It has been our purpose to tie in our radio program with our public evangelistic program. There are several reasons from the evangelist's viewpoint why he should conduct a radio program, for it is indeed a great help in building and holding an audience. The radio gives his public meetings a good standing in the city, for people realize that not everyone uses the radio. It also gives his work a character of permanency. The evangelist is looked upon not simply as a "fly-by-night" preacher. If people hear him speak over the air and hear the meetings announced, they draw the conclusion that the meetings must be of imporLance and consequently will come to hear him.
Here in Spokane we usually broadcast two or three times a week for fifteen minutes. In these broadcasts we usually give short doctrinal and devotional talks. Sometimes we discuss news events in the light of prophecy. At the beginning and end of our broadcast we stress the meetings at the tabernacle. In other words, the broadcast should create an interest to hear more at the public meeting. Of course, it is much easier to give the complete message and bring people to a decision at the meetings than over the radio.
When we start a public meeting in a new place, we try to begin our radio program a few days or a week before the tabernacle meetings. In this way we are new to the public and our voice has the added advertising value of being new. Here is the announcement that was used in Yakima, Washington, when we started our meetings there.
"The following program comes to you under the auspices of the Big Dome Tabernacle with Evangelist and Bible Lecturer Reuben IL Nightingale as the speaker. Mr. Nightingale has recently arrived from Los Angeles to conduct the evangelistic campaign in the Big Dome Tabernacle, located at 111 South 5th Avenue. Thousands in California have been helped and blessed by his ministry and have seen his remarkable screen pictures. The opening meeting is scheduled for next Sunday, November 10, at 7:15 P. M. You are cordially invited to attend these services."
This was made by the announcer in putting us on the air. Then just as I was going on the air I made this announcement regarding our meetings:
"Good afternoon, friends. We are happy to be in Yakima to conduct this large evangelistic campaign. The Big Dome Tabernacle will be finished this week, and all will be in readiness for Sunday night. The Big Dome Tabernacle is a unique building, and many have stopped to admire its design and plan of construction. There are no pillars at all to support the roof. We are doing everything we possibly can to make it a comfortable place for you and your friends.
Plan now to be present Sunday night, November 10, at 7 :15 for the grand opening meeting. Although the seating capacity is 1,000 or more, you may have to come early to get a good seat.
"A special part of the program will be the singing of old and new favorite hymns from the screen. The musical program will feature Mrs. Roper, lightning artist, who will delight the audience with her beautiful drawings, as special musical numbers are rendered.
"My subject for this opening meeting will be : 'What Power Will Stop the Dictators? What will be the final outcome of the critical world crises according to Bible prophecy?' The lecture will be fully illustrated with amazing screen pictures of current events in the light of Bible prophecy. Plan now to be present for this great opening meeting at the Big Dome Tabernacle, 111 South 5th Avenue, Sunday night, November 10. The musical program starts at 7 :15 and the lecture at 8 o'clock."
Continuing to tie in the public meetings with the broadcasts, I said in our next broadcast, after the opening night:
"Good afternoon, my friends of Radioland. This is Evangelist Reuben Nightingale speaking. We are glad to have you open the radio door of your home and listen to another brief message from God's Word.
"First, however, I want to tell you of our great opening meeting Sunday night. Shortly after seven o'clock our Big Dome Tabernacle was filled to overflowing. People crowded in until every seat and every bit of available standing room was taken. Many came and could not get in the doors. It is estimated that two hundred people were turned away. Again Monday night and last night a large audience was present. We certainly are having some great meetings, and you are missing something if you do not attend. We invite those of you who are out of town to drive in to the meeting tonight. The subject tonight is—"
At present here in Spokane the name of our program is The Bible Auditorium of the Air. We have been on twice weekly recently, on
Wednesday and Friday at 3:15 P. M. KFIO, the station over which we have been broadcasting, toot over the Mutual hookup, which includes the Voice of Prophecy program. As a result of this, two religious programs that have been on this station for a. long time, five or six times a week, were put off on Sundays. However, the management was impressed with our program and the fact that we did not "beg" for money. So now we have started another broadcast from 10:45 to 11:00 A. PC This will be a big help, as we plan to start meetings again in two weeks.
We advertise the public meetings with our radio program. We have found that spot announcements are one of the best means of publicity. Here is a sample. They should be brief, and the essentials, such as "what," "when," "who," and "where," should be covered.
" 'The Great Battle of Armageddon ! Is it here or yet to come? When, where, and by whom will it be fought?' This will be the illustrated prophetic lecture of Evangelist Nightingale Sunday night at the Civic Auditorium. A special 45-minute sound film on 'Our World at War' will be shown at 7 P. m. The lecture is at 8 P. M."
In a regular campaign we try to devote one offering a week to our radio work. On one particular night of the week we use our radio work to pull for a good offering. The offerings are usually generous. Our own people respond. They are glad to hear the message on the air.
We include our radio expense in our general evangelistic budget, since that is the purpose for which it is used. The results are worthwhile. In less than three years after coming to the Upper Columbia Conference, we have baptized about four hundred people. It pays to use the radio in connection with public evangelistic meetings.
