Still Interested in Spiritual Things
By M. V. CAMPBELL, President of the Central Union Conference
In conversations among workers it is not uncommon to hear someone remark that people today are not interested in religion. My work does not bring me so closely in touch with the public in soul-winning efforts as would be the case if I, were an evangelist, but last winter 5 I had an opportunity to feel the religious pulse of the people on the four sides of one square block in Topeka, Kansas.
A union lay preachers' institute was being conducted in that city; and the home missionary leaders, after giving instruction regarding methods of securing names for Bible studies, asked those in attendance to go out that after noon and visit the homes of the people of the city, praying with them, securing their enrollment in a Bible school, and enrolling children, wherever there were any, in a Sunday school which was being organized by our church.
In company with a layman I took part in this work. We were instructed to ask the people who came to the doors whether we could step inside and pray with them. I had never attempted anything of this nature before, and I am not sure who was the more frightened, the layman or I. We went to the first door, each with Bible in hand. When a man came to the door we told him that we were devoting the afternoon to Christian visits, that we were calling on all the homes in the block, and would be able to stay for only a minute, but that we wished to have prayer with him. I was half expecting him to ask us to leave, but instead he invited us in. His wife was at home, and after a very brief introduction we had a short prayer with them. When they rose both were deeply impressed and stated that it was the first time in their lives anyone had come to their home to pray with them. They said they were members of a near-by church, and that occasionally the pastor called, but that he had never offered prayer in their home. They asked me whether I lived in Topeka, and when I told them that I did not but was a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska, they urged me to come and call on them whenever I came to Topeka, for they felt that our visit had meant more to their spiritual life than any previous experience.
When we stepped on the veranda of the next house we could see through the window two young women seated at a table playing cards. Wondering whether we should disturb them, we were tempted to walk quietly back to the sidewalk. However, we decided to do our duty, so we rang the doorbell. One of the young women, about twenty-five years of age, came to the door, and we told her too that we wished to come in for a few minutes to have prayer. She rather backed away from the door, and we followed her into the room, where we found the other young woman. Both of them seemed embarrassed, but we asked them whether they would object to our kneeling in prayer. They both knelt with us, and when we rose one of the young women had tears in her eyes. She said that when she was a little girl her mother used to pray with her, but that she had not prayed once since she left home some years ago. She said that she is now married and has a little girl of her own, but that she has never prayed with or for her. She asked to be taught how to pray and also asked about Christian storybooks for her daughter. Again we were assured that our visit had been prompted by the Lord.
The third home we came to had an apartment both downstairs and upstairs. I rang the doorbell of the downstairs apartment and thought I saw a woman peeking out of the window at me, but no one opened the door. I then tried the upstairs apartment, and a man invited us in. After prayer with this man and his wife we were again told that it was the first time since their marriage that anyone had prayed with them. We learned that they were Presbyterians, and we told them of our being Seventh-day Adventists. They seemed very much surprised that the Seventh-day Adventists had a program of visiting the people of Topeka in their homes and praying with them, and they felt that any denomination that took that much interest in others should surely be encouraged.
We had a hard time getting away because of their friendliness and desire to talk with us about spiritual things. They told us that they never before knew what Seventh-day Adventists believe, but that from that time on they would be interested in any work conducted by our people. They promised to attend some of our church services, and told us that the woman living in the apartment below was a Seventh-day Adventist.
When we came down this woman was just closing her door, and knew that we saw her, so when we rang the bell this time she opened the door. I introduced myself as a Seventh- day Adventist minister, so had no difficulty gaining access to her home. We had prayer with her, and when she learned we were calling on all the people in the neighborhood, she said, "I see you have just been upstairs, and I imagine you were thrown out. Those people are terribly prejudiced against Seventh-day Adventists." When we told her of their unusual friendliness and of their desire to accompany her to church, she could hardly believe it.
The remainder of the visits that afternoon were very much in harmony with the pattern set by the three I have mentioned. In every case we gained entry to the house. We did not have a single disagreeable experience, and found that all the people were influenced and favor ably impressed by prayer, and indicated an interest in learning more of our truth. In every home where there were children they were gladly enrolled in our Sunday school, and each home registered for the Bible correspondence course.
