Something new is happening to public evangelism in Southern Asia. In Kottarakara, Lucknow, Madurai, Nuzvid, and other places large, successful evangelistic meetings are being conducted. O. O. Mattison, president of the division, and his staff of workers are placing strong emphasis on proclaiming the message publicly. The fields are white, ready to harvest, and our workers are pressing in to meet the need.
On my recent trip to the Southern Asia Division it was my privilege to visit the twin cities of India, Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Only recently has the Adventist message found entrance into this area. Hyderabad is the capital of what was, until its recent merger with India, a separate Moslem state, and is a living reminder of the fabulous Mogul Empire. Today this is a modern city with broad avenues, stately palaces and public buildings. With a population of well over a million people, and with a culture that is noted for its inclusion of picturesque mosques and Hindu temples, Hyderabad has stood in the midst of India as a constant reminder to Christianity of the challenge of its multitudes of non-Christians, and particularly to the final message that is being carried to all the world by Seventh-day Adventists.
In 1950 C. S. Cooper conducted an evangelistic campaign in the adjoining city of Secundera bad and succeeded, under the blessing of God, in establishing a "beachhead" for the remnant church. Afterward Pastor Isaiah and Brother Stalnecker, working amid considerable prejudice, further strengthened the work by adding to the Adventist believers in the area. Then in 1954 Dan Harris with his family responded to the call of the South India Union Mission and moved to Hyderabad in order that a more definite program might be carried on in this hitherto neglected field.
Building upon the foundations previously laid, Elder Harris, an experienced evangelist just finishing his second term of full-time public evangelism in India, conducted a strong campaign in the city of Secunderabad in the spring of 1955, during which time a large number of people of many religions heard the message for the first time. In spite of the program of opposition carried on by certain religious leaders against the Adventist message, twenty-two persons, representing medical, educational, and other professions, accepted the saving faith of the gospel and were baptized. This small but significant advance has wielded a strong influence in establishing our work in this field. A few months ago an excellent property was purchased right in the center of Secunderabad. Thus, provision has been made for the erection of a house of worship in the most desirable section of the city. This will enable the message to be spread abroad from this important center. Already a church school has been established, and it has an enrollment of more than a hundred students.
One woman first came in contact with our message through a book that was sold to the library in which she was working. Soon after the purchase of the book, someone, seeing that she was especially interested in it, told her to destroy it at once, as it was a dangerous Adventist book!
Thereupon she followed their instructions, but nevertheless retained a desire to know more about the peculiar teachings of Adventists. On a subsequent occasion this same woman was visiting relatives in the city of Nagpur, in central India, where Evangelist Harris was then holding lectures. She was determined to attend the meetings being held in a large tent, but again she permitted herself to be influenced to stay away from Seventh-day Adventists. Thus for the second time contact with our message was frustrated.
Then when the same evangelist came to Secunderabad last year this woman was determined to let nothing prevent her from hearing the message from beginning to end. So fearful was she that the rumors about Adventists might be true that, at first, she would not permit her daughter to attend the meetings with her. She must first find out for herself whether they were really harmful. During this time the evangelist, seeing the interest that was growing, suggested that he visit her home; but she was still wary and fearful and always found a reason why it would not be convenient to receive a visitor from the evangelistic group. Finally, however, after hearing the message completely, and amid opposition from her own family, as well as from many friends, she took her stand. Today she is a happy member of the Adventist Church, zealously witnessing for her faith at every opportunity. What about her daughter? She was later permitted to attend the meetings, and she too was baptized and is now attending Spicer Memorial College, preparing for service in the Lord's vineyard. How wonderfully the Lord leads!
Among the group baptized were three lady physicians. One of these came to the meetings because of her interest in the subject of death.
Soon, however, she became interested in the other aspects of our message as well. Today she is not only bringing healing to the bodies of the sick, but also ministering in a spiritual way to those who come to her nursing home. The Lord has thus raised up a medical missionary in this important area. Moreover, the signboard in front of her clinic is a constant witness to all who pass by that there in the middle of India is another follower of the Master who is remembering to honor the day that was given to man to be kept holy, for in bold letters her sign informs all who pass by of the daily clinic hours and that the office is closed on Saturdays, but that the doctor is available for emergency cases at all times. Thus the evangelized become evangelists to pass on the light of truth to others along the way.
Recently an enlarged program was begun in the city of Hyderabad. The evangelistic group was fortunate in procuring the use of a very ideal plot of ground near one of the busiest intersections in the center of the city. The imposing tabernacle seen in the photograph has been erected. The evangelists are shown in the doorway. Associated with Pastor Harris is T. M. Ashlock, who as the pastor of the church is also an enthusiastic member of the evangelistic team. The vernacular interests are being cared for by O. B. Jonathan and R. J. Moses. This evangelistic team is an example of industry and initiative. From the first night the pavilion has been filled to capacity at almost every meeting. A large interest has been awakened through the public preaching of the message.
Recently, when the Sabbath question was presented, a large number indicated their decision to obey the Lord and honor the Saviour by observing the day He set apart as a memorial of creation. Many are preparing for baptism and admittance into the fellowship of the church.
One aspect of the evangelistic campaign that has proved to be especially helpful is the Bible study classes. These classes have succeeded in attracting nearly a hundred people to the weekly sessions. This method is doing much to weld the group into a fellowship, for during the classes Christians, Moslems, and Hindus are studying together the mysteries of the Word of God. We cannot overstress the importance of this teaching method, for the informal environment of a class inspires confidence and leads to discussion on vital points of the message.
More and more our evangelists are proving the great benefit of the public Bible class. And this is in harmony with the clearest counsel of the messenger of the Lord. In Testimonies, volume 6, pages 68 and 69 we read:
"Whenever practicable, every important discourse should be followed by a Bible study. Here the points that have been presented can be applied, questions can be asked, and right ideas inculcated. More time should be devoted to patiently educating the people, giving them opportunity to express themselves. It is instruction that men need, line upon line, and precept upon precept.
"Special meetings also should be held for those who are becoming interested in the truths presented and who need instruction. To these meetings the people should be invited, and all, both believers and unbelievers, should have an opportunity to ask questions on points not fully understood. Give all an opportunity to speak of their perplexities, for they will have them. In all the sermons and in all the Bible studies, let the people see that on every point a plain 'Thus saith the Lord' is given for the faith and doctrines which we advocate.
"This was the method of Christ's teaching. As He spoke to the people, they would question as to His meaning. To those who were humbly seeking for light, He was always ready to explain His words. But Christ did not encourage criticism or caviling, nor should we. When men try to provoke a discussion of controverted points of doctrine, tell them that the meeting was not appointed for that purpose.
"When you do answer a question, be sure to have the hearers see and acknowledge that it is answered.
. . In such meetings those who understand the message can ask questions which will bring out light on points of truth."
This method of evangelism applies with equal force among peoples of all nationalities and religious backgrounds. It was the method of the Master Teacher, and therefore can be counted on to bring lasting results. It cannot be improved upon.
Property is soon to be purchased in Hyderabad for mission quarters and the erection of a new church. There is need for more laborers, for it is our conviction that the loud cry is about to be given in the great countries of Southern Asia. Evangelism is the watchword of our workers in this area, and with us they are praying the Lord of the harvest to send laborers to reap the result of long and prayerful sowing in this field.
