It has been definitely stated that just as in Christ's ministry "healing and teaching were linked closely together," so "today they are not to be separated."—"Testimonies," Vol. Ix, p. 171. This implies that those who are teaching the truth should include instruction in the principles of healthful living. Medical workers should give spiritual help, and why should not evangelical workers include our health message in their program ?
But these two statements from the Spirit of prophecy do not seem to have found their way into the hearts of many. At least, little seems to be done along these lines.
Experience here at our sanitarium, however, demonstrates that when this fundamental truth is observed, men and women are convinced of the essentials of true living, and hearts are made ready for the reception of the third angel's message. A while back a World War veteran came to us with distress of mind. He had traveled more than a thousand miles because he felt that a certain doctor could help him. The doctor was not available upon his arrival; so he told the nurse of his troubles. She suggested that they place the matter in God's care and have prayer. He readily consented, stating that he believed in prayer. After the nurse had asked God's blessing to rest upon her patient, he slept as he had not been able to sleep for a long time. Several nights later he could not sleep, and at three o’clock in the morning he sent for the nurse to pray. Again he slept as peacefully as a child. He never ceased speaking of those wonderful results of prayer. He is on the high seas again, but assured of the fact that physical and spiritual well-being come from the same Source.
One patient was impressed with a certain nurse's smile the day she arrived, and wished that she might be in her care, believing that this nurse would be of spiritual help to her. The nurse read to her and prayed with her. She, too, prayed, and is now carrying on correspondence with the nurse and hoping that she may visit her again. Thus, further opportunity is afforded for spiritual help.
Last winter when the sub-zero winds swept over the hills of Wyoming, a lad of fourteen returned home with one of his hands frozen so badly that there was no hope of recovery. In fact, a doctor advised the removal of the hand. The parents said, "Not so," and in their distress they brought the boy to our sanitarium. After a few weeks of medical aid and treatment, the hand was completely restored. Truly, such an experience is nothing short of a miracle, and no doubt it will be noised abroad as were the results of miracles in the days of the apostles.
Another act of healing was the case of a man who was paralyzed to the extent that he was not able to move even a finger, and he could not speak above a faint whisper. It was necessary for the nurse to adjust his feet and hands to make him as comfortable as possible. Medical experts had informed him that there was absolutely no hope of his recovery, and that his days were numbered. But the Lord has said, "Water treatments, wisely and skillfully given, may be the means of saving many lives."—"Medical Ministry," p. 57. Truly, another miracle was wrought, and it was done by means of the instruction given to us as a people. After a few weeks the treatments took effect, and ere long the man was able to walk, to talk, and to eat without assistance. He met his brother with a broad smile when he came to take him home. To witness the happy meeting of the two brothers was truly touching and made one want to seek out others who need help.
"The Gospel in Practice"
In Volume VIII, page 77, we are told : "Medical missionary work is the gospel in practice." A certain amount of theory is necessary, but when there is little practice, little is accomplished. About two years ago I was visiting in the home of a successful Southern businessman whose wife was receiving hydrotherapy treatments given by a Seventh-day Adventist nurse. She remarked, "If all your people are like that nurse, you must have a wonderful church." Later we were privileged to have this woman and her daughters in the sanitarium, not only taking treatments, but attending the worship periods. They were deeply impressed with this message. Thus the medical work proved to be the entering wedge in acquainting these honest souls with the truth.
Another woman, whose father and brother were in charge of large educational institutions, came with her husband for treatments. They were so impressed with the spirit of the workers and the results of their efforts that they sent for their son, who was in need of a major operation. It was extremely interesting to see her take part in our religious services, and before leaving, hear her remark that she wished to join the Seventh-day Adventist Church. When she returns, as she hopes she will be able to do, it may be our privilege to see her become fully acquainted with the message.
Prayer truly has its influence. The first night after one patient's arrival and preparation for the night, the nurse asked if she might pray with him before leaving. In his reply he gave her to understand that he did not believe in prayer; it was immaterial to him whether she prayed, but she might do as she wished. Prayer was offered each night. Later the nurse desired to ascertain the effect if prayer were omitted. She said good night to the patient and stepped to the door, but quickly he reminded her that she had forgotten to pray. He said that he would like to be presented to the Father above as at other times. This is just one instance in fulfillment of the statement in Volume VI, page 225: "Our sanitariums are to be an instrumentality for reaching the people."
Physical healing impresses hearts. It is not strange that faith is expressed in the prayers of those who are able to bring physical relief. Some patients say, "I had hoped that you would pray before leaving the room." As we labor for the health of the body we should keep in mind that "the Saviour made each work of healing an occasion for implanting divine principle in the mind and soul. This was the purpose of His work. He imparted earthly blessings that He might incline the hearts of men to receive the gospel of His grace."
It is interesting to notice how people are impressed by what we do. A certain guest asked for material that he might take home and use in his lectures before clubs, society gatherings, and at other meetings where he would be called upon to speak. His purpose was to inform the public in regard to what we are doing in medical and educational fields in all the world. In supplying him with material, we were able to impress him with our great soul-saving program.
We have with us during the summer months a number of judges, senators, lawyers, and mayors of large cities. They are interested in our various beliefs and especially in our worldwide missionary program. Their curiosity is aroused when we tell them of the large amounts of money raised and all that is accomplished with these funds. The more they learn about our work, the more inclined they will be to render aid to Seventh-day Adventists when more serious times come upon us. This, to my mind, is one of the special reasons why the Lord led in establishing our sanitariums in such favorable locations. Let us keep the following thought from Volume VII in mind:
"Our sanitariums are to be established for one object,—the advancement of present truth. And they are to be so conducted that a decided impression in favor of the truth will be made on the minds of those who come to them for treatment. The conduct of the workers, from the head manager to the one occupying the humblest position, is to tell on the side of truth. The institution is to be pervaded by a spiritual atmosphere. We have a warning message to bear to the world, and our earnestness, our devotion to God's service, is to impress those who come to our sanitariums."—Page 97.
