Interview with Inter-American Division's 2005
Colporteur Champion For Baptism – Mr Amory Walker
Amory Walker hails from St John's, in the island of Antigua. He is a dedicated and enthusiastic worker for the Lord. One hundred and five (105) persons have been baptized through his ministry. He is truly blessed. He has kindly consented to share his story as a colporteur with us.
1) Why and how did you become a colporteur?
I became a colporteur because I saw the need of individuals who were seeking salvation; also there were many people who were not aware of Jesus and I wanted to help them to know Him. One day I was invited to a colporteur institute at the St. John's SDA Church in Antigua. The Division and Union were hosting a seminar for recruits. They were seeking full-time and part-time workers. This was where I began.
2) How long have you been a colporteur?
I have been a colporteur for two (2) years.
3) Are you enjoying the experience?
It is a wonderful experience. One thing that brings joy to my heart is that I get to meet lots of people; I have the opportunity to develop my social skills and relate to different classes, societies and cultures.
4) Would you encourage anyone to become a colporteur?
Yes, especially young people because it will help them in furthering their studies as well as improving their communication skills. They also have the opportunity to participate in missionary work of the highest order.
5) As a colporteur do you read the books that you sell?
Yes, that is important in the sales process. To sell a book, one must know the sale points of the book. People will buy books if the colporteur has a passion for what he is doing and can show the customer how the product will meet his needs.
6) How does it feel to be the champion for baptisms in the Inter-American Division?
It makes me feel humble that God can use anybody who is committed to the work of leading others to Him.
7) How did you achieve this?
By believing in the prophet. 2 Chronicles 20:20 says 'Believe in the prophet and you shall prosper.' God has given us Ellen G White as one of the founders of the publishing work and in the Ministry of Healing she says, 'Christ's method alone can bring us true success in meeting the people.' Once you go out and you understand people and try to meet their needs, you are better able to reach them. Also, I pray a lot -at breakfast time, lunch time and dinner time; and I go in confidence knowing that God is working with me, no matter how difficult the situation might be.
8) How do you deal with rejection?
Obstacles are stepping stones to success. Without difficulties one cannot grow. Challenges will come but you have to learn how to deal with challenges creatively and know that God will see you through.
9) How do you move a prospect towards baptism?
Proverbs 18:24 says 'A man that has friends must show himself friendly.' I believe in friendship evangelism. Once you can show people that you have compassion for them; they will develop confidence in you, and gradually you can lead them to Christ.
10) What support do you receive from church members?
I get a lot of support from church members, especially from the first elder of my church and other colporteurs.
11) Do you relate end-time events to the Bible when you evangelize?
Yes, I believe that a missionary must use these events to capture people's minds in order to introduce them to the Lord. I draw their attention to Bible prophecies in order to increase their confidence in the Word of God.
12) How does the health message help you to evangelize?
Ellen White says that the health message is the entering wedge to the gospel. In Antigua, most of the people are health conscious. I use that to gain their trust. Once a person accepts the health message, one can easily teach them other doctrines.
13) What has been your most challenging moment?
The first few months of being a colporteur were challenging. I gave up two well-paying jobs because I refused to work on the Sabbath. As soon as I was dismissed, the colporteur institute was held. I believe that God had a plan for me. I was not making any progress until one day when I cried to the Lord and He told me to keep going. My motive as a colporteur was not to make money but to help others to experience the joy that I had. Eventually I have learned to trust the Lord and He brought me great success in sales and souls.
14) How do you feel being a delegate at the 14th Session of the Caribbean Union Conference?
It is my first Union Session and I feel honoured and thankful to God for being here. I always wanted to be here in Trinidad at the University of the Southern Caribbean. Since becoming a colporteur I have the desire to go to college. However, I have learned to put God first. I think that I still have a lot to accomplish as a colporteur. I am pressing forward and will continue to trust and glorify God.
15) What are your goals?
My desire is to attend the University of the Southern Caribbean. I would like to study Theology. I want to encourage the youth of the Caribbean Union to put their trust in God. God can do a great work for us once we “hold fast to His word and lay humbly at His feet.”
