For the past six months almost invariably October 1 and our great home missionary campaign have been coupled together in our plans for an awakening. At last we have reached the date and the event. What will our individual record be in connection with this advance move, this plan for a great awakening? Now is the time to settle this question. Be sure that you are enlisted. Study every inch of your territory. Become familiar with the ammunition for the warfare — every tract, paper, or book that you lend, sell, or give away. We suggest that you procure a small notebook, and keep a daily record of all work done, as well as of interesting items in connection with your missionary activities. Keep the names and addresses of interested persons, and jot down items of special interest concerning them; for instance, of what church they are members; if they have any of our larger books, which ones; whether they have ever attended any of our meetings; what points they seem most interested in.
In visiting the people in their homes, we suggest that it is best to guard against telling all we know the first time. We are admonished to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. Let us not wear out our welcome, nor allow ourselves to be led into a discussion, in an offhand way, of every point of our faith. It is well to keep to one subject, and be careful not to get into an argument. We should never say anything short or cutting about other churches or ministers. There is nothing gained by telling evil things. “Whatsoever things are lovely, . . . think on these things.” It is not our mission to go forth and condemn the world. No, let us go forth to save men. Let us give the literature an opportunity; it will tell the truth in a kindly, dignified way. We must work wisely, patiently, considerately, winning our way by the tender ministry of love.
If we wish to give any particular emphasis to what the Lord has said, let us exemplify his teaching in thought and word and act. Let us not be unkind or critical, but in full consecration of heart and life show what great things God has done for us.
“God desires every believer to be a soul winner; and he will bless all who look to him in confidence for wisdom and guidance.” We must witness to the possession of genuine piety. Many feel timid. There is no justification for this. We have a wonderful message. It is freighted with divine power. It should be regarded as a great privilege, by every believer, to have a part in giving this message to the world. We have nothing to fear. Angels of God that excel in strength will accompany us as we visit our friends and neighbors, and they will help us to make right impressions. We want to see every believer put on the armor and go forth to the warfare.
Be sure to learn the definite boundaries of your assigned territory. Get acquainted with the people as far as possible; you will be surprised to learn how much they appreciate your weekly visits. Some may be rude and unkind, but that is to be expected. Don’t let these things prevent or turn you aside from your legitimate, Heaven-appointed work. The world needs the Light of life. We must tell them of it, and reveal it in all our efforts for their salvation.
NEW ORLEANS CHURCH BUILDING
Everywhere throughout this great field our people will be busy. Don’t let there be an idler. Let us have a good, strong, consecrated effort in behalf of the lost. Our papers, tracts, and books are to go everywhere. A special power is to attend the proclamation of the message. Thousands will be won to the truth.
Just get a picture of this great campaign in full swing. Seventy thousand believers scattered throughout all parts, — in the cities, on the farms, away back in the hills, everywhere in fact, — and all actively engaged in helping and blessing others! The results only God can know.
We hope every believer will order the Signs weekly. We really must have it; for it is a mighty weapon. It is a great soul-winning agency. Two copies a week is the goal. In clubs they cost 2½ cents each. Then as we advance in the campaign, we surely must have at least one set of the Berean library. We have eleven truth-filled volumes at $1.85. This is almost too good to be true. Already thousands of these are in the hands of those who are ready for the warfare. Have you a set? If not, send in your order today. You will not regret it.
We wish we could tell you the many interesting experiences that we have had with our tracts. Now is the time to use these mighty little agencies. They carry light and joy. The people need them, and they will appreciate them.
We urge every believer to pray for special help, and for God’s blessing to attend our united efforts. We hope to see thousands won to the truth. Pray for those in whose hands you place the literature. Plead with God that through the mighty power of his Holy Spirit
many may find the light and be saved. Let us put our literature into every hand that will receive it. God would have us be diligent in our efforts. He wants us to add daily to our Christian experiences. “If we are not active in the service of Christ, we are ranking with those who are in positive hostility against him; for we are in the position of stumbling-blocks.” F. W. Paap.
