The evangelist who is conducting his campaign in a well-located auditorium, tabernacle, or tent is presented with numerous opportunities to create a good impression on the public. One of these possibilities is the operation of an attractive reading room.
The advantages of a centrally located reading room are very well known. One leading religious society combines its reading room facility with its board of lectureships as .the main evangelistic function of its movement.
By providing a restful lounge where the tired downtown shopper can come to rest awhile, the evangelist opens an effective avenue of spiritual appeal to the public. A spacious room, comfort able chairs and sofas, restful appointments, soft lights, and a good book display appeal to many people. Wherever we tried this plan we found that it was really successful. We advertised the reading lounge in the newspapers, over the radio, and on our handbills. Regular hours were maintained from morning to night. Where possible the lounge was connected with the converted storeroom where the evangelistic meeting was held, or in the tabernacle or auditorium where the campaign was in progress.
Usually a qualified retired layman was hired at a nominal fee to be responsible for the lounge. Many books and pamphlets were made available for free use in the lounge. At times we had a large aquarium, which proved inter esting and appealing to the public. We always provided cool drinking water at a specially installed fountain. The reading room should be kept clean and tidy, and every detail carefully, supervised.
Special cribs were provided for babies, and facilities were maintained where nursing bottles could be heated. Even milk was kept on hand to provide for the children! These features were well advertised, and the public appreciated it. Window displays of books, plaques, and posters explaining the facilities available inside brought hundreds to the reading room regularly. Of course, announcement was made in the public meetings also.
In another section of the lounge a large dis play of plaques, books, Bibles, health foods, and so forth attracted the people; and the profits from these sales covered all the costs of operation and assisted the evangelistic budget. Thus while the evangelist worked among the people these silent messengers daily made their impression and contribution toward the success of the campaign. The Book and Bible House is always happy to cooperate fully with the evangelist to make this part of evangelism function successfully.
The influence of the reading room and the literature thus distributed accomplishes untold benefits. The reading room can greatly augment the work of the colporteur by providing names and contacts for further follow-up work in the home. Names can be secured by providing a registry, by literature request cards, and also through the sales slips. Here is a tried and tested literature ministry plan that will greatly help the evangelist.
