When we began to formulate our plans for an effort in the city of Merrill, Wisconsin, we were faced with a serious problem in regard to securing a foothold. Previous attempts to secure an interest through the use of literature had produced very unsatisfactory results. We decided that some other way must be found.
The city was very religiously inclined, in fact, unusually so. A recent religious census showed that less than two per cent of the population was "unattached" in one way or another. This condition led us to seek a new way to attract an audience. Although our plan is not by any means new, it may be enough out of the ordinary to be of help to someone else.
After securing a hall and consulting with the church and the conference committee, our next move was to place a colporteur, F. P. Clevenger, in the city. He sold the book Guide to Health on the time-payment basis, which provided several contacts with each purchase. Brother Clevenger was to assist in the effort, and thus his personal acquaintance with the people would be of great help later on. One of the sales points was that a series of health lectures was soon to be given, and that each purchaser of a book would be given enough reserved-seat tickets for his family. These health lectures were stressed at every contact possible.
When the time for the meetings came, tickets were mailed or handed to every purchaser of a book, along with advertising on the lectures. The newspaper was very friendly and gave us all the space we wanted for write-ups before and during the lectures. Of course we used regular paid advertising also. The editor came over and gave us a good send-off by introducing us to the audience.
We conducted five lectures dealing with various phases of health, and these had a strong appeal. We used a number of excellent motion pictures, some of them sound films which we secured from the State university and the State board of health. The fifth lecture was on the mind and health. This gave us an opportunity to stress the need for a stable religious experience in any sound program which would promote good health. The announcement of our regular evangelistic meetings was made at the end of this fifth lecture.
During the health lectures it was mentioned several times that I was an evangelist, but that I considered the gospel of health a part of the gospel of the kingdom. . Hence it was not a surprise when we announced that a series of lectures dealing with "Our Day in the Light of Bible Prophecy" would immediately follow. For a time one evening a week was devoted to further health lectures, and thus the two were tied together for the transition.
The results were very gratifying. In spite of unfavorable weather we had a large attendance. The impression made by the health message was a definite factor in enabling us to hold the attention of the people.
After a few weeks of the evangelistic meetings we conducted two cooking schools. At the first of these we used three tables to illustrate the three meals of a day. We showed that a carefully planned menu each day would provide the balanced diet needed by everyone. We stressed the fact that it is not necessary to attempt to provide all the needed food elements in a single meal, but that it is better to plan for them in the total food intake for the day, and that each day's ration ought to be balanced.
At the second demonstration we prepared and served samples of various dishes of protein foods. These were all of nonflesh foods. In view of meat rationing, this was a very live topic.
Meat -Substitutes a Live Issue
The approach to the question of a fleshless diet was made on the basis of its health protection factor and its economy. Much is said about "protective foods," such as fruits and vegetables. We went a step further and gave the scientific proof that meatless protein foods are entirely adequate to meet the needs of the human body, and that they are a help in securing the full value of the so-called protective foods, inasmuch as they are rich in needed minerals and vitamins. By showing the comparative cost of a beef roast and a vegetable protein dish, the economy was forcibly demonstrated.
After demonstrating how to prepare certain foods, and giving them samples, we offered to come into the homes of the people and teach them how to prepare similar dishes. We had all the invitations into homes that we could fill.
All in all we felt that this approach was quite successful. It was in harmony with the Lord's instruction and opened many homes which we would not otherwise have been able to enter. We learned much by doing it, and though some details might be changed another time, the same general outline would be followed. It takes careful planning and diligent study to prepare a health lecture that is practical and reliable. One needs to avoid fads and be sure to use well-established facts, lest his whole program be brought into disrepute.
Those who accept the principles of healthful living are usually excellent prospects for God's last-day message.
