A Book and a Prayer: A Canvasser’s Summer Mission
I paused in the parking lot of yet another large industrial business and adjusted my canvassing bag. The wide straps dug into my shoulders, reminding me that I still had books to distribute. A drop or two of sweat chased each other down my back, joining the collection already soaking my shirt. It was scorching hot. I glared briefly at the sun, which seemed to have no mercy on anyone brave enough to be outdoors. I was no stranger to sweltering summer days—this marked my fourth summer canvassing with the Kentucky-Tennessee youth canvassing program—but today felt brutally warm. There was no time to dwell on the heat, though; there were souls in need of the blessings we had come to share.
Among the many vehicles, I noticed a woman sitting inside her car. She was likely an employee or perhaps the owner. The tint on her windows made it difficult to tell, but it almost looked like she was praying. Drawn to speak with her, I tapped lightly on her window. “Good afternoon, ma’am,” I greeted as she rolled it down. “My name is Jamal. I’m a student working my way through school.”
“I’m sorry,” the woman interrupted, her voice polite but hurried. “I’m just eating my lunch here and need to get back to work soon.”
“No problem, ma’am.” Assuring her I wouldn’t take much of her time, I quickly shared Steps to Christ, Ministry of Healing, and one of our health books.
“Why don’t you step into my office,” she offered. “I have AC, and I’m sure it would be nice for you to cool off. I can see the sweat running down your face—you must be feeling pretty warm out here.”
I tried to let her know I didn’t need to go inside, telling her that God could keep me cool, but she insisted. “And besides,” she said, “I can look at your books better that way.”
Inside her office, she inquired about the two spiritual books I had shared with her earlier. “This is In Search of Peace (Steps to Christ),” I explained. “It helps you find freedom from worry, guilt, and fear. It’s a devotional book that has helped millions of people around the world. And this one,” I said, pointing to Ministry of Healing, “addresses physical, mental, and spiritual health. It’s also a devotional.”
After a bit more pleasant conversation, the woman decided to purchase both spiritual books. As I turned to leave, she called me back. “Before you approached my car,” she began, “I was praying and asking God to send me guidance. I believe God sent you at just the right time in answer to my prayer.”
All around us, there are people praying for guidance—praying to know the way and for God to give them light. Often, we must push through challenges to reach them, just as I had to persevere through the extreme heat. We will never know, this side of heaven, just how great our reward will be for overcoming difficulties to help others receive a blessing.