Today many of our problems are different from those that had to be dealt with some years ago when our work began in non- Christian lands. Since this is true, it may well be that our approach will likewise differ in some respects. Of Paul's day it is said, "Paul had endeavored to sow the seed, which others must water. Those who followed him must carry forward the work from the point where he had left it." Acts of the Apostles, p. 272.
We must start from the present, and carry forward the work from the point where loyal predecessors have left it. They laid the foundations well. God greatly blessed their service. Some of us had the privilege of serving in those earlier years before the present era of awakened nationalism and changing conditions. Today we may well change some of our methods to the ad vantage and the progress of the work.
An Effective Agency
Along with the majority of my fellow Christian administrators, I am a strong believer in the Voice of Prophecy program, both over the air and through the medium of the Bible Correspondence School lessons. We have found it effective in non-Christian lands just as it is in places where the Bible is more widely known. Before me on my desk this morning are the testimonies of three Moslems. "I have fallen in love with Christ," one writes. "He is in me and I in Him." Another says, "I am a Moslem be cause I was born into a Moslem family. There was something lacking in my spiritual development. I have found in the Voice of Prophecy just what my soul has been hungering for." Yet another: "The resurrection of Christ is a perfect covenant of life. The truth that Jesus is raised from the dead avoids the peril and fear of the tomb." Similar testimonies by the hundreds and even thousands have come in, not only from Moslems but also from Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and many other non-Christians.
From the foregoing it is evident that the" Voice of Prophecy can be an effective agency in bringing the gospel to non-Christians. It can" be doubly effective when used in conjunction with a regular evangelistic effort. Of course & series of Voice of Prophecy lessons that have been especially prepared and adapted to the psychology of the peoples for whom they are intended must be used. In Southern Asia they are particularly fortunate in having just such a series of lessons. We have discovered here that our evangelists have larger attendance, better behavior, greater interest, and more baptisms when the field has been well saturated with Voice of Prophecy enrollments before the effort opens.
Sometimes evangelists are a bit perplexed over the approach to a congregation made up of Moslems, Hindus, and Zoroastrians, as well as Christians from different denominations. To preach primarily to non-Christians may cause the Christians to become a bit restive. On the other hand, to beam one's sermons to Christians will cause many non-Christians to leave the meeting. If those attending an evangelistic effort can have the "mutualizing influence" that comes with common knowledge of the Voice of Prophecy lessons, it goes a long way toward eliminating this problem. Such preparation of the field for an effort is very essential.
Place of Meeting Important
The place where our meetings are held is also of prime importance. I think of places here in India where many years ago I held many evangelistic efforts. There was a noisy old hall three stories above Rampart Row in the great metropolitan city of Bombay. Below there were clanging trams and lusty hawkers joining a deafening din from countless other sources conspiring to drown out my preaching. I have preached in the shadow of some of India's famous temples, with the dogs barking, people shouting, and inquisitive quadrupeds dropping in for disrupting visits.
The pen of inspiration counsels against such locations for meetings. In working for non- Christians we are to select places "away from the noise and bustle of crowded thoroughfares, and the tumult of promiscuous discussion," so that we may "be heard without interruption." Ibid., p. 236. In the same reference the inspired writer counsels that, like Paul, we should select places to which the non-Christian populace is accustomed to coming for civil and religious purposes. The selection of a suitable place to conduct an effort is of as much importance in leathen lands as in Western lands. Just any street corner or under any tree will no longer serve the purpose.
Effective soul winning in every land demands emphasis on personal work. If it is true in Western lands that our work has only just begun with the preaching of the Word from the pulpit, this is doubly true in heathen lands. Personal visitation must be given the important place in any effort for non-Christians.
Of Paul's work for these peoples in Corinth we read:
"The apostle's efforts were not confined to public speaking; there were many who could not have been reached in that way. He spent much time in house-to-house labor, thus availing himself of the familiar intercourse of the home circle." Ibid., p. 250.
Modern Nicodemuses
Today in non-Christian lands there are count less secret followers of Christ who, as yet, have not the courage to come out and openly attend public Christian lectures. I have been told by those who should know that in parts of India there is a large secret society of Nicodemuses. Only recently we received the following letter from a young Buddhist: "I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour, but I must remain a secret disciple until I become of age. Please send me a picture of Jesus. I love to look at His beautiful face. When I look at His face it gives me courage to do what is right."
Then there is this word from a strict Brahman: "I have accepted Christ inwardly. I do not pray to my gods any longer. Because of family problems I cannot take baptism now. I must be a secret Christian for the time being."
The time will come, no doubt, when thou sands of Nicodemuses will step out openly for Christ. Until their faith is equal to the occasion we must keep in touch personally with them and encourage them in every possible way.
The fact that there are thousands of secret disciples should be a source of great encouragement to laborers in heathen lands. It should in spire us to continue our witness to sow the seed, leaving the increase with God. No doubt many of these are among the "firmament of chosen ones" God "has in reserve" "that will yet shine forth amidst the darkness." Prophets and Kings, p. 189.
"Let no man attempt to number Israel to day." Ibid. Our prayerful, courteous personal work will enable us to nurture these interests and encourage many to step out for Christ and His truth at the opportune time.
Let us select suitable locations for efforts among non-Christians, prepare the way well with Voice of Prophecy enrollments, and keep in close touch personally with those who manifest even the slightest interest in Christ; and our net results will be evident.
