Health Message in Evangelism

Health reform has a very definite part in God's message of salvation from sin. We are told that it is the "right arm of the message." How, then, can it be presented in a series of evangelistic meetings? Can it be done where there is no Adventist physician ? I believe that every evangelist should be able to give a series of health talks that will pre­pare the way for the acceptance of the testing truths of this message.

As a rule we give a health talk every Tues­day night from the beginning of our series, and in announcing our program for the week we stress the importance of these lectures. We promise the people that if they will attend the eight lectures of the series, and put in practice what they learn, they will have better health and will thank God for what they have learned. Many people are afflicted with poor health, and are interested to learn how they may have better health.

Our first health lecture is advertised thus:

"How to Postpone Your Funeral. If You Value Your Health, COME." We teach the importance of a proper diet in relation to longevity, quoting from world authorities. The text, 3 John 2, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth," is always read as the foundation text in every health talk. If God is interested in our having good health, then He must have some instruction for us in His Word.

We read that God made man out of the "dust of the ground." A chart of a man in outline, with the names of the sixteen elements which every man possesses in his body, is of value. We stress the fact that modern science proves that man is actually made from the "dust of the ground." We quote from author­ities to prove that these sixteen elements must be supplied by food that contains them, and not from a bottle of medicine. Then the original diet of man, as given in the first chapter of Genesis, is shown to be the ideal diet, because it contains these sixteen elements. Such a talk impresses people that the Bible is scientific, and establishes their faith in the in­fallible Word.

Our next talk takes up "Foodless Food, or Stuffed Yet Starving," and we explain that the average diet is insufficient in the sixteen essential elements, that our Government is awake to this truth, and is demanding that bakers "enrich" the flour with what has been taken from it in the process of milling, etc. We show how necessary it is that all these elements be found in what we eat, and that if they are not there, sickness results. In this talk we take up the different elements and tell in what foods they are found, their im­portance to proper nutrition, and what condi­tions we may expect to find if they are lacking.

Our third talk is accompanied by a prac­tical demonstration on how to treat simple colds without the use of drugs. This is given by a nurse in uniform, with a child as a patient. She explains why the treatment is given and what results may be expected. If a physician can be secured, it will greatly assist in the question service that follows. Our health books are easily sold at the close of such a meeting.

The fourth lecture is on "Should Women Smoke Cigarettes?" with a demonstration of "Miss Annabelle Nicotine," a dummy head, smoking cigarettes. Books on the harm of using tobacco are readily sold after such a lecture.

The fifth lecture takes up "God's Menu for a Longer Life." Three "menus" are put on a blackboard, item by item, as the talk pro­gresses. The danger of eating swine's flesh is shown by quoting from the U. S. Govern­ment report on "Trichinosis." After such a lecture, practically all who have heard the facts stop eating pork. Many will say as they leave, "No more hog's meat for me."

The sixth subject, "The Great American Fraud," takes up the danger of using "drugs" indiscriminately, such as the many advertised headache and pain killers. We also stress the harmfulness of using liquor, coffee, tea, and cola drinks.

As our seventh lecture, we take up the im­portance of "Foods Containing Life," and vi­tamins are shown to be necessary for good health.

We make an announcement far in advance of our eighth health demonstration. A "real health dinner" is promised, from "soup to des­sert." Of course we say that "samples only" will be served, but a crowd will always be pres­ent at this session. We have had as many as six hundred. It takes some planning and preparation to give such a dinner, but it is a great help in breaking down prejudice. Peo­ple seem to be more friendly after a "dinner." Small portions are served in paper plates and cups. While being served, those present are told what vitamins and minerals are contained in the various foods; that the beans are cooked without pork ; that the cakes are made without baking powder; that the mayonnaise contains no mustard or vinegar; and how they may make their own "Vegex." At this time names are secured for mimeographed recipes. Cook­books are sold, and a large offering usually follows.