“Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.”
– Psalm 66:16
In every camp meeting special effort should be made to reach the worldly class, as well as church members. Invite all to come to the meetings. Let those who preach the Word do their utmost to save souls. The effect of a meeting is lost when it is closed without making an effort to use the sickle of truth. Often those who have never united with any church, who have never made any profession of religion, are, under the influence of the gospel ministry, most easily won to the truth. (1)
A mistake has been made in holding our camp-meetings in out-of-the-way places. At some of our camp-meetings strong companies of workers have been organized to go out into the city and its suburbs to distribute literature and invite people to the meetings. By this means hundreds of persons have been secured as regular attendants. We must take every justifiable means to bring the light before the people. Those who are in training for work in the cause in any line should improve every opportunity to work at the camp-meeting. (2)
. . .These meetings are a powerful means of arresting the attention of the masses. By camp-meetings held in the cities, thousands will hear the invitation to the feast, “Come, for all things are now ready.”
After arousing an interest it is not wise to cut the meeting short, pull down the tents, and leave the people to think that the meeting is over. It is just then that the greatest good may be accomplished by faithful and earnest work. The meetings must be so managed that the public interest shall be maintained. . . .
It may be at a sacrifice that several families remain on the ground to assist the ministers and Bible workers in visiting and Bible study with those who come to the meetings, and in visiting the people at their homes, telling of the blessings received at the meetings, and inviting them to come. No doubt it will be difficult to secure a sufficient number of workers to carry forward the work successfully. But the result will justify the effort. It is by such earnest and energetic efforts as these that some of our camp-meetings have been instrumental in raising up strong working churches. And it is by just such earnest work that the third angel’s message must be carried to the people of our cities. (3)
The Christian will witness for Christ on the campground and wherever he is, bear testimony that in his service of God he is in the association of heavenly angels. Let him speak gently; for sharp words, or words of a cheap order, will leave an unfavorable impression upon the minds of the unbelievers with whom he is brought in contact. Remember the words, “Ye are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.” [1 Corinthians 4:9.] (4)
Charge for the Day: Pray for a receptive heart to take part in camp meetings as God opens opportunities. Start planning now to invite others to these important meetings.
1. Manuscript 74, 1900
2. The Southern Watchman, June 12, 1902
3. Experiences in Australia, p. 250
4. Manuscript 74, 1900