It would be not only a keen disappointment but a grievous mistake if the ideals and objectives of this Association were not projected into the field in definite activity. It is in no sense our plan that this shall be a "paper" organization, for then it would surely die "a-borning." It is not our purpose to confine the message of these columns just to exhortation. Active voluntary participation in promoting the interests of the Association is made prominent in the enrollment pledge, which has been sent to our medical workers. We therefore expect the membership to join earnestly with us in seeking to realize the declared objectives of the Association.
I hardly need state that there are many opportunities for ministry open to the willing medical worker. One means of rendering a most helpful and needed service is close at hand in your local church. "There is a message regarding health reform to be borne in every church."—"Testimonies," Vol. VI, p. 370. In many places, I am sure, there is opportunity for the formation of a "health study group," composed of the pastor, the church members, and their interested friends. The study of the principles of hygienic reform, as presented for example in "Ministry of Healing," is appropriate for all. Such a study could be made most interesting, would do much to promote proper physical habits, and prove to be a rich spiritual blessing to those who follow such a plan. Every medical worker who becomes a member of this organization should be a center of light in his or her sphere of influence, from which light there should radiate the rays of this blessed truth.
"The Lord has presented before me that many, many will be rescued from physical, mental, and moral degeneracy through the practical influence of health reform. Health talks will be given, publications will be multiplied. The principles of health reform will be received with favor ; and many will be enlightened. The influences that are associated with health reform will commend it to the judgment of all who want light; and they will advance step by step to receive the special truths for this time. Thus truth and righteousness will meet together."—"Testimonies," Vol. VI, pp. 378, 379.
Another feature that members of this organization can promote is classwork in home nursing and health preservation. A good work has been done in the past, but we should have much more of it. Cooking classes, food demonstrations, first-aid procedure, and instruction in home care of the sick are greatly needed and are always well received.
Where there is opportunity, the conduction of health institutes for conference workers or laymen, or both, held in cooperation with the conference officials and the union or local medical secretaries, will be productive of much good. According to the Spirit of prophecy, gospel ministers are to "combine the presentation of the health question with all their labors in the churches."—"Testimonies," Vol. VI, p. 376. Many of our ministers desire to learn how to present our health principles more intelligently and correctly. As medically trained workers, we should stand ready to assist such, giving them information, sources of authentic materials, helpful outlines, et cetera, that they may engage in this work.
"God's blessing will rest upon every effort made to awaken an interest in health reform ; for it is needed everywhere. There must be a revival on this subject; for God purposes to accomplish much through this agency."—"Medical Ministry," p. 259.
Cannot members of the Association form bands for fostering and engaging in such practical medical missionary work? Are there not in every community unfortunate individuals who are ill, blind, crippled, or destitute, who might be ministered to in some way? "It is only by an unselfish interest in those in need of help that we can give a practical demonstration of the truths of the gospel."—Id., p. 251.
There are many more other opportunities for service than I could mention here, but the important thing is that each one diligently search for local means of doing something, and do it.
"All should know how to eat and drink in order to preserve health. We are amid the closing scenes of this world's history; and there should be harmonious action in the ranks of Sabbathkeepers. Those who stand aloof from the great work of instructing the people upon this question, do not follow where the Great Physician Vol. VI, pp. 378, 379.
Members will please send in suggestions and plans for work. These columns will be open for your reports and experiences. We are counting on you to shoulder responsibility and
to become burdened to see this enterprise succeed. United, we can do a mighty work.
