Hong Kong and the Philippines
Extensive advertising in English-language newspapers and periodicals has been carried out in both areas with encouraging response. Many doctrinal subjects were dealt with in medium to large-size displays, which also invited application for literature and for enrolment in a free postal Bible study course. Applications totaled well over a hundred for literature, and between 30 and 40 for the study course. Some of the applicants for the latter have completed the Introductory course and have requested the more detailed follow-on course. It is interesting to note that requests came from a wide cross-section of readers and some very interesting and encouraging correspondence has ensued.
Advertising in each area was carried out in conjunction with and prior to the visit of Bro. and Sister R. Hermann, who spent from early October to mid-December in Hong Kong, and from mid-December to late April in the Philippines. Once again the immense value of personal contact work was evident. They were able to meet and assess the value of the enquiries of several of the new contacts made as a result of this series of advertising; and in the case of Hong Kong particularly, institute regular instruction and discussion sessions with both old and new contacts who accepted their inviations to discuss the various facets of the Truth. Correspondence is being maintained with all who are willing to engage in further instruction. Follow-up work in the Hong Kong area is being currently carried out on a personal basis by our Bro. H. A. Rydings, who together with his Sister-wife is resident there. Their valuable assistance in connection with the visit of Bro. and Sister Hermann was much appreciated; whilst they, in turn, reaped much spiritual benefit from the associations with those “of like precious faith”.
Of the many new names introduced to our files as a result of the Philippines advertising, a number are young people who show a keen desire for scriptural understanding. These, together with people from all walks of life, including pastors of local religious groups, came from wide geographical locations within the Philippines, making personal follow-up work well-nigh impossible by any who may visit the Islands. However, active correspondence is being maintained with any who care to write.
An important responsibility of the Mission in the Philippines is the pastoral work associated with the brethren and sisters of the ecclesia at Bani. As a result of the labours of our Bro. Jimeno the ecclesia now numbers 37 members; a cause for much thanksgiving, and evidence of the divine blessing attending the work in that area. Bro. and Sister Hermann spent most of the period in the Philippines with the members of the ecclesia, helping in Bible study and scriptural understanding, and guiding them in matters of ecclesial organisation And conduct. They were joined for five weeks, over the Christmas period, by Bro. Geoff. Galbraith, of Victoria, a school teacher, who provided valuable assistance in connection with the younger members of the ecclesia and the children of the brethren. It was both gratifying and encouraging to learn on Bro. Galbraith”s return of the earnestness of the ecclesia and the hungering and thirsting for righteousness shown by its members. Bro. Vagler, in isolation in one of the southern iSlands, was also visited by Bro. and Sister Hermann, who spent about a month there. He continues to show keen enthusiasm for the truth of the Gospel and has interested several of his colleagues in the teaching profession who now regularly receive literature.
South Pacific
Advertising mediums in this area are very restricted. Response from earlier advertising in the Fiji Islands was rather disappointing, but a later series of a more ambitious type, designed to arouse interest in the visit of two New Zealand brethren, provided a better result. The contacts made will serve as a good basis for the personal contact work to be undertaken as part of the campaign, which, at the time of this writing, has concluded. A considerable amount of preparatory work was done from Australia prior to the campaign and a wide range of literature was sent to Fiji in advance, in order that suitable written material might be on hand to satisfy possible enquiries.
It is planned, God willing, to expand advertising work in the South Pacific area. Investigations are being made on the possibility of distributing the magazine “Glad Tidings” per medium of the many small islands” local stores, a focal point in the South Pacific Islands” society. Approximately 250 copies of the Mission edition of “Glad Tidings” (an excellent medium of preaching the Truth) are despatched each month to contacts in Malaya, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao, Indonesia, Sarawak, North Borneo, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, the Philippines, Solomon and Tonga Islands.
General
Individual and collective prayers are sought on Mission activities. Surely, we labour in vain if the hand of our God is not sought in our midst. The injunction of the Lord is to go forth to preach the Gospel in His name, and any endeavour to this end will be given divine strength and support if it is prayerfully sought. Active faith, however, must attend our prayers.
The assistance of brethren and sisters who may be visiting places where there are contacts is solicited for personal contact work. In these days of fast transport this has become much more possible and practizable, and the brotherhood generally is asked to reflect on the opportunities and responsibilities which are being opened. There is no doubt that personal contact work provides the most beneficial form of assistance to an interested friend. One such viewed the departure of a brother who had helped in this way with words like these: “You have given me living waters, now you are going away. What am I to do? Die of thirst?” In reporting this, the brother concerned pleaded, “Please, don”t let them die of thirst”.
The assistance is needed, too, of able and dedicated correspondence workers in the growing requirements in this field. The work is interesting and rewarding, challenging and demanding.
On a general level, continued interest in the Mission and its work is sought. Enquiries on any aspect of the work will be gladly answered. We feel sure that increased personal knowledge of the Mission”s activities will encourage enthusiasm for it and a desire to further its work. In this connection, the “Bible Missionary” cannot be too highly recommended. This little magazine, issued by the British Bible Mission, and published 3-4 times a year, reviews preaching activities in various parts of the world not served by established ecclesias. The records of labours undertaken, results accruing, and the experiences of those engaged in the work of spreading the “Gospel”s joyful sound” is both inspiring, and an exhortation to “Go and Ido thou !likewise”. If the “Bible Missionary” is not available in ecclesial libraries and bookstalls, a copy may be obtained from the Secretary, A.C. B. M., P.O. Box 40, Seven Hills, N.S.W., Aust.
Finally, through the Mission may be found the avenue whereby anyone may actively heed the command of Jesus, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature”.
An Eight Week Journey Visiting Ecclesias from New South Wales to Cape York