Newspaper Work on the Pacific Coast by Frank A. Coppin

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 27, 1915

Newspaper Work on the Pacific Coast

By Frank A. Coppin

THE way in which God has worked to confirm his truth in Fresno, Cal., has led many to begin the observance of the Sabbath. Newspaper articles concerning the third angel's message and the truths held by this people created a great interest in that city, where a protracted series of meetings has been held. Thus far ninety-eight have signed the covenant to keep the Sabbath. Fifty-five have been added to the church since the first of the year, fifty-four by baptism and one on former baptism.

During the Fresno camp meeting, nearly a year ago, the two daily newspapers of the place kindly reported the various meetings, and since the present effort began, have printed one hundred and twenty-two articles upon all phases of the truth, averaging about eight and one-half inches in length. The attendance has been good throughout the series, in spite of efforts of those not of our faith to hinder the work by starting counterefforts. These were unsuccessful.

One instance will show the interest of the public in the truths God has graciously committed to Seventh-day Adventists. A woman who had been reading the newspapers, and thus had become interested, called up the conference office by telephone, and asked that a Bible worker be sent to instruct her more fully. Arrangements were made, but for some reason the worker did not get in touch with the woman as soon as she expected, and she telephoned a second time, saying she was very anxious to hear more concerning this truth.

Newspapers throughout the Pacific Union Conference continually are publishing articles concerning our work and the message. The recent annual meeting of three California conferences, held jointly in Oakland, was given publicity by newspapers in all parts of the northern half of the State. The annual meeting of the Southern California Conference, which followed it, being held in Los Angeles, likewise was given wide notice. The public press seems anxious to get the news concerning our meetings and what we are doing.

The bookmen's convention in Mountain View was reported in many newspapers in this union. The rapid growth of the publishing work, especially in foreign lands, and the fact that Seventh-day Adventists are using their own textbooks in their colleges and church schools because they have no faith in evolution, Darwinism, or the higher criticism were given wide notice.

Seventh-day Adventists' opposition to efforts to secure the passage by Congress of a law to curtail freedom of the press was heralded through the southern Pacific Coast, and made a favorable impression. A San Francisco daily commented favorably in its editorial columns upon our stand, mentioning Seventh-day Adventists by name, but giving its opinion that there was no danger that in free America such an obnoxious bill would pass.

Recently a column article on the Seventh-day Adventist position regarding Turkey was printed in many papers in the Pacific Union Conference. Reports have come that it created great interest in the prophecies. No doubt many persons will be led to study their Bibles as they never have done before, as a result of the wide publicity which is being given to the stirring predictions of Daniel and the Revelation. Even the public opposition of those who would hurt and hinder the work, the Lord will use to forward it, for this is his promise. The truth is being carried rapidly through the newspapers wherever men can read, and the work will soon be finished and the people of God be gathered home.

FRANK A. COPPIN.