Review & Herald Hosts the Big Top, Invites Community

By Kim Peckham

Review and Herald employees ran away to join the circus, but instead of performing in the high-wire act, they decided to share literature with the community. 

When the Cole Brothers traveling circus asked if they could set up their big top on the Review’s property in Hagerstown, Md., administration agreed if they would be allowed to set up a booth on the circus midway. Agreements were also made to restrict smoking, alcohol, and even pork products on the grounds.

Working from a location near the elephant rides, Review employees handed out Guide magazines and balloons to the kids. They invited adults to sign up for a chance to win a set of The Bible Story books. During every show, the ringmaster announced the name of a family who won a set of books and thanked the Review for hosting the event. Local literature evangelists are currently visiting the 230 families who wanted the set but did not win.

“There were connections made,” said Howard Scoggins, assistant to the president. “They have a pretty good idea who Seventh-day Adventists are right now.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the circus landed in the front lawn of the Review, employees saw it as a witnessing opportunity. Photo by Kim Peckham

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review employees (left to right) Lori Williams, Nick Bejarano, William Vargas, and Guide Dog seized the opportunity to contact families in the community. Photo by Trent Truman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The James Walker family won a set of The Bible Stories. “I’m going to read these all by myself,” said the boy. Photo by Howard Scoggins