nineteen hundred and forty-six - Amazon Web Services

328 SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
There was no doubt that the two men were greatly impressed, for they
apologized for the attitude that so many Jews had adopted.
"It is too bad that we did not know you twenty or more years ago," said
one, "certainly our attitude would have been different through these years."
I quote from a letter received from one of the men a few days later:
"May I express the appreciation of both Mr. B and myself
for the very fine and frank manner in which you accepted our visit
yesterday with the same spirit which we brought to it. Both Mr. B
and I are absolutely convinced not only of your sincerity but also of the
fact that you are deeply interested in the welfare of the Jewish people
and are doing what you can to mitigate the evils of anti-Semitism
wherever you can. Please be assured that Mr. B and I will both
attempt to interpret your position to the Jewish community of this
area. . . .
"Both Mr. B and I are deeply concerned over your health.
We hope it will improve greatly within the near future."
II. Personal Contacts
I have found the greatest results from personal contacts, and I therefore
do not let an opportunity go by to have a heart-to-heart talk with any seeker
after the Truth.
A faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta, who is deeply
interested in the salvation of Israel, called me and asked whether I could visit
her Jewish neighbor. She had already prepared the way by winning the confidence
of her friends.
As soon as she had learned that a Jewish family had moved into the neighborhood,
she not only called on them but even carried flowers and tomatoes from
her victory garden. Is there any wonder that they were impressed by her
Christianity?
That was the beginning of a warm friendship. Nor did she miss an opportunity
to tell them about her Saviour who was of the House of Israel. When
she asked them whether they would like to meet a Christian Jewish friend of
hers, they replied that they would be very glad to do so. A most cordial welcome
awaited me when I called on them.
The first question the man asked me was, "How long has it been since you
have become converted?"
"I have not changed my religion at all," I replied. "Christianity is not
another religion but the fulfilment of the Jewish religion."
I quoted the Saviour's words in Matthew 5:17: "Think not that I am come
to destroy the law or the prophets. I am not come to destroy but to fulfil."
"Christianity does not supplant Judaism, but supplements it," I added. "I
feel that I have not changed my religion but have found it. I, therefore, do
not like to be known as a 'converted' Jew but as a 'completed' Jew."
The man was evidently so impressed that he asked his sister to go upstairs
and call his wife. When she reminded him that his wife was ill, he said, "But
I don't want her to miss a single word of this."
In a few moments she came down. They all seemed to drink in every word
I had to say, asking question after question. Every now and then they exclaimed,
"It sounds so wonderful! Why haven't we known this before?"
The man asked me to send him anything I could lay my hands on so that
he might make a further study of the subject. Following a lengthy visit they
accompanied me to the home of the Christian friend to express their deep
gratitude for the wonderful evening.
Here again is an example of Israel's crying need for something that will
satisfy. Though the family possesses great wealth and culture, there is an
emptiness in their lives which saddens them.
III. Printed Page
The printed page renders a powerful ministry all of its own. I quote the
following from a letter received from a Jewish man, dated August 31, 1945:
"For a long time you have sent me your publication, The Mediator, and I
have always read it and found it very inspiring. I had never acknowledged
its receipt before because while recognizing the truth of what you
had to say, I was not altogether convinced.
"Not long ago, however, I accepted Christ as my Saviour, and my
is wife beginning and child for and me. myself We are were happy baptized. in that blessed After 37 assurance years, a that new comes
life