Spiritual ministry to the sick in our sanitariums presents its own unique problems. The Bible instructor must use great care, tact, and judgment in her dealings with the sick. There is, as Inspiration calls it, a "divine science" of soulsaving. But wisdom and understanding are at our command for the asking.
From the example of Jesus we learn that He had tender pity for the discouraged, sick, tempted, or fallen; to those struggling with the adversary of souls, He gave encouragement and assurance of victory; to the unpromising and rough, He sought to give inspiration and hope. The help He gave was always fitting to the particular need. If we would follow His example, we will heed the following counsel:
"Speak as He would speak, act as He would act. Constantly reveal the sweetness of His character. Reveal that wealth of love which underlies all His teachings and all His dealings with men. The humblest workers in co-operation with Christ, may touch chords whose vibration shall ring to the ends of the earth and make melody throughout eternal ages."—Ministry of Healing, p. 159.
If the Bible instructor constantly keeps in mind that in all her work she is revealing the character and love of Christ, the following counsel will not be difficult to heed.
"We are not unwisely to press upon anyone the peculiar points of our faith."—Counsels on Health, p. 246.
"It is of little use to try to reform others by attacking what we may regard as wrong habits. Such effort often results in more harm than good."—Ministry of Healing, p. 156.
"Often a wise restraint is necessary. . . Do not force the presentation of a testing point. Wait till inquiries are made. Let your example teach."—Evangelism, P. 540.
"Their minds [those who are seriously ill] should . not be unnecessarily excited upon subjects wherein we differ, unless they themselves desire it; and then great caution should be observed not to agitate the mind by urging upon them our peculiar faith."—Counsels on Health, p. 245.
"At the bedside of the dying no word of creed or controversy is to be spoken. The sufferer is to be pointed to the One who is willing to save all who come to Him in faith. Earnestly, tenderly, strive to help the soul that is hovering between life and death."—ibid., P. 352.
"We must offer men something better than that which they possess, even the peace of Christ, which passeth all understanding."—Ministry of Healing, p. 157.
Prayer is the Bible instructor's most important tool. Before she begins the day's work, if she asks the Lord to open the way before her, she will frequently be amazed to have patients -begin a spiritual conversation, almost without effort on her part. In all her visits and studies she should never lose sight of her purpose. Thus she will find souls "thirsting for waters of life," and many whose "hearts are open to receive the truth."
I. TIME OF VISIT OR STUDY.—In a sanitarium it is necessary to adapt one's program to the medical and nursing schedule.
Usually the latter part of the morning and the afternoon are good times to visit. However, as the Bible instructor becomes acquainted with the patient's program she may be able to fit in a Bible study earlier or later.
The Bible study is also governed by the patient's physical condition. In particular illnesses a patient may feel better during certain times of the day. His condition may vary from day to day, and occasionally a study may have to be canceled. The mealtimes, administration of treatments, and effects of medications must all be considered.
2. LENGTH OF VISIT.—Always be careful not to weary the patient. It may be necessary to shorten a study, if it is observed that it is tiring the patient. If the patient is distressed, or having pain, the study may have to be canceled, and one may merely read a verse of Scripture and have a short prayer.
3. FREQUENCY OF VISITS.—As a rule, one may call on sanitarium patients more frequently than on home patients. Days in bed seem long, and if a patient is definitely longing for help, frequent studies are welcome. One must be careful not to become so tied to one patient that others are neglected. But if a patient is there long enough for a series, and is receptive, several studies a week may be given.
4. ORDER OF SUBJECTS.—It IS wise to begin with spiritually comforting studies rather than the deeper, prophetic subjects. Many patients seem to be completely unacquainted with the Bible, so it may be necessary to give more time than is customary on subjects that tell of God's plans and purposes and salvation.
Another factor that enters into this is the type and seriousness of the illness. While a patient is having severe pain, a study on the sanctuary or judgment would require too much concentration, but a study or talk on the home of the redeemed would give comfort.
If a patient has cancer or another grave illness, the physician may give an opinion on the approximate life expectancy, and the Bible instructor can adjust her outline to fit such a need. The expected length of hospitalization, the receptiveness, and the religion of the patient also have an influence on the order or arrangement of Bible studies.
5. PRAYER.—In connection with a Bible study one may have a brief prayer at the beginning of the study and then the closing prayer to tie in the lesson with the patient's needs.
6. SPECIAL COUNSEL.—Keep the confidence of the patient. Do not interfere with the medical or nursing program. Refer problems to the physician or nurse in charge if they have a bearing on the patient's physical condition.
"In all your work remember that you are bound up with Christ, a part of the great plan of redemption. The love of Christ, in a healing, life-giving current, is to flow through your life. As you seek to draw others within the circle of His love, let the purity of your language, the unselfishness of your service, the joyfulness of your demeanor, bear witness to the power of His grace. Give to the world so pure and righteous a representation of Him, that men shall behold Him in His beauty."
"To reach the people, wherever they are, and whatever their position or condition, and to help them in every way possible,—this is true ministry."—Ministry of Healing, p. 156.
"The sick note carefully the looks and words and acts of their physician, and as the Christian physician kneels beside the bedside of the sufferer, asking the Great Physician to take the case into His own hands, an impression is made upon the mind of the sick one that may result in the saving of his soul."—Counsels on Health, p. 214.
