A significant fact regarding this meeting, held in the heart of the nation's capital, is that our leaders have set the pace for our evangelists in proclaiming to the world what we know to be truth as it relates to our times and their meaning. In the newspaper advertisement that appeared the statement was made: "Plan now to hear this enlightening discussion of the Seventh-day Adventist outlook" on world afaffairs." Thus men and women gathered together from all walks of life to learn "the Seventh-day Adventist Outlook" on world affairs. Why should we dodge this issue any longer? Why should we any longer delay in revealing our viewpoint in these days of tremendous happenings?
The dignity of this meeting, as well as the execution of a well-organized plan, was a thing of beauty to behold. The technique employed by Charles Keymer as he led that great audience in singing some of the old gospel songs was one of simplicity, yet that very fact made it grand. Evangelist Keymer did not indulge in wild, meaningless gesticulations. Every gesture in his leading had a meaning, and the audience sensed it. The a cappella choir, under the direction of Dr. Oliver Beltz, rendered numbers perfectly fitted to the occasion, and each song blended in with the general theme. Thus the musical feature became a very essential part of the meetings, not just an adjunct to the service, designed to occupy the time.
Here are a few basic principles of solid evangelism: to have the meeting well organized; the plan well thought through ; the execution of that plan smooth and coordinate; the platform arrangement symmetrical and artistic; and the ushers carefully trained and placed. The dignity of a well-planned meeting always goes far in assuring a favorable response.
The window displays that were used to prepare the field for the meeting were cards of distinction, and there was no attempt made to hide the identity of the sponsors of the meeting. This too is a basic principle in modern evangelism. Here, then, in the nation's capital is a practical demonstration of the value of frankly stating that Seventh-day Adventists have a message of hope for this great hour.
The entire service set before us a challenge to evangelism, a challenge to a method embodying dignity and organization. As we face the challenge, may every evangelist have more than human wisdom in preparing the way for the reception of the truth in the hearts of his, hearers.
This is truly a time of remarkable opportunities for the Seventh-day Adventist evangelist. O fellow ministers of the cause of Jesus Christ, let us by God's grace show the people the way in this tremendous hour! How can we be silent in view of the plea of our day? Let us move forward with an accelerated evangelism as an army of well-trained men, schooled in the precious fellowship of Jesus Christ; and, as spiritual leaders, proclaim a message of hope to men who will soon see their Maker face to face. Here is the tremendous evangelistic challenge for this great hour. Let us profoundly declare with all the passion of our hearts, with all the eagerness of our spirit, with all the conviction of our souls, that Jesus Christ will soon come ! How can we be content without actually going forth in a bolder proclaimation of His message, letting the world know precisely how Seventh-day Adventists feel about the coming of our blessed Lord?