Though people on the surface do not display their interest in religion, yet it is as true today as at any time in the past that there is a universal longing in the hearts of people for the things of God.
Bible Correspondence Courses
By GEORGE MELASHENKO, Pastor-Evangelist, Minot, North Dakota
Bible correspondence courses in evangelism would include a course offered by a Bible correspondence school, a course offered in conjunction with an evangelistic effort or radio program, and also Bible lessons left with Bible students and prospective converts as a supplement to oral Bible studies.
The advantages of a Bible correspondence course in evangelism are as follows:
1. It is a means of reaching those who cannot be reached by the spoken word, as by preaching and radio work.
2. It is a means of more fully supplementing the spoken word and of more thoroughly indoctrinating the new convert with truths of a more controversial nature or that require more time for discussion.
3. Because of their written and compact form, the Bible correspondence lessons serve as an ever-ready source for reference by the student on given subjects. The apostles first taught and then recorded in the Gospels that which they taught.
4. A Bible correspondence course is a systematic way of studying the Bible individually. The opportunity of obtaining a satisfactory knowledge of the Bible is in itself an incentive to the completion of the course.
5. A Bible correspondence course in progress reveals to the evangelist or the Bible instructor the spiritual pulse beat and progress of the student and prospective convert, and this is very desirable to know in subsequent personal visitations.
6. When offered over the radio or through the newspaper, the Bible correspondence course becomes a scout to spot the interested ones who would otherwise remain unknown.
Possible Disadvantages
In the evaluation of such a course in evangelism, it is also necessary to include and consider the possible disadvantages:
1. There may be a loss of the personal presence, the mutual relationship, and the experience of prayer between the worker and the student. The personal touch builds for inspiration, confidence, and decision.
2. During the study of the lessons questions arise which sometimes require immediate answers and more lengthy discussions. A Bible correspondence course alone cannot satisfactorily accomplish this.
3. Because of the circumscribing nature of the prepared lessons some subjects will not receive the necessary coverage in discussion and explanation.
However, personal work and preaching by the worker can remedy these three disadvantages.
Prison Evangelism by Laymen
By B. PAGE HASKELL, Acting Manager of the Carolina Book and Bible House
Who knoweth whether thou art come to this place "for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) is often the thought presented to the inmates of the Mecklenburg county jail by a band of faithful lay folk of the Charlotte Seventh-day Adventist church.
Fallen humanity is living in the prison house of sin, but how difficult it is for many to realize their condition! How true it is that some must be placed behind visible bars to recognize this fact! Perhaps the good news of salvation would never be given a passing thought, nor would one's need of a Saviour be felt until he found himself in such straits. How true it is, then, that many may be brought into just such circumstances to turn from the "way that seemeth right" unto "a more excellent way," the way of love, of truth, of light, and of freedom.
Christ has told us that He has true children in the prisons of the land. "I was in prison, and ye came unto me." Matt. 25:36. "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Verse40.
We are told of a jail service, in Acts 16: 19-33, held by Paul and Silas at midnight. They "prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." As the climax, the jailer heard the message of truth, and "was baptized, he and all his, straightway."
This band of workers in Charlotte is demonstrating what a similar band of lay workers could do in every prison. I have been impressed with the fact that not only is this group conducting a sunshine band at the county jail but that its plan and purpose is to be evangelistic. As the company enters in an orderly fashion the leader introduces them to the prisoners as a group from the Seventh-day Adventist church who are interested in their welfare. There is singing and prayer, but the service is highlighted by a Christ-centered evangelistic sermonet, fifteen to twenty minutes in length. Opportunity for testimony is given to the prisoners, as well as to the members of the band. An invitation is ex tended to them to come to our church, upon their release, to learn more of the gospel. A number have been enrolled in Bible correspondence courses.
Often enough prisoners are kept in one place for a period of time to justify a series of studies touching many phases of our message. The hand of the Lord has been recognized in the postponement of trials until individuals have been led to Christ.
