Medical missionary work, we know, is designed by God to serve as the entering wedge in the presentation of the third angel's message in all its comprehensive bearing. It has been the privilege of the nurses of the Washington Sanitarium to co-operate with the students of the theological department of the Washington Missionary College in conducting evangelistic efforts in the city of Washington and its suburbs, our part of the program being to give brief health talks, accompanied by suitable demonstrations, in connection with the evangelistic services, and to organize and carry on home nursing classes and a school of cookery. In all our endeavor we have ever kept in mind the soul-winning agency of the medical work, and its purpose in opening the way for sermon, Bible study, and literature.
The results have been very encouraging. Each week we have been welcomed into eighty homes, where we have distributed Present Truth and given instruction in the principles of healthful living. In a number of instances this has led to definite appointments for Bible studies by the Bible worker, and it is very gratifying to those who have become deeply interested through the teaching of health principles, to find that a regular Bible worker is provided, who will stay by them and teach- them the truths in the word of God.
At the time of organizing a home nursing class in one of our churches, the church members visited their neighbors and invited them to attend. The result was that four persons who were not Seventh-day Adventists, attended the home nursing class and received the certificate. Near the close of the class, we visited these persons in their homes, and endeavored to lead them into further study of true principles of Christian life, and we found them in a very receptive attitude. One lady told us that she had not been satisfied with what she had found in the churches, and was searching for truth. She had purchased a number of our books, such as " Bible Readings," " Steps to Christ," and " Patriarchs and Prophets," and said she considered them the most wonderful books she had ever read. She promised that she would attend our Sabbath school and bring her little girl.
In another home the lady confessed that she had not given time to spiritual things, but had resolved to devote some time each day to prayer and Bible study. This woman is attending our weekly prayer meeting regularly.
In the third home the husband and wife both had been members of the class, and said that the regular class night had meant so much to them in real pleasure that they did not like to remain at home, and when the class closed they decided to attend the weekly prayer meeting instead.
In each of these homes, Bible studies are now conducted, attended by the keenest interest and most hopeful prospects for establishing in the whole truth those whose confidence and friendship were won through upholding the wonderful principles which God has intrusted to His people for health and happiness in this life and preparation for the life to come.
We thank God that He permits us as nurses to have a large part in the opening-door movement, and to establish eager and cordial reception for the divinely called and appointed Bible worker.
Washington Sanitarium.
