The basic principle in all missionary work is love. Foreigners especially appreciate any kindness shown to them, for they realize that they are in another man's land. As a rule, they expect very little kindness, and so notice any thoughtful act more readily than do others. In giving instruction to the children of Israel regarding their treatment of the stranger in their country, the Lord gave the following admonition: "If a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." Lev. 19:33, 34. Thus we see that the Lord recognized the importance of showing kindness to those who come to dwell with us. In laying a foundation for missionary work, kindness offers one of the best avenues to win the confidence of the stranger.
Perhaps the best way to manifest this kindness is in first giving attention to their physical needs. Welfare work affords a wonderful opportunity. Suppose you are placed in a community where there are foreigners. As you visit them, perhaps you will find some family in need. No one may be giving special attention to them. There is your opportunity. Try to relieve their needs and help them in every way possible. On the other hand, you should be very careful not to press in too much; this immediately causes the foreigner to question your motives, and to wonder why you take such an interest in him. But if your actions and your life manifest to him that you are not seeking any special benefits in return, you will soon win his confidence.
The medical work is another means by which we can open the doors of these foreign homes. It is not necessary to be a doctor, or even a trained nurse. If you will study the simple treatments prescribed in our medical books and use your general knowledge of healthful living, you can go into the homes of these people and with very little equipment relieve much of their suffering. It has been found that such service rendered to these foreign guests is one of the most effective means of winning lifelong friends.
Make your approach along religious lines on topics that will not create prejudice. For example, if you are working with a Catholic, be careful how you approach him on the question of the Bible. The word "Bible" to him represents a Protestant book, so use the term "Holy Scriptures." In speaking of special books of the Bible, you might speak of the writings of Saint Paul and Saint Peter. The Catholic has a special regard for the writings of Peter. Dwell much on the sufferings of Christ and upon the work of redemption. Then from this angle enlarge upon the doctrines to which you know they are not opposed. For instance, if you want to speak about the commandments, a good text to use is 2 John 9. From this verse you can show what the doctrine of Christ is; then go on to Matthew 5:17, etc.
If the foreigner happens to come from an Oriental country and does not believe in Christianity, it is well to be informed regarding the teachings of some of the great men of that land, as Buddha and others. Show how some of their teachings are in harmony with the teachings of Christ. Then lead them to see wherein the teachings of Christ excel in that they reach much farther than the instruction of their teachers, as Christ's teachings have to do with the changing of one's life career.
The use of literature in missionary work is imperative. You may think you have established your position ever so well and have explained every detail; yet you will find that when the people think it over by themselves, there will be many questions in their minds that have not been answered. So it is well to place some literature in their hands which will answer their questions and will enlighten them on the points they have failed to understand.
Endeavor to have them realize that you are selling literature rather than giving it away. However, make it clear to them that what you have is of such importance to them that you want everyone to read it; that if they cannot buy it, you will leave it for them to read, and you will call for it later if they do not care to keep it. By this method they will be more likely to read the literature than if you just give it to them.
In distributing literature we should put up magazine racks in foreign sections and keep them filled. While the people may not care to receive free literature from a person who is out distributing it, if it is placed in a conspicuous place and yet where no one is watching, they will take it. Here again it is well to remember to use literature that deals largely with the life and sufferings and resurrection of Christ, following this with some other doctrines. It is also very important to help them to understand the new birth.
Oklahoma City, Okla.
