The aim and purpose of every Adventist minister in our ranks should be preaching Christ to the thousands. But you say, "How can I compass such a gigantic task?" I have at least one suggestion to offer: Secure radio time on one of your city's broadcasting stations.
There is invigorating inspiration in looking into the faces of a large number gathered before you. There is also a mighty challenge, because some in your audience may be receiving the gospel invitation for the last time. You dare not fail your heavenly Father. You must stir their hearts and seek out those receptive souls who are longing for peace and light.
Your visible audience is, of course, always limited. However, the unseen audience in radio- land is unlimited. The potential audience in your given area may be only twenty-five thousand, or it may run into the millions, as in the great metropolitan areas.
In Orlando, Florida, the potential audience on a Sunday morning, at ten o'clock, was estimated to be more than a quarter of a million people. Think of that tremendous challenge! Someone in that vast potential may be on the verge of taking his own or another's life. Someone may be hovering on the brink of eternity, perhaps going down to a Christless grave, and then he hears the invitation of the theme song, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus."
This dear soul, longing for light, peace, and joy, listens with rapt attention. Francis W. Avery, the announcer, speaks: "From Orlando, the city beautiful, in the heart of central Florida, we bring you an inspiring and worshipful program, The Adventist Hour. The purpose of this weekly broadcast is to bring to you the everlasting gospel, the message of a crucified, risen, ascended, and soon-coming Saviour."
I feel that this positive approach, strengthened with the declaration that it is Christ centered, Christ filled, and themed to Christ's coming, holds attention, builds respect for the church, softens hearts, and calls men to Christ.
In creating this program, designed to strengthen the faith of our loyal members as well as to reach the masses, as a radio group we employ the medium of music in abundant measure. Perhaps our broadcast is the only Adventist program which regularly uses a male chorus. This excellent group of twelve is com posed of doctors, printers, an X-ray technician, businessmen, a Book and Bible House manager, a pharmacy salesman, a carpenter, a book keeper, a teacher, and two academy students.
For nearly two and a half years these faithful brethren have blended their voices in singing rich songs of experience, faith, and hope. From time to time they have sung in our different churches, and occasionally have presented a special hour of sacred music.
We recognize that there are many fine al bums of sacred vocal and instrumental music available in the studio, which would save considerable time, much rehearsing, and expense; but the male chorus group, who give their talents, consecrated to the Lord, bear a greater witness for the truth and truly sing in the spirit, so that hearts are touched, warmed, and softened for the Holy Spirit to do His appointed work. Organ background music is used to create a worshipful atmosphere for the listener, wherever he is and whatever the circumstance.
Christ-centered, soul-saving, life-transforming messages are a must for the Adventist broadcaster. It is also important that he vary the subjects, and have presentations to meet the occasion such as Easter, Thanksgiving, or Mother's Day. But the message is the under lying theme.
"Oh," but you say, " is it worth all the work that it takes to present a successful broadcast?" Yes, fellow worker, it is. When you can walk down the street, meet a stranger, and have him tell you that he greatly enjoys listening to your broadcast and that he receives a blessing from listening; when someone calls you on the phone for help or counsel because they listen to your program and have faith in you; when you are asked to bury someone who called you his radio pastor, it is well worth it. Certainly you are helping souls toward the kingdom of God. And the apex is reached when some enter the remnant church.
True, many long hours are required to produce a program of merit. But along with all the work a constant prayer ascends for special wisdom to know how to produce the broadcast and how to present this blessed message in the most winsome way to reach the largest group of souls possible for Christ's glorious kingdom
Radio was no accident. It was" not devised simply for the benefit of commercial interests who would make great gain. It is a God-given institution that has come into being in these last days to play its fundamental part in heralding God's final message to a fear-frightened, frenzied world of destitute slaves to sin. Radio will be responsible for the salvation of many souls who will see Jesus Christ because the Adventist preacher has labored and toiled tirelessly that they might know of His saving blood and redeeming grace.
