The rolling library of the Madison Sanitarium and Hospital, Madison College, Tennessee, was born of the evangelism class con ducted last winter by G. A. Coon, pastor of the Madison College church. A new conception of lay evangelism was gained in class, and the rolling library was one of the class projects, made by the students as a workshop, or laboratory, experiment.
Its function is to bring cheer and hope to the sanitarium patients. It is rolled through the halls, and the patients are allowed to choose books to their liking. A regular library-card system is used, returns being made on the next visit, with a two-week limit. Only message- filled books are used, for it was felt that this might be the golden opportunity that might never return.
In order for many to have part and at the same time not to burden anyone, six groups were selected, one for each department of the hospital, such as the surgical wing, the obstetrical wing, et cetera. The afternoon or evening, as best suited to each group, was allotted to them, so that Sunday through Friday each group has weekly library privileges. Patients seem to enjoy such service and spiritual help. Many openings for prayer and further study are thus made available.
The Madison College church has missionary opportunities that are unique in that about five to six thousand patients and visitors flow through these sanitarium doors each year. However, there yet remains much to be done to tap this great ocean of judgment-bound souls.
In connection with the evangelism class, and in the absence of a chaplain, a group was selected to carry on the sanitarium parlor vesper services for the patients each evening. A group was appointed to function each week, supplying speakers, special music, master of ceremonies, pianist, and such other helpers as might be needed. Pianists usually played a week at a time. Later the plan was modified, and the speakers for the evening were arranged for by the nursing department, the Missionary Volunteer Society, the doctors, the business office, the seniors, and others. This allowed more people to be used as speakers, bringing variety to the program and at the same time relieving the leader of a great deal of detail work.
Thanks to able and willing helpers, the services have been carried on successfully now for nine months. Much talent has been unearthed, and the patients have thoroughly enjoyed the meetings. They appreciate the thoughtfulness and love entailed in a project of this kind, and many express their thankfulness and tell of the hope and courage they have gained. By their attendance each night they show they enjoy coming, and those of us who take part rejoice that the opportunity is ours to serve our Lord and Master in this way. A Bible instructor is now conducting classes in health and in the 20th Century Bible Course each week, and so the good seed is constantly being sown.
