As a basis for discussion on practical ways of making our sanitariums soul-saving agencies, we are assuming that all are agreed that our medical institutions have no other objective for operating, than soulsaving. We have no other excuse for existence than that a mighty message of warning may reach the hearts of men and women and turn them to Christ. Every individual of the thousands employed in these institutions is aware of his responsibilities as a laborer "together with God," with this one single and only purpose before him. Not until we have clearly determined our objective, and sincerely and consistently dedicated our all to its attainment, will ways and means be successful. Soul-saying demands a total dedication.
Prayer for Power.—First of all, haying purposed that all our resources in equipment and personnel be bent to this single objective, let us pray. More is wrought by a practical application of prayer than we have yet realized. It is by prayer that the resources of heaven are added to those of earth. Indeed, without the co-operation of the human with the divine all labor is fruitless, all preaching is as sounding brass. Take time each day for private study and prayer. These are God's means of directing His human agents. What a loss we often sustain by our failure to co-operate with the Spirit, and by our reluctance to surrender ourselves more completely to His control!
A Christian Atmosphere.—Second only to co-operation with heaven, is the close unity to be achieved among us as God's representatives. Loyalty to our trust requires loyalty to the principles, aims, and standards of the institution. All who are joined in the institutional family are to co-operate in creating and maintaining that seemingly intangible, though very real, influence which we may call "atmosphere." The very Christian atmosphere of our rooms and corridors draws the receptive mind toward heavenly things. The quiet, cheerful dignity of the physician on his, rounds; the nurse, professional and reserved, yet of pleasing, friendly personality ; the callboy, the maid, the gardener, and all who have a part, may add to the general impression for good. Our high standards of personal appearance and conduct may witness most effectively. Angels, we are told, are present also, not only to observe and report, but to add their holy influences to the institution approved by God.
Employing More Direct Methods
Important though the foregoing factors are, our losses in possible souls saved are perhaps more often due to our failure to devise and to. use more direct means to reach our patients and guests with our distinctive message—the present truth. It is intended that the everlasting gospel be presented today in the setting of the three angels' messages. We read in the "Testimonies:"
"He [God] is pleased that a chapel should be built in connection with the sanitarium, that those who visit the institution may be given an opportunity to hear for themselves the truth as it is in, Jesus. The precious gospel is to be presented to them, not in a weak, diluted style, but in strong, warm accents. As it is made plain that godliness is necessary to salvation, the peculiarities of our-faith will appear, distinguishing us from the world. But no tirade is to be made against the doctrines held by others."—Volume VIII, pp. 155, 156.
There is wisdom in these words. Those who visit our institutions should be given the opportunity to hear our peculiar faith, but great care must be used not to refer in an uncomplimentary way to any other doctrine or denomination. Since the printed page is as effective as the preacher, and since we have such an abundance of attractive literature, let us keep it everywhere in evidence. To our certain knowledge, not a few read secretly, through curiosity, or for caution, lest their apparent interest occasion an unwelcome exposure of ignorance in regard to religion. There are values in this method which cannot be computed.
Parlor services are effective if they are well announced, are kept brief, and are of compelling interest. The chaplain need not always speak directly on religion. He may present a travelogue, or narrate an interesting historical or biographical story. He may take advantage of special holidays, or anniversaries, such as lend themselves well to his need for topics. This allays prejudice, so that his more direct presentations of the gospel will be attended and appreciated. Always it should be the aim in all parlor services to provoke inquiry, which may lead to Bible studies with individuals or small groups.
No way is more effective than the personal touch, and there is no better means for this than association at the table. After grace is said, the chaplain, by his presence and participation, mingles in a social way with the guests. Persons whom it would be difficult to approach in any other way, may easily be met in this way.
Carefully planned visitation of bed patients is also fruitful. For this work, especially among the women, the chaplain's helper, an experienced and mature Bible worker, is indispensable. She gives the numerous small attentions which mean so much to the sick and convalescent. She carries on Bible studies, distributes books from the library, invites the interested to services, and sees that all who desire are taken to services or are supplied with earphones for the public-address system. She keeps up a correspondence with interested ones who have left the institution. The liberal use of invitation and greeting cards, and flowers for those who have none, woo and win hearts for Christ.
Nurses, dietitians, and others should be enlisted in this more direct ministry for spiritual health and welfare. We have this instruction in the "Testimonies :"
"Not one quarter of the work has been done in opening the Scriptures to the sick that might have been done, and that would have been done, in our sanitariums, if the workers had themselves received thorough instruction in religious lines."—Volume VII, p. 103.
No worker in the cause of God can penetrate walls of prejudice and reach the heart for Christ more effectively than the thoroughly trained missionary nurse. A word fitly spoken, or a prayer at the psychological moment, may turn a soul from death to eternal life and peace.
Practical Soul-Winning Suggestions
In conclusion I offer seven suggestions on practical ways of winning souls in our sanitariums:
First. That further renewed and earnest study be made on how this work of first magnitude may be made more efficient, and be kept in its rightful place.
Second. That the chaplain and the Bible worker not be so burdened with other responsibilities that they cannot give necessary time and attention to direct soul winning among guests and employees. They both require time for study and prayerful preparation.
Third. That nurses and others be trained in A\ personal evangelism, and systematically bell. given openings for this work both within and outside the institution.
Fourth. That a good nonfiction library be available to guests and helpers. That carefully planned literature be available and prominently displayed, and that it be periodically changed in order to keep it up to date.
Fifth. That all interests observed among the guests by physicians, nurses, and others, be immediately reported to the chaplain or the Bible worker, so that these interests may be tactfully followed up.
Sixth. That the program for all patients and guests, from their entrance examinations to their farewell, be so arranged that it will be possible for them to attend services, or to "listen in" when these services are in progress, if they so desire. This obviously may be impossible with some cases at some times, but no appointment should be made at a time that is reserved for spiritual therapy, if it can at all be avoided.
Finally, if the souls of our helpers and the guests in our institutions are to be saved and not lost, we must exercise the utmost regard for the sanctity of the Sabbath day. Let us heed closely the counsels of the Lord through the Spirit of prophecy in regard to Sabbath observance in our sanitariums.
