Too often it has been said of us as a people —and not without some justification—that we are here today and gone tomorrow, and that little permanency is manifested in our evangelistic work. Such taunts from an opposing world do have their effects. Prejudice is deepened that is very hard to break, and when the fervor of the evangelistic campaign has abated, many of those interested fall away when they are introduced to a church that may have little life or warmth.
In our endeavor to cover the world with the light of our message some administrators have felt inspired to enter as many cities as possible, hold short campaigns, and then move on. The consequences of such a policy have been disastrous, and our pastoral problems and responsibilities greatly increased.
I have a deep conviction that whenever we enter a town of any size we should plan to stay there and build for a permanent work.
"In every city that is entered a solid foundation is to be laid for permanent work."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 38.
New Gallery, Landon
Contrary to the general belief, and as demonstrated in Great Britain these last few years, it is possible for an evangelist to remain in one place for several years and maintain his audience. Where such a program has been followed a fair-sized church has been established, with every prospect of stability and permanence. I readily admit that such a program calls for a more spiritual and educated ministry. The plan of flitting from place to place does not build into the characters of our evangelists the qualities necessary to convert and to hold the people.
In the New Gallery, London, we have an evangelistic center that is witnessing continuously to the truths of the Advent message. It is definitely known by the public to be a Seventh-day Adventist center, and its influence has penetrated not only into the heart and suburbs of London, but into the more distant counties of Great Britain. Here in this evangelistic center the cross of Christ and His great work of atonement are presented to the public together with our specific doctrinal and prophetic truths. I cannot adequately express the good that has already been done in thus removing the blinding prejudice that has so long existed regarding us on this fundamental point. People from all ranks of life, both social and professional, come to our services, and as they discover for the first time that we fully believe in the Deity, and the redemptive work of the Lord, they become our friends.
Scores of thousands of people pass the New Gallery Centre daily on busy Regent Street, and hundreds step inside the great vestibule to pick up a leaflet, a tract, or to look at the pictures graphically depicting the various phases of our message—the publishing work, the health work, et cetera. Many find their way a little farther inside, to inspect and enjoy the facilities offered in our attractive and well-equipped reading room. Hundreds of people have made this building their spiritual home.
Not only is regular evangelistic work carried on, but the health work is being promoted strongly, and an increasing number are attending the class being conducted each week.
Activities for the youth have been started, but this work is still in its infancy. This most important phase of the work must receive greater attention in the near future.
All through the British Union continuous and progressive evangelism is being planned. All of our churches have been organized for a great Voice of Prophecy drive, preparatory to the many public campaigns that are planned as a follow-up. Then in the new year [1956], when the severity of the winter has passed, the church will warm up again to a well-organized tract campaign. Attractive literature is ready and can be procured by the churches free, as the members subscribe to our excellent periodical known as The Bible and Our Times.
When this phase of evangelism is over, and the members have had a brief respite, they will be ready to take part in the great Ingathering campaign for missions. I believe no field in the world is better organized in this connection, as witnessed by the breath-taking results obtained in this country. This same organization is being applied to all our evangelistic projects in the yearly calendar.
The literature work is carried on throughout the year as special magazines and books are produced and circulated. All the literature carries an invitation to the reader to enroll in the Voice of Prophecy Bible School. The follow-up work from the many names received as the result helps to keep our ministers and selected helpers more than busy during the whole year. The work of the Voice of Prophecy is really the greatest example of continuous evangelism we have ever had. Yes, every month, every week, every day, is evangelism time.
"If wisdom and sanctified judgment and skillful generalship are manifested by us in building up the interests of our Redeemer's kingdom, we shall do all in our power to assure the people of the stability of our work."
Let us build permanence and establish centers where a continuous witness can be borne for the message of a crucified, ministering, and soon-returning Saviour.