Several months ago the Southwestern Union decided to attempt to reach the inhabitants of this vast territory by means of the radio. In this section of great distances, there are over two hundred counties in which not a single Adventist resides. Plans were carefully laid to present our message in an unusual and attractive manner. To prepare the way for the broadcasts, a letter was written to our church elders, asking if their churches would stand behind these radio broadcasts to the extent of ten cents a member. This would assure the initial expense. The response was most favorable, and great enthusiasm was manifest.
A handbill, envelope size, was therefore prepared, featuring a rising sun, with the title, "The Rise of a Message." This gave a description of the program, and invited all to tune in on our frequency at the specified time. Over 200,000 of these were printed and sent out to our churches. These were scattered far and wide by our members. Then, in collaboration with Brother Burgan of the General Conference Press Bureau, a newspaper write-up was prepared to precede the broadcast, together with one for each succeeding broadcast. These were mimeographed and sent out to all local elders, as well as to our workers. Many of these were inserted in the local press. Some have discovered, of course, that there is friction between certain newspapers and the radio stations, and consequently they could not always secure space for the write-up.
The first broadcast dealt with the time of the end and the increase of knowledge, and was presented rather in the form of dialogue. The first telegram was sent; the first train was dispatched, etc.—thus the increase of knowledge was dwelt upon. The second broadcast dealt with the prophecy concerning the time of the end. Elder R. L. Benton, our union conference president, as director of the broadeasts, would call upon Daniel to speak. And he would describe the time of the end. Then Joel was asked for his witness. This gave variation from a continuous fifteen-minute talk. The third broadcast was concerning William Miller's work. The disappointment was explained. The broadcast was varied by the quoting of a poem or two, and a song that fitted into the message. The hundreds of letters that have come in response to the broadcasts show that our messages are greatly appreciated.
The plan is to present a gradual, step-by-step development of the rise of the advent message from the marvelous "time of the end" when the signs begin to thicken, through the disappointment, the discovery of the sanctuary and Sabbath truths, on to the formation of the present Seventh-day Adventist world movement. Into this recital will be woven the discovery and content of the various truths that form the Adventist message of today. The great missionary expansion will be outlined, and the medical, educational, and publishing activities stressed.
Each night certain gifts are offered,—f or example, one to the writer of the letter that came from the farthest distance. On the first night the farthest reply came from New Jersey, and on the second, from Canada. But to all who respond the Good News is offered free. The names that come in are divided according to our conference lines, and are sent to the respective offices. The originals are filed with us here at the union office, and a postcard is mailed to each individual, acknowledging receipt of his request, and advising him that our local Home Bible Study League will send him the literature promised. The conference offices then subdivide these lists of names among their churches, and the Good News, Present Truth, or Hope of the World series are mailed to them from week to week. Replies have come from almost every State in the Union, and from Canada on the north to Mexico City in the south.
Our people are enthusiastic over the broadcasts. Checks are beginning to come in. And some interesting home missionary features are being discovered. Some members gather the neighbors into their homes, one writing that thirty-five were so gathered while a broadcast was going on. This group will serve as a nucleus for a cottage meeting, in order to explain the message further. One lady wrote that she walked four miles to listen to our program an a neighbor's radio.
The broadcasts are of high quality, and are given over one of the largest stations in the United States. No money can be solicited. Nothing controversial can be presented. The Sabbath question and related questions must be very carefully worded. But the directors of the station have commented very favorably on the nature of the broadcasts given thus far. While it is still too early to have a definite idea as to the results of the broadcast, yet we feel sure that with so many thousands listening in, definite returns will be seen.
Keene, Tex.
