How to Write Missionary Letters

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 7, 1912

How to Write Missionary Letters

As the long winter evenings are approaching, when people spend more time in reading, a splendid opportunity is presented to both young and old for sending out papers and tracts to friends, and even to strangers whose addresses may be obtained in different ways, and writing to them warm-hearted missionary letters filled with the love of Christ. Many are now rejoicing in the truth whose first introduction to it came in this manner. Some valuable hints as to how to write such letters are given in a paper prepared by Miss Augusta Wade, of Loma Linda, Cal., and read at a convention, a portion of which follows.—

“From the beginning of the work of the third angel’s message, no more effective or fruitful method of work has been within the reach of all classes of believers than the sending of our message-laden literature with warm invitations to read. One can work at any distance, at any time, and in the most thorough manner. He may ponder each word; his stammering tongue does not annoy his one-soul audience. Then see the letter in the hand of the reader. In many ways it is better than a talk. It can be read at any time, and referred to again and again.

“At best, missionary correspondence is but a substitute for missionary conversation. It may, however, be used to better advantage than conversation by those who are naturally timid in approaching people regarding missionary subjects. A letter appeals to the eye and aids the memory of both the sender and the receiver. The apostle John, in one of his letters, thus states the true object of such a letter: ‘These things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.’ 1 John 1:4. ‘That ye also may have fellowship with us.’ Verse 3.

“To my mind, there can be no general rule for writing missionary letters; but you will be quite safe if your letter is filled with a love for souls, and if it throbs with the interest of a true friend. Perhaps the only practical rule about letter-writing is, ‘Do it now.’ Is it not because we put off so many things for a more convenient season that we find time for so few? There is another rule that we should never forget,—Be patient and persevering. ‘There is no difficulty,’ said a man of experience not long ago, ‘in finding members in every church who will talk about work, suggest work, and even start work; but there is a plentiful lack of people who just work and keep on working.’ Could there be a stronger incentive in this work than the love of Christ?

“We should write with a feeling of Christian love and interest instead of fear, and should do it in the most natural way possible. Instead of trying to frame something that sounds studied, let your effort be to make it simple, natural, and clear—just as you would tell it were you with the person. Many think the first letter is of little consequence, ‘merely a card or something of the kind to let the one receiving it know where the paper comes from,’ so it is written without thought or prayer, and a precious opportunity to send God’s blessing to a needy soul is lost. There are few who do not realize the power of first impressions, and these are just as vivid in written messages as in personal greetings. Then, however few the words or guarded the expressions in the first letter, let it bear with it the Spirit of God, fresh from the altar of a living faith and a consecrated life.

“There are other ways in which the first letter bears a very important relation to subsequent work and in which it really becomes a key to future correspondence. In taking up this line of work with a stranger, we must constantly draw out facts upon which to base our work, else we are continually groping in the dark, and are more than likely to overthrow the very confidence we wish to establish. This is especially true of the first letter. If the only object were to get an answer, there would be less trouble in gaining it; but the real object is to get such an answer as will show that cordial relations have been established, and will, at the same time, give us such information as will enable us to write the second letter intelligently and with a definite point in view.

“The first letter should be sent about the time when the first paper is mailed. This letter lets its receiver know at once why the paper is sent; it draws attention to the paper from the first, and removes any thought of a charge. Another thing that is necessary at the very beginning is to awaken a spirit of inquiry. Place yourself not above your correspondent as a teacher, but on an equality as a learner with him. Be frank, sincere, courteous. Be brief. Leave something to be written next time. Let us be sure that the work is undertaken in the spirit of true Christian humility, magnifying the Bible truths, and not self. Avoid sharp arguments: for love will gain the victory when arguments and authority are powerless. Ever remember that more people are ‘loved’ into the kingdom of heaven than are ever ‘argued,’ into it.

“It is well to become acquainted with the tracts on special topics to help in following up interests developed. Mention in the letter the publication sent, and refer to some article by name. Avoid technical expressions, as ‘the third angel’s message,’ ‘the truth,’ etc. Give definite address, and enclose a stamped envelope for reply. In a careful, tactful manner endeavor to find out religious belief, remembering at decisive points to throw all your talent into your words to save this interested soul.

“In this busy age it may be expected that many will read what is sent to them, and yet make no reply. As in other lines of endeavor, unwavering faith is required to keep up interest and enthusiasm in working with people through the mail. We may be positively assured, however, that missionary correspondence is a form of seed sowing, the results of which will never be fully revealed this side of the kingdom. The good seed sown may be for some time in a cold, worldly, selfish heart, without evidencing that it has taken root, but the Spirit of God operates on that heart and waters it with the dew of heaven, and by and by the long-hidden seed may spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God. So let us not be discouraged, but keep sowing, and leave the results with God.

“It is the overflowing life that is the enriching life, whether it flows out through the pen or the voice or the actions. To the faithful missionary correspondent God promises the pen of the learned that he may know how to write a word in season to him that is weary. I earnestly hope that the Lord will help us to awaken to our opportunities for a larger part in this work, that we may receive the blessings he has in it for us, and through it bring the truth to our relatives, friends, and many others.”