368
Evangelism
had not given us permission to speak in the church, we should have
held a meeting in the open air.—
Letter 76, 1899
.
Experience in the Rural Areas—We are now holding meetings
in the open air. I have spoken twice recently to ninety people at Dora
Creek, a place three miles from Cooranbong, and two weeks ago last
Sunday at Martinsville, in a grassy paddock, to sixty souls. Planks had
been arranged in a half circle for seats. Some were seated on rugs on
the grass; others were in carriages just outside the fence.
There is no other way to reach these people but by holding open-air
meetings. There seemed to be a deep interest manifested by some.
Two or three are now on the point of deciding, and the ripening fields
are all ready for the harvest. Unless we make decided effort to go
outside our own immediate circle to meet the people where they are,
we shall miss the saving of many souls.
[427]
There is not the least chance of getting into the little rough churches
in the bush. We have been refused all chance to speak to the people in
this way. But in the Lord’s great temple, the open air—the heavens our
dome, and the earth our floor—we can obtain hearers who otherwise
would not hear. We feel intensely over the matter of lifting the standard
of truth in these places. The people have no shepherd. The state church
in Cooranbong stands locked week after week, and the people hear no
preaching. We see that there is a great work to be done in out-of-the-
way places in the open air. I have an appointment for such a meeting
next Sunday afternoon at Dora Creek. We have now two places where
these meetings are held.—
Letter 79, 1899
.
Experience in Reaching Those Who Would Not Enter a Hall—
I see so much to do. I cannot see any place where I can let go my hold.
Souls are perishing, and I must help them. I speak in the church and
out of the church. We drive out into the country places, and speak in
the open air, because the prejudice against the truth is so great that the
people will not consent to our speaking in the little rough house where
they assemble for worship....
On Sunday we went to Dora Creek, three miles away, and spoke to
the people in the open air. About ninety persons were gathered there,
and I had much freedom in presenting to them Christ as the great Healer
and wonderful Teacher. All listened with interest. By this means I can
reach a class who will not come to any hall or meetinghouse. We have
good singing.—
Letter 74, 1899
.