EAST CARIBBEAN CONFERENCE Harvest Ingathering Promoter SESSION 3 Pastor Colin L. Thorne PERSONAL MINISTRIES DIRECTOR

KNOW YOUR MISSION A good salesman is informed about his product. You’re representing the worldwide work of Seventh-day- Adventists. Be acquainted with that work. The ingathering Magazine itself will give a great deal of helpful data.

Regular reading of the Advance, Adventist World and the Priority Magazine will assure you background knowledge that will strengthen your feeling of confidence when you do Ingathering.

INGATHERING SOLICITORS Few people actually yearn to call on friends, neighbors, or strangers to solicit favors. Moses said to God, many years ago, “I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.” Esther, persuaded by her conscientious cousin that she should make a solicitation of royal favor, revealed her state of mind in the words, “If I perish, I perish.”

MAKE YOUR WORK EASIER If an Ingathering story has appeared in the local paper refer to it in your solicitations. It will make your work easier, and the fact that the newspaper has carried information about your cause establishes confidence in its merits in the mind of the prospect.

Good newspaper publicity pays big dividends, and every church should try to secure recognition of this campaign both on the radio and in the newspapers. It is a matter of community interest, and almost all editors and station managers will use material about it.

A casual remark, “You probably saw the story in last night’s paper.” Or, “Did you hear about our work on the radio this morning?” Some solicitors carry copies of the newspaper story.

TAKE TIME TO WIN HEARTS While you are working toward a financial goal, always remember that the purpose os gathering these funds is to win souls. How inexcusable it would be to hurry past someone interested in the gospel in order to be on your way to gather money to win someone else.

While one’s time should be guarded against unnecessary interuption and prolonged conversations on purely secular affairs, be alert to any expression of interest in spiritual things.

Watch for openings to do well. Never pass by any case of sickness or any situation where you can alleviate distress or bring cheer to a shut-in. Offer Bible studies, distribute Bible Correspondence Course enrolment cards, invite people to church services – and with wisdom and tact seek out receptive hearts.

Remember ingathering funds have no value except as a means of winning souls. You’re taking the direct approach if you put spiritual values first as you work.

KEEP IN TOUCH When you Knock on the door, or ring the bell, relax, and ask God to give you words to speak. You should already have learned your canvass. Just how you will say it, you can’t tell until you see the prospect.

Don’t give yourself jitters in the meantime. Some good advice is that given to Saul by Samuel, “Do as the occasion demands; for God is with you.” 1 Samuel 10: 7. Approach each individual in a friendly, natural way. There is no occasion for becoming tense or excited. It is God’s work, and He is even more eager to have it succeed than you are.

EXPECT SUCCESS While any kind of pressure tactics would be out of keeping with good ingathering, it is appropriate to act as though you expect generous gifts. The work is of God, it is blessing humanity, and you are demonstrating your belief in it by contributing your time and effort.

Show confidence in the generosity and kindliness of the person you approach by indicating that you expect him to give. Be positive, direct and confident. Should your prospect refuse to give, don’t let your ardor be dampened or your manner cooled.

Occasionally you may contact one who is violently opposed to any mission program. Though it may be apparent that he will not give, don’t close the interview without amiably trying to clarify his views of missions.

While he may not admit that his mind is changed, he may make a generous gift next year, and what is more important, he’ll have a warm appreciation of your religion. Keep in good spirits, and communicate that feeling to everyone you contact. Do this, and don’t be surprised if you begin to enjoy ingathering.

MAY GOD’S BLESSINGS BE UPON YOU AS YOU INGATHER FOR THE LORD!