appointed work. Canvassing work can be done by all our church members as well as young people who may not yet be members, for when the canvassing work involves our youth, the church prospers. Everyone can be involved in this endeavor, but the support of the leading brethren, at all levels, is essential to the promotion and success of this work.
Additionally, we would like to take this opportunity to inform the brethren that next year, 2019, will be dedicated to promoting the canvassing work around the world. Specific plans will be presented by the GC Canvassing Department at a later date.
Let us prepare our people, especially the youth, in advance so that next year we can see a great revival in this vital department of God’s Church.
We urge you not to keep this circular “under the pulpit,” but rather let it be read publicly, and a copy given to every member and young person of our church throughout the world wherever possible.
We wish you God’s rich blessing as we work together in His appointed ways.
Cordially, your brother in the blessed hope,
Davi Paes Silva