God’s Messenger: Ann Whitt’s Quiet Ministry

More than 50 years ago, a young woman with a bag of books and a mission knocked on the door of a trailer in Tates Creek, Ky. That small act changed the course of a family, and began a friendship that still draws two women together every summer.

Ann Whitt, now retired, spent seven years in the 1970s as a part-time colporteur, selling Christian literature door to door in Kentucky. One afternoon, she followed a boy on a bicycle through a mobile home park. That boy led her to his father, who bought every book she carried. After receiving Bible studies, the entire family, including their daughter, Sandra Tinnin, was baptized.

Today, Tinnin kindly remembers Whitt as the reason she’s a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

“Every year at camp meeting, I go up and give her a big hug and thank her,” Tinnin said. “She told me once that as she followed my brother on his bike, the verse, ‘and a little child shall lead them,’ kept coming to her mind. It’s been over 50 years, but I still remember that.”

Whitt said she has not forgotten the encounter either.

“They got every one of my books,” Whitt said. “That’s not common. They read the books and were baptized. I was so touched because these were souls for Christ, and I was grateful to be part of His mission.”

Whitt’s years as a colporteur took her to many communities, including Lexington and remote areas of the Appalachia. She often gave away more books than she sold, particularly in low-income communities.

“I didn’t have any education,” Whitt said. “But I knew this was one way I could make a difference in someone’s life and share the gospel.”

For Tinnin, Whitt’s impact changed her life. Her parents’ conversion redirected their lives and those of their children. She left for Highland Academy to get a Christian education in the fall of 1973 and graduated in 1976.

“My brothers and I have sat around the table and say, ‘Can you imagine what our life would be like if Mama and Daddy had not got converted?’” Tinnin said. “I shudder to think.”

She also sees her grandmother’s prayers as part of the story.

“She never saw our family converted,” Tinnin said. “But I cannot wait to get under the tree of life and hug her, because we’re both going to be crying tears of joy.”

Now in her later years and recovering from a stroke, Whitt remains humbled by her role.

“Every year [Tinnin] comes to me and says, ‘If it wasn’t for you, I would not be in the church. In heaven, I want to live right next door to you,’” Whitt said. “That touches my heart, and I praise God for His faithfulness.”