In Matthew 28:19 we find the command, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations," that calls all Christians to be missionaries. I believe that this command applies more definitely to the graduates of the College of Medical Evangelists than to any others. Not only have they been privileged to have the best in medical education, but also they have a religious background that prepares them for the responsibilities of an important ministry in these last crucial days.
The Christian physician in private practice has many of the opportunities of a mission field flowing through his office daily, without all its attendant hardships. He deals with individuals who respect him and have confidence in his opinions, and many of them have more than a passing interest in his religion. This gives him influence, and provides an entering wedge with a great many people of all classes.
A physician's life is usually a busy one, but it costs him little more than anyone else to "take time to be holy." His personal blessing and satisfaction in so doing prove an ample reward for his effort. God demands of us according to our opportunities; therefore the doctor's responsibility as a soul winner is great.
There are many ways in which medical evangelists can serve the Lord—so many ways that, regardless of talent, time, or ability, everyone may see souls saved through the influence of his office and life. The thing that most influences a patient is a knowledge that his doctor is not interested in his money and his health alone. Often a patient will not come to a doctor until he finds that that doctor's plan is to give as much as he can, rather than get all that he can. Most people like that sort of philosophy, and are interested in finding why a busy physician follows it. And when they find out, this soon leads them to his religion and his Saviour.
Witnessing in the experiences of daily life costs nothing in time or money ; yet this is the important entering wedge in interesting patients in the truth. Before the patient has kept many appointments, he finds that his doctor is a consistent Sabbathkeeper, for his office is closed before sunset Friday, and remains closed, except for emergencies, until after sunset Saturday. Before long he finds that his doctor is consistent in refusing to indulge in the use of tobacco and alcohol, and has certain "peculiar" ideas concerning diet. These very "peculiarities" tend to arouse interest and increase the patient's respect, and finally he concludes that there is some logical reason for them, and becomes willing to listen and learn.
The physician who hesitates to speak for Jesus when the opportunity presents itself is neglecting to use a real remedy. He who fails to pray with his patients is overlooking a mighty power, and missing wonderful experiences. The quiet peace that comes to a worried patient, and the grateful thanks received, more than repay the few minutes spent in pointing him to the Great Physician, and in asking for His help.
Literature in the waiting room is an important aid. Magazines, small books, and tracts are well received. The demand is usually so great that it is difficult to keep a supply on hand. The first baptism as a result of this plan in my office was that of the wife of a patient who took the Signs of the Times and other literature home to read.
Patients are usually glad to attend a meeting, whether on religion or on health, if their doctor is going to speak, and many will come to church evangelistic meetings simply because he has invited them, or given them announcements. Experience has convinced me that a busy doctor can occasionally take time to conduct a series of studies three or four evenings a week for a few months, without financial loss and with great spiritual gain to himself. These meetings can be either evangelistic or Bible-study groups, and the results in attendance and conversions will many times repay for the effort involved.
The Sabbath school and the church present a real need and a field of opportunity to the local physician. While he rests physically on the Sabbath, he will find spiritual activity really refreshing. His past education has fitted him to fill any responsibility in either church or Sabbath school, and his willingness to act will bring a blessing to the local church and to himself.
Fellow graduates of C.M.E., our patients and our business associates form a mission field "white already to harvest." In our chosen work, under the blessing of God, let us follow the example of our Leader, the Great Physician, and daily be about our Father's business.
