p. 16 | Representing Our Work in the Newspapers

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 28, 1916

Representing Our Work in the Newspapers

By W. A. McKibben

In the work of advancing the third angel's message, we have found that the public press affords a wonderful opportunity to hasten its progress, and, if properly used, it wins favor for our work and removes prejudice. When we first began to send in articles, reports, and items for publication in the city papers, we had much to learn by experience,

and we have tried to profit by these experiences.

We found that there was considerable rivalry between the two leading dailies of the city, and that neither cared to publish the same thing as appeared in the other paper. After a few more trials, we observed that one paper was much more favorably disposed toward us than the other one, so we have patronized the former. One of its reporters has called on us each week for church news, announcements, and items, and these have kept our work prominently before the public. When we have called upon the editor with articles for publication, he has expressed his appreciation of them, saying that he is always glad to get them, for they are full of interest, and are all ready for the printer, with very few corrections. Once he remarked that while the readers did not always agree with them, the articles were read with deep interest by many. In all this we take no glory to ourselves, but give it all to God, to whom it belongs, and thank him for the blessed privilege of working in this way for him.

We have found that it pays to write out all articles carefully, observing the rules for newspaper reporting. This care on our part creates a demand for our articles. Reporters and editors will call for them. Only a few days ago a reporter for the daily paper that we have not been patronizing very freely with material for publication, called on us and inquired why we did not send them something occasionally. After a friendly interview we promised to prepare something for his paper.

In writing for the press there is nothing gained by antagonizing individuals, parties, or denominations. The truth can be presented, and right principles contended for, without arousing antagonism; and it would have far more weight, even with our enemies. A prominent Catholic business woman of our city remarked to one of our solicitors last spring that the Seventh-day Adventist pastor is one of the city pastors that keeps out of politics and attends to his own business. Now we have no personal acquaintance with the woman, and did not know that she knew us. But she has undoubtedly become acquainted with our work largely through the press. These dailies have a wide circulation, and it is not an uncommon occurrence to meet people from neighboring towns in this and adjoining States, who make mention of our articles in the papers, and express their interest in them. In some instances the articles have been copied by newspapers of other towns. We praise the Lord for this opening to publish the message in this field.

W. A. McKIBBEN.