p. 16 | Anxious About Using Newspapers by WALTER L. BURGAN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 27, 1916

Anxious About Using Newspapers

By WALTER L. BURGAN

A most interesting letter has just been received from one of the brethren in Portland, Oregon, who has been having some encouraging experiences in writing for the newspapers of that city. He says:—

“I herewith inclose a clipping from the Portland Oregonian, an influential paper, especially influential because this State has only one large city and that city has only one morning paper; hence its circulation is unusually large throughout the State. Notice how the article preaches the second advent; then note the article in the Portland Evening Telegram of the Thursday before, March 9, and the catchy heading, ‘Says Turks Will Move to Jerusalem,’ and how its last three lines emphasize the nearness of the second advent.”

The article that appeared in the Oregonian, as referred to by our brother, treated on various conditions existing in the earth as signs of the soon coming of Christ, and also dealt with the millennium. A very attractive heading was written by the editor, as follows: “Millennium is Seen. Preacher Says Signs Portend Reappearance of Christ. Hatred of Nations, Wars, Divorce, Industrial Evils, and Earthquakes Called Portents.”

The article which appeared in the Evening Telegram was concerning the Eastern Question, as is indicated by the heading mentioned above. The striking sentence emphasizing the nearness of the second advent reads as follows: “This removal of Turkey is the most intensely important event spoken of in the Bible, because the next event foretold is the second coming of Christ in all his glory.”

Our brother then continues:—

“While all our advertising may bring a hundred people to hear the lecture, these reports are read by thousands. I do pray that our people all over the land may awaken to this much-neglected means of doing missionary work. It takes time, a great deal of time, but how can we better spend time than for Christ's cause? It takes persistence, for newspapers are whimsical and cold-blooded, and throw out a large percentage of the carefully composed write-ups. To keep at it, in spite of such disappointments, takes faith. But how encouraging to see an article published entire and read by multitudes!”

Our brother’s enthusiasm over the possibilities of reaching and eventually winning precious souls through newspaper work should be emulated throughout the field. It is true that our workers are appreciating this feature of our movement, but considerably more should be done to reach the masses through this medium. The ministers and evangelists have an open field, as far as having articles on the prophecies published is concerned, and no one should let an opportunity pass to warn the people, through the secular press, about the serious times in which we are living.

WALTER L. BURGAN.