How to Reach Our Neighbors and Friends by Joseph Capman

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 19, 1916

How to Reach Our Neighbors and Friends

By Joseph Capman

Being awakened from a state of indifference in the matter of the circulation of our literature through reading “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, pages 61-63, and keenly realizing that it was my privilege to be a colaborer with God through personal effort in the circulation of our message-filled publications, I felt sure our publishing houses had done their part, and had printed in the Present Truth Series the best series of articles on Bible truths ever published. I liked the one-topic plan, with four large illustrated pages devoted to one subject, the whole written in plain and impressive language so each subject can be easily understood by any one.

The series appealed to me, and an impelling desire to go out and give them to the people came over me. There was a street near my home with about the number of houses on it I thought I could visit weekly. I started out with the object of winning at least one soul to Christ this year.

Choosing the morning as the time to distribute literature, as the people are more likely to be at home at that time, I went to the first house, rang the bell, met the lady frankly, and told her the object of my call—that I was giving away a series of Bible studies. Then I passed the paper to her as if I fully expected her to take it, and explained to her at the same time that I was going to visit her weekly until the whole series was given away, and that I was doing this as home missionary work, giving the papers absolutely free, but mentioning, however, that if at any time the people felt free to give me something to help the good work along, it would be appreciated, and would be used in buying more literature. I assured her she would find the papers interesting and helpful, and that I would be along next week at about the same time of day. After thanking her, I hastened on to the next house.

All on that street, except one, took my papers. This one questioned me, and revealed signs of prejudice, but I said to her, “If you do not care to continue these after carefully reading them, I will discontinue them at any time you say.”

Upon my second trip, I asked the people if they had read the papers, and if they liked them. Many showed a real interest in them. One lady said, “My husband and I took our Bible and carefully searched all the texts used in your paper, and found them to be all right; but he said we ought to find out what these papers are before we go any farther.” I explained to her how our church was organized into bands for doing real missionary work at home: how we had also formed a prayer band, a Bible workers’ band, a ladies’ sewing circle, and a literature band, and that we take up offerings among ourselves to pay for the literature, but we feel sure others will be glad to help us if we give them opportunity. Promptly she replied, “Why, yes. I should like to help you.”

Another lady said, “I have several small children, and I can’t get out to church, so I study your papers on Sundays.”

At another door a man said, “This is — literature, is it not?” “No, sir,” I replied; “it is published by Seventh-day Adventists.” Then he added, “The Adventists are a fine people, and I am sure I shall enjoy their papers.”

On my third visit, I asked a lady how she was enjoying the Extras. She said she liked them very much, and that they cause one to think seriously, and that she was reading every word of each paper.

Of another I asked, “Are you reading the papers?” Her reply was, “Oh, yes! and they are very good. When I finish them, I send them to the trenches, so the soldiers are getting them too.”

We may never know in this world how much good these Extras do. It does one good to meet people, and to give them our truth-filled literature. I am beginning to get much interested in the fifty homes I visit weekly. The people are becoming friendly and are asking questions. Today I lent “Steps to Christ” to a lady who showed signs of interest. She has given me twenty-five cents on two occasions.

Another person asked me what I thought about the war, and if I thought we should have peace even after this war is over. In reply I showed her the little book, “Armageddon,” and said it would give her the desired information based upon the Bible; that I could not let her have this copy as I was delivering it to another person, but that I would bring her one the next time I called. She readily gave me her order.

At another home I was asked some questions about the beasts in the seventh chapter of Daniel. In answer to the questions, I told them about a book in my library that explained the books of Daniel and Revelation verse by verse, and that it would be a pleasure to lend it to them. They asked if my book was like this one, and showed me one of the — set. I said, “No, indeed!” They said, “Your papers seem to be so different. We understand them, and they are causing us to study our Bibles. We shall be pleased to read your book, and feel it is very kind of you to let us take it.”

Another asked me who published this literature. I promptly answered, “The Seventh-day Adventists,” and then the lady said, “Well, I am sure you people must be Bible students.”

At another home I was asked to bring my wife and spend the evening, as the family desired to have a talk on some special Bible subjects.

As I delivered a copy of the Present Truth Series to a lady last week, she said, “Wait a minute. I have something for you today.” She handed me a dollar bill. I asked her if she meant it all for me. “Why, yes, indeed,” she said. “I read your papers, and then send them to a friend.” The same day a lady gave me twenty-five cents, making in all one dollar and a quarter, enough to pay for the Present Truth Series for six visits. I have secured from the people more than enough to pay for the literature. I am sure this work could be carried on extensively, and made self-supporting.

One of my readers told me she always wanted to understand the Bible, but that everything seemed a mystery to her. I told her my wife gave Bible studies, and that she understood the Bible quite well, and asked her if she would like to have my wife come once a week and spend an hour studying the Bible with her. She replied that she would never be a Seventh-day Adventist, but she would like to know the Bible. “Very well,” I said, “I will have my wife call on you, and arrange to give you studies.” Since that time they have had many studies, and today the lady is keeping the Sabbath, and attending our church. She visited us in our home a few days ago, and said the thing that really impressed her was our faithfulness in coming to study with her.

These experiences are written with an earnest desire that they may encourage others to take up house-to-house work, and to join with the great army of workers who are giving the third angel’s message through the circulation of our literature. JOSEPH CAPMAN.