Our Testimony

(We hope our personal missionary program will encourage you to work more at some missionary program of your own, to witness for the Master, so He will come soon.)

The swap meets or flea markets, where we did our vending, were attended by many Spanish-speaking migrants, mostly farm workers. Thus, we tried to keep a lot of Spanish literature on hand to pass out to everyone, whether they bought from us or not. Besides the many magazines and booklets that were given to us, we bought some paperbacks to try to give out on a donation basis. We wish we could give them all away, but we just don't have the funds to replace them (as it turned out, we did give a lot away). These people seem more willing to take the literature we give them, than a lot of U.S. citizens. They seem hungry for such material, and usually thanked us wholeheartedly.

Flea Markets and Swap Meets can be found in many states, but we have mainly worked, so far, in New Mexico and Arizona in the couple of years we have done this kind of work. Since we are "retired" (but we cetainly do a lot of hard work still), we are free to travel in our motor home. This makes it easy to sow the gospel seed in many places. Yet, sometimes it is better to stay in one location for awhile. It helps for people to get to know and trust you that way. We try to let the Lord lead is where to go and when.

What we manage to sell in items such as tools, household, clothing, or whatever, just helps us to keep going and get out of some previous debt. We wish we could use more of our social security and product income for more literature, but it has been nip and tuck. We have been very blessed though. Some individuals and a few churches have donated literature for our work, and this we have appreciated very much.

We are learning to make sacrifices in life, and we do it willingly. That's what our Saviour did, and how can we do less? It's so easy to believe we need things we really don't need to be happy and healthy in this life. The greatest happiness we can enjoy in this present world is found when we witness for our Lord. Those who only live for self cannot be truly happy.

In whatever we do we want to glorify God. When we give out the literature we know we can help finish God's work on earth. The Holy Spirit will work on the hearts of individuals as they read. We expect to find souls in the kingdom of God who were led to the Saviour by first reading some of the literature we tried to pass out as "leaves of Autumn."

We are all accountable for doing everything we can to spread the gospel. It may not seem like much, but it isn't hard to hand a person a piece of literature filled with wonderful truth that will lead them to be ready for Jesus' coming. Many more people could be doing this wherever they are. We know from our own experience that it can be a struggle to get started. You worry about what people will think. You wonder if they will turn you down or become upset. Just remember you are working for the Master, and these people could be saved in God's kingdom just because you started them thinking with one piece of literature.

Yes, we are aware there are other types of missionary activity. Every church member nees to ask the Lord each day to help them to be a soul winner. Whether you sow seed or reap a harvest from what someone else has sown, you need to work for the Master. This can become your main goal in life, as it should be. If you are young, you can work. If you are a parent, you should include your children in your missionary activity and recruit them to work for others also. If you are retired, as we are, get busy and do all you can in every way you can. You can never do too much missionary work, and every bit you do will be a blessing to your own soul. And, the Lord will multiply many times over what you merely add on.

It is my understanding, from all I have read and heard, that we are accountable for souls we could have given light from God's word. We have been as guilty as anyone else, at times, of neglecting to heed the "still, small voice" which tells us to do something for an individual, family or group, at a certain time. It is so easy to protect ourselves from possible embarrasment or even hostility. The trouble is, we don't pray enough, or read His word enough to help us have a burden for the souls around us. We need a burden as intense as our Saviour's. We can gain the compassion He had for souls by working for souls in every way possible. Our love will increase as we do what we know to do and ask for wisdom and strength to do more.

We hope a few will follow our example in selling at flea markets and giving out literature in this manner. The main thing is to pray to the Lord to show you just what way He would have you work for others. Perhaps, you can find a unique way, based on your own abilities, to spread present truth and to win souls to the Lord.

We all need to be gospel, medical missionary workers. Whether we are young or old, we can learn new ways to work. It is essential to let the Lord direct you without letting selfishness get in the way. We certainly want others to see Jesus in us and not view our so-called wonderful talents. Mel and I have a lot of spiritual growing to do, but we are thankful God will use anyone who is willing to be used by Him.

Concerning the personal missionary activity of a few members in a church: We believe it is essential to have a testimony meeting, on a regular basis, for the purpose of active members giving testimonies of the results of their missionary efforts. Thus, other members will be encouraged to start their own projects or join with others in their work. These kind of meetings are bound to strengthen a church tremendously.

We want Jesus to return soon and all sin and suffering to end in this old, sick world. For this to happen we all must do our part to help finish the work of spreading the last message of mercy to the world.

Mel and Kay Search