Press Bureau Work by Walter L. Burgan

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jan 2, 1913

Press Bureau Work

By Walter L. Burgan

THAT our brethren are appreciating more and more the importance of publishing our message and the progress of the denomination in a more systematic manner through the newspapers, is evident from the fact that three of the union conferences have established press bureaus. Although the Press Bureau of the General Conference did not begin operations until one year ago, five of the union conferences and one State conference now have press bureaus, which will add considerable strength as well as dignity to the campaign now being carried on through the powerful agency of the secular press.

The three latest union conferences to add press bureaus to their work are the Southern, Atlantic, and Canadian. These bureaus will furnish news about events that occur in their respective territories, and will also cooperate with the General Conference department in the distribution of articles of a general nature. The other union conferences should also have their own press representatives who will furnish accounts about our work to the newspapers in their territory, and thus keep the Seventh-day Adventists before the eyes of the world, and arouse inquiry as to what they teach and the work they are doing.

Surely the time has come when the last message of salvation is to be speedily heralded to the ends of the earth; and the Lord just as surely wants his people, especially the ministers, to use the columns of the newspaper, the only agent that can carry the precious words of truth into every home.

Listen to a letter from one of the brethren in South Dakota, who also sent clippings from his home paper containing articles on "Capital and Labor" and "The Eastern Question:"—

"The editor told me the last time I was in his office that the story (on the Eastern question) was the principal topic in one of the hotels, and among other prominent people in the city. I pray that our people generally may see and use this mighty 'pulpit,' as Martin Luther called it, to carry the third angel's message."

A brother in Michigan writes:—

"The article has appeared in the Gazette. The editor seemed much pleased with it, and expressed the wish to have others. I intend to hand in what I have on the Sabbath."

A letter from Iowa gives us encouragement. It reads as follows:—

"Your article on the Eastern question came just the day before I spoke on the subject, and brought good results. The editor seemed glad for the article."

The editors in one of the large cities of Kentucky appreciate the value of Seventh-day Adventist news, as indicated in the following letter:—

"I take pleasure in sending you a paper with your full article in it. These papers are very kind to us, and have printed everything I have furnished them, and always give us a good position."

Many other interesting letters telling of the willingness of editors to publish accounts from our brethren have been received. The press work is moving forward at a rapid rate, and our brethren ought to take fresh courage each day when they see the extensive publicity we are obtaining through the newspaper columns.

WALTER L. BURGAN.