How well our wonderful message meets the needs of this old world of sin! It gives the only satisfactory answer to the oft-repeated question, "What of tomorrow?" For earth's troubles and woes it presents the only remedy. For the present medical needs it has long held the solution, and urged upon the church a well-defined course of education and action.
How refreshing it was, therefore, to a group of about twenty workers from the conferences of the Pacific Union to hear that the union committee had authorized its medical department, headed by Dr. H. W. Vollmer, to conduct a school in Health Evangelism at Loma Linda. As one of those who were privileged to attend, I would like to render a brief report and to express my sincere appreciation for the benefits received.
Perhaps a word about the faculty would be in order before we proceed to a statement regarding the curriculum. I believe it would have been extremely difficult to secure and assemble anywhere at one time a finer array of instructors than those who provided the instruction at this school. In the consciousness that they were dealing with the leadership of our churches, these men and women, who are masters of their subjects, untiringly devoted their special efforts to giving such instruction as would meet the needs of these solemn days and prepare the church for its glorious hour of opportunity. Observe the breadth and balance of the instruction given.
Series of Lectures on Selected Topics: Every worker in the cause would have enjoyed L. K. Dickson's discourse on "The Place of Medical Missionary Work in the Finishing of the Work." The president of the medical college, Dr. W. E. Macpherson, addressed the class on such necessary themes as medical ethics. "Physical Living and Its Relationship to Spiritual Experience" was the subject presented by Dr. H. M. Walton, secretary of the Medical Department of the General Conference. A remarkable endorsement of the inspiration of the writings of the Spirit of prophecy was provided the class by Dr. G. K. Abbott, superintendent of the St. Helena Sanitarium, who cited recent scientific medical discoveries which substantiate the statements written long ago.
F. D. Nichol's series of studies was inspiring. Note some of his topics: "Why Include Health Teaching in a Religious Creed?" "Why Preachers and Laymen Should Study Physiology and Anatomy." "Mistakes to Avoid in Presenting Health Reform." "Scientific Confirmation of Our Health Views, Including Physiotherapy, Religious or Mental Hygiene, and Diet." NI. A. Hollister also gave the class the benefit of his years of study and experience in medical missionary endeavors.
Mental Hygiene and Psychology received special consideration from Drs. Harold Shryock and Mary McReynolds. The latter found ample justification for just such a school at Loma Linda from "The Loma Linda Messages." These writings distinctly specify that Loma Linda is to be more than a professional school for turning out M. D's. It is to be a large training center in medical missionary work for all classes of workers.
Preparation and Presentation of Health Lectures. Under the direction of E. Toral Seat the class prepared and delivered fourteen health lectures. These will provide an excellent start, at least, for an evangelistic notebook. This phase of the work was extended as evangelists from near-by conferences, who are carrying on a medical missionary program, outlined their programs and methods.
An Outline of Physiology was compacted into six weeks by Dr. F. M. Gardner, whose deep interest in the class was greatly appreciated. He also found time in his full program to give helpful instruction in voice culture. With the help of his able assistant, Dr. K. E. Kellogg, practical demonstrations, including vivisections, accompanied the lessons.
Nutrition rightly received a prominent place - in the weekly program. Its scientific aspects were excellently taught by the dean of the School of Dietetics, Mrs. Esther Gardner. Her efficient colecturer, Miss Pearl Jenkins, added studies on "Diet in Disease."
School of Nutrition and Cookery. In the community hall an average of about seventy people attended ten classes directed by Mrs. W. Lindsay, dietitian from the St. Helena Sanitarium. Mrs. Lindsay has had extensive experience in this type of program, and the class greatly benefited from her practical public demonstrations.
Hydrotherapy in theory was taught in the classroom by Dr. C. H. Dail, and the principles were demonstrated by Mr. Bedan in the hydrotherapy rooms of the college. The members of the class greatly appreciated the opportunity both of seeing these treatments- demonstrated and of practicing them on one another.
Personal Health and Recreation were not neglected. Elder Moran, chaplain of the sanitarium, supervised these morning studies and exercises. Miss Middleton's studies on physical culture ()light to be a help to any busy minister.
Home Nursing. In addition to all this, the class received a course in denominational and Red Cross home nursing. Mrs. G. A. Spear, R. N., proved an excellent teacher.
First Am. In case the members of the class are near an automobile wreck or aerial bombing, they will be recognized Red Cross "first alders" as a result of the instruction given by Doctor Lonergan.
Panel Discussions. We can only mention these in passing, but they were particularly valuable, especially those on alcohol, source material, and medical missionary work in our churches.
It was not at first planned that a Bible class should be taught, except through devotional exercises. But the class made special request, and in response Elder Varner Johns presented several studies which were of definite value.
Was the course as a whole helpful? Was it worth while? How could such a course, so well planned and so well taught, be otherwise? "It is just too bad that this has not been done for years," said one member of the class. "How much farther along our churches would be, had this been given before!" offered another. And the general opinion was that it is to be regretted that every minister and worker cannot get the benefits of such a course every two or three years.
We deeply appreciated the privilege of attending this School of Health Evangelism.
