I do no like to recommend any method to the field until I have tried it out several times. Having now proved the benefits of the Bible marking plan, I pass on to you my observations.
In Apia, Samoa, and Perth I believe it was quite a factor in maintaining an audience of from five hundred to twelve hundred every night of the week, and it produced an excellent harvest of souls. This is the way we work:
- The cheapest edition of the Richards' Bible is supplied to those attending. I avoid the word "join" lest some should fear they are joining a church. A red or blue pencil is also provided, according to the subject for the evening. For instance, when studying the Sabbath or the Ten Commandments we use a blue pencil.
- The name and address of each person is written on the back of the Bible box (when they are first handed out), then the date is stamped on it each night as he or she enters the theater.
- The page of the Bible is announced, with the reference. This saves any hesitation on the part of those who are not familiar with the Bible. The old method used in the Bible marking class, where the text only was announced, caused embarrassment to many of the best people, and hence they would not take part.
- I tell the people just which words or phrases in the text to underline.
- The Bibles are handed in each evening after the meeting.
- After attending nine meetings they can then take their Bible home. (The number of meetings could be decided on according to the length of the series.)
- A very brief duplicated outline giving the text, page number, and a brief comment is provided each night.
There are great possibilities in the plan, and I can recommend it.