At the commencement of this year the Victoria Ecclesia set in motion three major projects.
- Home Missionary: The general area surrounding our Ecclesial Hall was canvassed by door to door contact. Follow up work was carried out from names given in by brethren and sisters of friends and relatives. Care was given to follow up on ex-Sunday School and C.Y.C. members.
Advertising in the local newspapers was increased and regular notices in the personal columns gained a greater attention. From such advertising we are confident this is the reason for an increase in visitors to our Sunday evening lectures. A telephone, “Listen to a Bible Message” was installed in the Hall and a number of contacts both near and far have been made from names left on the space made available at the conclusion of the message.
From all this effort we have been able to set up a number of home studies with certain interested friends.
Emptying the barns: Like many Ecclesias I am sure, we have built up a large collection of literature in the way of pamphlets etc. that have been gathering dust in the library shelves. These have been taken out and about five are given to each brother and sister as they leave the Hall after the Sunday morning meeting. The idea being to make each member a missionary if they will give these pamphlets to a friend, drop them in a letter box or place on the windshield of a car in a parking lot. A full scale distribution of leaflets, etc. is planned for one Saturday and between these two efforts we should give out over ten thousand pieces of literature. How many Ecclesias have this amount of bread of life in their barns gathering dust and not giving light to those who are in darkness?
2: Bible Exhibition: Plans have been made to have a Bible Exhibition located in the activity area adjacent to the main Hall for the month of October. At that time we shall send out invitations to Schools encouraging the Principals to send their young classes along to see this Bible Exhibition. We shall also send invitations to most of the Churches within the city inviting their congregations to attend this Exhibition. The main purpose at this time is not so much to preach the first principles of scriptures, but to create a greater interest in the hearts of all people to get back to the Bible. To realize the wonderful heritage that God has given to our generation in the gift of the Word of Life and the freedom to be able to read it and discuss it. Dovetailing with this effort, will be the presentation of the film, “How the Bible Came To Us.” We hope to show this film to the general public on the Sunday evening and to our own Sunday School in the morning. It will also be presented throughout the week for those who have time to sit and enjoy refreshments while watching this very interesting film. We hope to have the same success from this Exhibition as was received when it was displayed in Vancouver last year.
- Canada canvassed: The third and most challenging project is to send a package of literature into every home in Canada, commencing the first month of 1988. It is hoped to obtain the help of all Ecclesias both financially and with many prayers offered. Where possible each Ecclesia will be asked to take care of its own city and a certain area surrounding it. This becomes more of a challenge when we realize that Canada is bilingual, having thousands of people that speak French. We may have to compile pamphlets written in French. The appeal will go out for those who are fluent in the French language to help us with this and for follow-up work.
Remembering that May 1988 will be the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel it would be a wonderful witness to the Truth and the Hope of Israel if all the Ecclesias throughout Canada would agree on the second Sunday of May of that year to speak on the subject relating to that important event under a title such as “Israel born again.”
The Truth as we know it has been active in Canada for over one hundred and twenty five years and yet the voice of Truth is but a small whisper throughout the land. The unfinished work of witness lies upon us.
Considering this colossal project you will understand the help we shall need in more ways than one. The strong prayers of many. Financial help and for all Ecclesias large and small to work along with us that we might gain success.
We would appreciate hearing from all Ecclesias represented by their arranging brethren concerning the projects we have in effect and will have in the near future, God willing. Anxious for your support, questions, etc.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One