Here in South England where war conditions have affected us quite considerably, we are pressing forward vigorously with our evangelistic program. During this present year (r942), we are launching at least twenty evangelistic campaigns, and every worker in the conference is carrying forward aggressive evangelistic work. The difficulties we face might lead some to feel that such work must be held in abeyance for the duration of the war. But our workers have been encouraged to face their tasks, realizing that the most important work, even in wartime, is that of saving souls. Consequently, even though halls are very difficult to obtain, advertising is restricted, and blackout conditions restrain people from attending services, public meetings are still being held wherever halls are obtainable.
In this connection we are pleased to report that at least five campaigns are being held at the present time in the London area. The attendance has not been so large as in previous years, but we have been impressed with the fact that those who do attend are showing a keen interest in the truths presented. Certainly we have a message which meets the needs of men and women in this dark hour.
Along with our public evangelism we are pressing forward with what we term personal and pastoral evangelism. Inquiry cards, like the one reproduced below, have been used throughout the conference. As the result, some of our workers who are unable to obtain halls have built up lists of as high as 120 inquirers, and with these they are holding Bible studies. The more interested among them are attending special services in our own church buildings. In one area that has been denuded of its population by evacuation, the minister has had the joy of seeing between fifty and sixty non-Adventists attending his regular Sunday services in our own church building. We are confident that as the result of this kind of work a large number of souls will be won to the truth this year.
In facing present conditions we have endeavored to follow the apostolic plan of both public and personal evangelism, and the response from our workers has been most encouraging. Our lay members in the churches are also responding most loyally. Our continued increase in tithes and offerings is a constant reminder to us that we have behind us a church membership that is prepared to work and sacrifice for the hastening of the coming of the Lord.
Here in Britain we feel that the work of evangelism is the work of the whole church, and that those who are called to the specific task of preaching the advent message are called to the most exalted duty committed to men in this last triumphant hour.