Many experiences could be told, but two will illustrate the soul-winning possibilities. Two men, one a Jew, were placed in the jail on major charges. Both were indifferent at first. Weeks passed before their trial was held, a situation which neither could understand. Week by week these evangelistic services continued. Their hearts were softened, and they surrendered to Christ. Then came the trial, providentially delayed, we felt. Their sentences were pronounced, and long terms were given, yet they were determined to be faithful to Christ and rejoiced in their new-found hope. Inspiring letters were written by them, and both, while in different prisons, have asked for Adventist ministers to visit and study with them.
Another prisoner asked some of the members of the band to visit his invalid mother. This they did, and arrangements were made for her to spend a time in one of our health centers. Now she has returned to Charlotte. Members of the band have been studying with her twice each week, and she has fully accepted the third angel's message.
Certainly the Lord has a great work to be accomplished in this way. The ministry would do well to organize such groups in the churches and to assist in getting this work started. The laymen will carry it on; however, an occasional visit and message by the pastor will be appreciated, of course.
What preparation should be made Arrangements for time should be made with the head jailer. The policies of the jail, relative to re quests for personal favors from the prisoners, should be learned and obeyed. Promptness counts. Be on time to begin, and end on time also.
How should one conduct himself? Have a warm heart. Be dignified, but not cold and formal. You are not there to laud your righteousness in contrast with the prisoners' shameful situation, but as an example of God's saving grace. Your desire is to lift them to an elevated plane, and you can do it best by drawing near to them. With a warm heart and a friendly spirit, you may lead them to Christ.
Do the prisoners respect and enjoy such a service? Do they recognize a difference in the message we present? Yes, indeed! Each Sun day morning at this particular jail there are three religious services held consecutively. The one preceding ours is conducted by another local church; the one following-, by a group from a well-known Southern university. Prisoners have told us of the conduct of the prisoners in general during the other services. They read, smoke, talk, walk about, and virtually ignore the group in the corridor as they shout to be heard. But what a contrast as our company walks in. The prisoners gather in one room, find seats, cease their smoking and talking, and participate in the service.
God's blessing has been felt richly in these meetings. The members of the band are enjoying a wonderful Christian experience, and are branching out into other means of witnessing also. It is my conviction that God will bless all other lay-evangelistic prison workers likewise.
Tent Auditorium in Oregon
By DON E. DUNCAN, Evangelist, Payette, Idaho
The recent evangelistic effort held in the Community Bible Auditorium tent, Ontario, Oregon, from August 14 to December 18, was well attended. Because of unusual cold weather we had to move into a heated auditorium after about seven weeks of nightly meetings. I find that a tent or tabernacle serves best for efforts in the smaller cities. It is not easy these days to secure halls or auditoriums in the smaller cities; and when you do you usually do not have your choice of nights, which fact would hinder any series of meetings.
When we came to our district we were told that Ontario was a difficult place in which to hold meetings, and that efforts in the past were poorly attended. We decided to try something different. We found an ideal location, which I believe is always one of the first things to do, just three blocks from town, right in the middle of the residential section, on the main highway running north. The lot was rented for a reasonable price.
We put up our tent, which perhaps acted as our best advertisement, for people are always curious and interested in something strange taking place in their city. We wanted to make it look as attractive as possible; so taking a slice out of our effort budget, we put a "fancy" or "false front" on the tent, as seen in the accompanying picture. A very at tractive picket fence joining each end of the front went halfway round the tent, and appeared to encircle it.
The front, well lighted at night, did much to advertise the meetings, and we feel that it helped to attract interested people each night. In a small city of only nine hundred homes we had as many as seventy-eight non-Adventists in attendance many nights. This was encouraging, because together with an equal number of Adventists in attendance this made our tent almost full, which fact in itself was another advertisement for the meetings.
The fancy front is very simple to make. We used a quarter-inch, waterproof plywood. A commercial sign painter painted the advertisements on the front to give it that finished look. I feel that any effort budget should consider this type of advertising as very important. Our front did not hide the tent, and people knew that it was a tent they were coming to. But the pleasing appearance of the front, the plat form and pulpit painted white, with green drapes in the background on the inside, made our tent a pleasing and restful place for people to come to in order to hear our message.
The Lord has blessed our humble efforts in the way of attendance, offerings, and in souls won to the truth, for which we are thankful and give Him the praise.
