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By Amanda Bauler
It is a hot August day, the sounds of laughter, salesmen’s calls, stomping feet and carefree amusement-park tunes fill the air and crowds of people are passing by. In the midst of this bustling scene people are given the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to learn the truths of God’s Word, which are the only hope for a world fast plummeting toward eternity.
For the second year, Historic Message Church has operated a booth at the Clark County Fair near Vancouver, WA. This fair is one of the largest events in the greater Portland area attracting about 300,000 people every year, people who need to hear God’s final message of warning for this sin-sick world. We are seeking to follow the inspired counsel that we should, seek to meet “the people where they are.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 330.
A fair is a busy place. A smorgasbord of displays, booths selling junk food, and vendors vying with one another to see who can empty your pocket the most rapidly. Our booth was quite different. As people walked by we offered them a free bag (imprinted with our website and other information and containing a card offering a free book and Bible studies) in addition to a wide range of truth-filled literature, all free. People commented that ours was the “most free” booth in the fair.
Each piece of literature is a seed, sent with a prayer that God will provide a rich harvest. From our booth this year we distributed 9000 cards offering Bible studies and a free book, 4500 imprinted pens and more than 6000 books or pamphlets. A new addition to our booth this year was stickers, with a spiritual theme, to interest the children.
We praise the Lord for the way that He abundantly blesses our feeble efforts to advance His cause. I often think that the richest blessings are received by those who have the privilege of working together with the Lord in active evangelism. Each one of the church members who helped with the booth this year could share stories of the blessings they received.
During the past month we have been busy with the follow-up work. Over eighty cards were returned requesting more material and in the majority of cases free Bible studies. Pastor Mike delivered the books to all those in the local area, and as a result several personal Bible studies have been started. A number of others are now enrolled in our Bible correspondence course.
Consider this wonderful promise for all those who choose to be laborers together with God, “In this work all the angels of heaven are ready to co-operate. All the resources of heaven are at the command of those who are seeking to save the lost. Angels will help you to reach the most careless and the most hardened. And when one is brought back to God, all heaven is made glad; seraphs and cherubs touch their golden harps, and sing praises to God and the Lamb for their mercy and loving-kindness to the children of men.” Christ Object Lessons, 196, 197. |
