|
The fairs are over and we are stepping back to take a deep breath after the many hours of smiling and handing out books behind the booth. Despite the time commitment it took for church members and friends to share at a booth for 12 or 13 hours a day for twenty-two days, the blessing of sharing the truth with so many people far outweighs any inconvenience.
 This was the third year that we have had a booth at the Clark County Fair in Vancouver, WA and we continued to meet a number of interesting people. Many people came by and said they had one or more of the books on the table, probably picked up in earlier years. This was our first year to have a booth at the State Fair in Salem, OR. Our booth was one of hundreds scattered in buildings and tents around the enormous grounds and the crowds that pass through are incredible. What an opportunity to meet people who are searching for a better way of life!
This year we featured a book card with a US flag and a picture of the World Trade Centers, which offered the book World Crisis Foretold (a compilation of Steps to Christ, parts of The Great Controversy and quotations by Sister White on the destruction of the cities) and Bible studies. It seemed to be especially effective at the State Fair with the anniversary of September 11th just days away. Our booth also displayed a wide variety of free devotional, health and books on Bible prophecy. Hundreds of truth-filled books and tracts were given away.
All those who shared at the fair came back with testimonies to tell of people with whom they were able to witness. Often people came by burdened with trials or sorrows, giving us an opportunity to share  the love of our precious Savior with them. Others had specific questions on Bible doctrines they wanted to discuss and it was quite common to see a mini Bible study taking place right at the booth.
The amusement rides are a popular attraction at any fair. Companies who specialize in this business take the rides and the workers to run them from event to event. The workers live a lonely and transient life. We always try to share a piece of truth-filled literature with them as they hurry by, but wonder if it bears any fruit. This year we were given a glimpse of the results. A young lady came hurrying to our booth, just minutes before closing time. She said, “I want all the books you have!” She shared that she had seen one of the amusement ride workers reading one of our books and he had told her it was the best book he had ever read. So she came back to see for herself.
In the weeks since the fair we have received a steady stream of replies from the book cards, so far more than sixty requests for books and nearly that many for Bible studies. All those who are within driving distance are being visited personally; the others have been sent the lessons and books through the mail. Only heaven will tell the results of our seed planting, but we pray that God will nurture and help the seeds of truth that have been sown to spring up to a bountiful harvest. Please keep these seeking souls in your prayers.
|
