Church Clinics Successful

We are told that medical missionary work is the pioneer work of the gospel. And truly the present is a most oppor­tune time for the "right arm" to open the door for the gospel ministry.

"The purest example of unselfishness is to be shown by our medical missionary workers; with their knowledge and practical experience they are to go from home to home to treat the sick. Thus they will find access to many hearts who otherwise would never have heard the gospel message."—"Loma Linda Messages," p. 85.

Several years ago our church at La Cres­centa, California, gave careful study to the matter of making real medical missionary work an active department of the church. Classes in home nursing and simple treat­ments were organized, and in due time, free clinic rooms were opened in the church build­ing. Here nurses and physicians came one day a week to minister to the indigent sick. As this good work progressed, many friends were made. The results of this have been evidenced in the excellent response at Har­vest Ingathering time.

In 1934 a flood destroyed our clinic. When our church was rebuilt, it would have seemed incomplete without provision for a clinic and a physiotherapy department. We now have ample space for physical therapy.

Conduct of Clinic

On Tuesday of each week our church women assemble to serve those who come. Often as many as twenty are present for at­tention. Physicians give examinations and extend office care, and nurses give physio­therapy treatments. Last year, twelve hun­dred hours of work were donated at the clinic in eight months. Besides, a goodly number of home visits were made and many treatments were given. There were many opportunities for gospel talks and Bible readings.

We have worked in cooperation with those in charge of public welfare. They appreciate our efforts, and invite us to their meetings. Often they bring patients to us for care, and request reports of our activities in the com­munity.

One sister in the clinic has charge of our free literature. All patients are given reading matter to take home. In cooperation with our Dorcas Society, the very needy are given food and clothing.

At intervals during clinic hours, time is devoted to answering questions which the pa­tients have put in a box. This makes our work educational. In the evening, nurses from the Glendale Sanitarium hold classes in home nursing and simple treatments.

After a busy day in which we have en­deavored to grasp every opportunity to sow seeds of truth, we return to our homes with the feeling that we have been a blessing to others, and have ourselves received the great­est blessing.