Arousing the Public by Newspaper Reports by W. L. Burgan

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 12, 1915

Arousing the Public by Newspaper Reports

By W. L. Burgan

MANY interesting reports of the encouraging way in which the columns of newspapers have been opened for the circulation of the truth have recently been received from cities in this and other countries. These papers have done much thus far during the tent and camp meeting season to spread the message in new fields, and to arouse a spirit of inquiry among persons who heretofore were unacquainted with the great advent movement.

It is interesting to learn that the brethren laboring in Utah, the stronghold of Mormonism, are meeting with success in their efforts to present phases of the message through the newspapers. Two of the brethren are now holding an effort in the church in Salt Lake City. In telling how they are reaching the public, one of them writes, “We are having some success in getting extracts of the lectures printed in the papers.” The reports have been more extensive as the meetings have progressed.

Another minister, working in Ogden, has sent in a collection of clippings showing that the papers in that city are willing to herald the tidings of the Lord’s return. Not only do such reports go into the homes of the people, but they arouse the honest in heart, with the result that they search out the Lord’s servant and listen to the message.

One worker in the Northwest has had a number of excellent experiences with editors, and gives some valuable hints concerning the best way to secure the publication of articles without much difficulty.

A worker in North Carolina writes of the success he is having in newspaper publicity work.

It is well to continue to supply the editors with articles each day, increasing their length, and thus giving more on the different phases of present truth in each succeeding report. No one should feel backward, but should consider the fact that the Lord is guiding in this movement and will open the columns of the papers wider as our faith increases.

From Shanghai, China, comes this encouraging report:—

“I am sending you under separate cover copies of four issues of the China Press containing articles dealing with the general meeting held here in May. We feel that the editor was quite liberal with us, and gave us a pretty good place in the paper, especially in two of the issues. After submitting the last manuscript to him, I mentioned the fact that we appreciated his kindness and the space which he had given us in his paper. He answered, ‘Oh, not at all! I am the one to thank you.’ I have already heard from several who read articles in this paper, and they expressed themselves as glad to know about the growth of our work in this division.”

Word from Jamaica and the Canal Zone tells us that articles of excellent length were published about the two general meetings recently held in those places.

Let us continue this good work, and realize that the secular press is a power in the hands of the Lord for the spread of his gospel. W. L. BURGAN.