The highest service for God and humanity is doubtless to be found in medical evangelism. To heal the wounds inflicted by sin was Christ's own earthly mission. Our ministry, like His, must care for the spiritual as well as the physical welfare of men and women. The two go together, but in the light of eternity, is not the spirit of man of far greater value than his present house of clay? Is our attention to a sick person in rightful proportion to his true worth as a soul in God's image, redeemed by sin-free blood? Do we occupy ourselves so fully in repairing and reconditioning the body house that we have little time for feeding the starving "inner man" who dwells there?
Souls come to us already "dead in trespasses and sins," altogether unaware of their true state. In God's sight such a soul appears as described by Isaiah: "From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness ; . . . but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." When they leave us, is it true of their wounds, that "they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment"? God forbid that any one, upon leaving an institution, can truthfully say, "We looked for peace, but no good came ; for a time of health, and behold trouble! . . . Is there no balm in Gilead ; is there no physician there?"
Not one of our guests should come within our doors without feeling the atmosphere of a wholesome religious influence. At the same time, none should feel that religion is forced upon his attention, or that he cannot be at ease because of the intrusion of the peculiarities of our faith upon his settled convictions. By the appeal of our literature, judiciously chosen and placed on lobby tables, in tract racks, and in guest rooms, he is invited to read, if he will. Headphones give him the opportunity to listen in to parlor and church services, and to a specially conducted Sabbath school class, if he chooses to do so. By any of these means he may learn much, without letting his interest or curiosity be known. We have learned of some who are reluctant to admit their actual interest, and who would not be seen in one of our services. Some of these later overcome their reserve.
Parlor Services.—Evening parlor talks by dietitians and physicians, interspersed with those of the chaplain, and the distribution of our literature, acquaint guests with our health message and create confidence. This interest often leads further into our great system of truth and the more abundant life. As chaplain, I have endeavored in parlor services to present subjects interdenominational in themselves, or of general interest, in which some thought to arouse inquiry can be given. Then, when a person comes in the attitude of an inquirer, I feel free to tell just what we believe and why.
Such subjects as, "Our Bible Ancestry," "How to Read the Bible," "Oriental Customs in the Bible," "Evolution—Unchristian," "Evolution—Unscientific," "Faith and Fossils," -Our Calendar History," "Calendar Confusions." et cetera, give occasion to present statements which demand a fuller explanation. We give devotional sermonettes each vesper hour, with such subjects as are mentioned in lecture-form talks each Wednesday. Sunday evenings we endeavor to make the acquaintance of guests and patients and to establish confidence through travelogues, with or without pictures.
A Librarian's Opportunities.—Our Bible worker and assistant is also librarian. Introduced as librarian, she has an advantage with those who seem to fear being approached on religion. A fairly adequate nonfiction library is a valuable asset. She frequently visits the interested women, and Bible readings can be presented most effectively by her in sickroom circumstances.
Miscellaneous Means.—We find a number of lesser means helpful as well. Doctors and nurses report to us any one who may express a word of interest. A short note is pasted to the covers of a number of small booklets on various subjects, to indicate that copies are available for purchase, and this enables us to make many sales. Appropriate Scripture-text cards are placed on the patients' trays or at their plates each Sabbath morning. Often these are greatly appreciated. Bibles and books on lobby tables and in each room, and headphones with which to hear our church services and parlor exercises, also help us greatly.
Nothing does more than the influence of godly physicians and nurses. Appropriate words upon wisely chosen occasions, sincere prayers, sympathetic silence during distress—these count for much in the technique of spiritual service. May this never be forgotten in any case.
Our greatest unsolved problem is still how to carry on successful follow-up work. The average patient stay is twelve to thirteen days. Even though an interest may be developed, we many times lose contact when the patient leaves us. We send out annually between eighty and a hundred Signs subscriptions to interested ones, give them radio logs from our evangelists, report to our local district leaders or pastors nearest their homes, and correspond 'with them directly as far as possible.
Brethren of the ministry, let us cooperate closely with our health institutions. Suggest our nearest sanitarium to the ill or to those in need of quiet rest. Just as many brought their sick to Jesus years ago, and had the joy of seeing them healed, so may many today find His ministry continued among us. There is still, we believe, balm in Gilead. The Great Physician is to be found there for all who seek Him.
