Having just returned from a three-month, eighteen- thousand-mile itinerary through the Far Eastern Division, I can report that our ministerial workers are discovering new horizons of evangelism. Though faced with barriers of political unrest, nationalist fervor, religion, language, and race in a variety unequaled in any other part of the world, these workers are accepting the burden of reaching Eastern Asia's massed millions with the gospel message.
At ministerial institutes held in every union of the Far Eastern Division, the workers responded to the challenge of not only making an advance but finishing the work. Taking the words of Jesus, "Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest," these workers have set out to find those in whose hearts have already been planted the seeds of truth. In doing this, they are displaying a spirit of commitment that reflects a genuine connection with divine power.
Here are four reasons why we are seeing these expanding horizons of evangelism.
1. The ranks of ministerial workers are being rapidly augmented by well-trained, dedicated young men and women. During 1963, sixty new internships were approved in the Far Eastern Division. The same gratifying development is also being seen among workers already in the field. In every union increasing numbers of young men are giving proof of their calling and are being ordained in one memorable service, the largest number to be ordained at one time in the history of the Far Eastern Division. The vigor and vision of these young ministers, added to the experience and wisdom of older men, will certainly bring an expanded program.
2. A coordinated effort is being made to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of our evangelistic campaigns. This is being done by putting emphasis on features that are not new, but which are often not used to capacity. Longer series, with forty-five or more meetings, are being planned. Attention is being given to enveloping the entire church program in an atmosphere of evangelism. Church members are being trained to give skillful assistance. And, perhaps most significant of all, God's love for individuals is being emphasized as the greatest drawing power.
3. Evangelistic centers are being developed in many of the larger cities. In Japan, Tokyo, Osaka, and Toyama are centers that are carrying on a year-round evangelistic program. There are two fine centers in the Philippine Islands, one in Manila and the other in Cebu. And our most impressive center project is being pushed to completion in Djakarta, Indonesia. This beautiful building is situated on the finest boulevard in the city, in an ideal setting. Economic and political conditions have presented appalling problems, but a long series of miracles has kept construction moving, and there are good prospects that the building will begin its soul-saving mission sometime next year.
4. We are finding success in coordinating the soul-winning activities of every department and institution. The various projects promoted by departments and institutions through the years have not only brought marvelous results in baptisms but have also succeeded in planting seeds of truth over very wide areas. These activities in the Far Eastern Division have produced some phenomenal records. Branch Sabbath schools and Vacation Bible Schools have enrolled many tens of thousands. Literature evangelists have maintained not only high sales records but high soul-winning records, as well. The home missionary department, with its Hope for Today plan for lay evangelism, has not only inspired church members but has placed in their hands the facilities for service. The Missionary Volunteer department, with its Target 3000 program, and the radio-TV department, with its constant broadcasting and Bible school efforts, have reached large segments of the population for some time.
Medical and educational institutions are showing a keen interest in active soul winning. In addition to the regular chaplain's program, many of our hospitals have sponsored complete series of evangelistic meetings, with members of the staff participating. Our schools themselves have been productive evangelistic endeavors, for during the school year ending in 1963, 1,574 students were baptized. And in addition to regular courses in theology, all of our colleges and training schools have programs of active participation in evangelism for their students.
Preparing a master project to coordinate all of these various activities is a challenging concept. During the first half of 1964 the North Philippine Union Mission carried on such a project under the name of the Tell the Philippines Crusade. As this is being written, the project has been under way for less than two months, but already encouraging reports are coming in. The crusade will be completed by a decision meeting in every church in the union.
Now a plan is being considered to prepare a master project that will include the entire Far Eastern Division. This will in no way limit the plans or independent activities of departments, but will endeavor to include them all in the framework of a project that will provide a maximum possibility for promotion and participation.
