People love to see new things. In conducting our nutrition classes we actually prepare the food right before the class. The food is previously measured and placed on trays so that valuable class time is not lost. Each diet is carried through its different steps in the process of preparation so that the observers should be able to go home and duplicate the recipe. Of course, we try to meet the people on their own level and not use complicated and expensive equipment which they do not have.
We encourage audience participation in both questions and discussions. The best co-operation comes in the sampling of the foods demonstrated. At the close of each class we serve a small portion of food in as interesting and delectable a manner as possible. We serve one or two entrees and a salad, with a wheat wafer, and a health dessert or perhaps a drink. This varies with each class period.
Although our approach is different with different types of audiences, we always include a discussion of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, digestion, and school lunches. Naturally our basic principles of moderation, combinations, and condiments are incorporated into each lesson.
We strive to connect religion definitely with our work. "No line is to be drawn between the genuine medical missionary work and the gospel ministry."—Medical Ministry, p. 250. These two must blend—and they must blend smoothly to bring a feeling of spiritual uplift to each class. We endeavor to help people feel that they want to do better and thank the Lord for all His blessings. With His help they will study how to prepare healthful food in order to keep their bodies strong and vibrant.
These worshipful thoughts must be blended in subtly with the rest of the discussion. Following are a few topics we try to incorporate : (I ) The Lord our Creator. (2) Our original diet. (3) Entrance of sin. (4) Second coming of Christ. (5) Heaven. (6) Reward of righteousness.
Worship periods at the beginning of each class are the means of distinguishing our Adventist nutrition classes from just any class. To see a healthy-looking teacher, dressed in white, standing calmly before the group with pride and joy, reading from the pages of the Bible, brings a feeling of spirituality. Worship thoughts are selected to fit into each day's lessons. For example, on the day vitamins and fruits are taught, a brief parallel is made on the fruits of the Spirit. Over a period of a few classes our non-Adventist audiences learn that the Bible and health are closely connected. I find that the ladies are aroused to a keen interest when we bring them the verses on good housewives and mothers found in Proverbs 3r.
The verses telling how Jesus and Paul blessed the food before it was eaten bring a real message without sermonizing. The story of how Daniel and his three companions refused the king's dainties makes a powerful plea to the hearts of the listeners on the importance of simplicity.
A short poem on love for the home serves as a quieting influence before the prayer is offered. I always like to have the local pastor attend these classes and offer prayer. He makes a connecting link between the nutrition classes and the church. If the Bible instructor can arrange her program to come, she can do worlds of good by merely being with the group and watching every opportunity to find someone who is interested.
The giving of these classes brings profound joy to the teacher as she ,feels a response in the hearts of the listeners. I gratefully remember the woman who said, "You know, I got more out of your class than you think. Yes, I learned a lot about nutrition—but more than that, I had a feeling that I wanted to be good and to learn more about your God."
Another experience was told recently by an Adventist couple who went to a restaurant to eat. They were sitting at a table for four when two well-dressed ladies came and sat down. Soon they were conversing about food. One of the women said, "We recently attended a cooking class at East Oakland, and we enjoyed it so much. There was something about the teacher and the atmosphere that was elevating. Those classes did me a world of good."
Yes, there is power in the conducting of nutrition classes. There is great power for good.
Mrs. White has given us counsel regarding these classes:
"Cooking schools are to be established in many places. This work may begin in a humble way, but as intelligent cooks do their best to enlighten others, the Lord will give them skill and understanding."—Counsels on Health, Q. 552.
"Cooking schools should be established, and houseto-house instruction should be given in the art of cooking wholesome food. Old and young should learn how to cook more simply. Wherever the truth is presented, the people are to be taught how to prepare food in a simple, yet appetizing way."—Ibid., p. r35.
"I appeal to men and women to whom God has given intelligence; learn how to cook. I make no mistake when I say men, for they, as well as women, need to understand the simple, healthful preparation of food."—/bid., p. 155.
Recently a class in the Bay area started with thirty-five but kept growing until we had about seventy. A large percentage of these were non- Adventists. At the end of our closing class period we invited the group into the sanctuary of the church. There we held a short service of organ music and singing, during which the certificates of attendance were given to those who had been present for each lesson. The pastor invited the class to attend the church services and enroll in the radio Bible school. Does nutrition school evangelism pay? Yes, manifold.
There is a definite place for our Adventists in these classes. They not only help the spirit of the class, but their assistance is definitely needed. We need a hostess to register everyone who attends, several others are kept busy in the kitchen, and still others put the kitchen in order at the close of the class.
There are two reasons for the hostess' being at the door. First, she graciously receives the guests and makes them feel at home. Each guest writes her name and address on a slip of paper for a drawing at the beginning of each class. We give a recipe book and a year's subscription to one of our health magazines, and other prizes. This not only serves the purpose of getting health books into the homes but also gives us names and addresses for follow-up work. Occasionally we invite colporteurs to display their books and talk to those who are interested.
If our classes are held in an Adventist community, we start to advertise the class several weeks before it is to begin. This is done during the missionary period of the church, and by posters in the vestibule. We also place posters in doctors' offices and near-by stores. The local newspapers and shopping news carry notices which bring out a large group of non-Adventists. But the best publicity is the personal invitations given by our pastors and church members.
