Programize Your Work
By Reathel Jenkins
A statement made by a college professor in my student days was to the effect that it is possible to strengthen the memory by programizing our work. I have come to believe thoroughly in this suggestion as the result of personal test. Not that one should write out everything he intends to do every day, but jot down the items which are somewhat out of the ordinary order and might be forgotten. Several times a day, consult your program, to see that it is being carried out.
It is well to time oneself,— allow so much time for meals, housework, studies, calls, and try to keep within the time limit. Bible studies cannot always be limited to three quarters of an hour or an hour, but lengthy, wearisome studies must be avoided. Keep a book handy for getting in a few minutes' extra reading when there is unexpected delay in keeping appointments.
Be regular with your meals; health demands this precaution. Have a regular time for retiring and rising. The early morning study habit is decidedly to advantage. Two hours' study and prayer before entering upon the duties of the day will afford a great uplift, and will solve the problem of how to find time to engage in Reading Course study in connection with Bible study and reading the Review and other papers.
Keep a record of appointments froin week to week, and carefully revise as changes occur. The card system is excellent for permanent record, but it is also necessary to have a general and briefer list for daily reference.
Before giving a Bible study, unless suddenly called upon and no time for preparation is afforded, briefly outline the study upon card or paper, thus fixing it in mind. When the lesson is finished, the outline may be left 'with the reader, who will usually appreciate this help in reviewing the lesson. Avoid the use of notes. If they seem to be necessary, make them so inconspicuous that they will not be observed.
A systematic program will provide for one day at home at stated intervals, at which time readers who do not have a suitable place in which to hold the Bible study, may come to your room or rooms, for study and prayer. Thus the Bible worker's little " home " may become a Bethel for truth seekers. Put this day at home down on your program, plan for it, make appointments for it, and good results will follow.
Banning, Calif.
Securing Readers — No. 2
By Agnes E. Webber
When the Bible worker is associated with an evangelist in a public effort, and it is desirable to carry on Bible studies in the homes of the people at the same time, there are a few special points to be kept in mind.
Under such circumstances, the main point of contact between Bible worker and people is the public service. As a preliminary measure, the Bible worker should give careful attention to her personal appearance when she goes to the place of meeting, so as to be a proper representative of our work when brought in contact with the most critical people, and to appear at ease in the presence of people of culture and refinement. This may seem to some to be a useless suggestion, but I know that it is of sufficient importance to be given careful consideration.
My plan has been to attend the workers' prayer service just preceding the meeting, and then to take a seat near the entrance to the hall or tent for the purpose of extending a cordial greeting to the people as they come in. As opportunity affords, I go to those who are seated, introduce myself by stating my name, and through adroit questioning secure their name and address. If the people to whom I am talking do not ask me to visit them, I open the way for an invitation by stating that the workers connected with the services are endeavoring to visit the people in their homes, and that I would be glad to call on them, in the hope of becoming better acquainted.
All conversation with people attending the evangelistic services is confined to subjects which have been publicly presented. If questions arise in advance of the subject, I tell them that as the series of subjects progresses in logical order, the question can be answered more satisfactorily later on. The only Bible studies I give to those attending the meetings are on subjects which have been presented by the evangelist., but which the people have for some reason failed to hear. Sometimes people begin coming at the close of a series of subjects; possibly they have recently moved into the neighborhood; or they may have been away from home, and express regret at having missed so much. Opportunity is then afforded for the Bible worker to go over the entire ground which has been covered, connecting the studies with the current subjects.
When the series of meetings is ended, there are always some who are "fully convinced," but need further instruction to prepare for baptism. There are still others who are " deeply interested " or are " favorable prospects," and the Bible worker makes appointments for systematic study and endeavors to bring them to a decision. It is often the case that those who give little promise of results at first, will respond through the personal instruction and help of the Bible worker.
The Bible worker who has been called into the service by the Spirit of God, and is in love with her work, will find open doors on every side, and her problem will be, not how to secure readers, but how to respond faithfully to the multitudinous and urgent calls.
Port Huron, Mich.
