A prominent feature during the evangelistic effort held at Atlanta by M. K. Eckenroth and his group of workers was the Better Living Series. This consisted of: (1) health talks at the evening meetings, (2) health demonstrations, (3) a nutrition and cooking school, (4) radio health broadcasts, (5) meetings with the workers, and (6) health correspondence school.
1. HEALTH TALKS AT EVENING MEETINGS.— On the evening before the first health talk, Elder Eckenroth introduced Dr. and Mrs. Vollmer and me, and each of us spoke briefly on the health institute and the part a strong, healthy body has to do with better living. The series of talks in the evenings covered the following topics:
1. "Man, the Masterpiece of Creation."
2. "So You're Tired of Being Sick."(Simple natural remedies—sunshine, exercise, rest, etc.)
3. "As a Man Thinketh So Is He."
4. "Food and Your Personality."
5. "Is All Miraculous Healing Divine?"
6. "Tobacco and Alcohol."
2. HEALTH DEMONSTRATIONS.—The health demonstrations were a special feature which preceded the evangelist's message on the nights he spoke. They were but ten to fifteen minutes in length. These demonstrations included:
1. Use of Heating Compresses.
2. Kenny Pack—Demonstration Alternate.
3. Hot and Cold Foot-Tub Bath.
4. Cold-Mitten Friction.
5. Fomentations.
6. Cold Compresses.
These demonstrations were conducted by graduate nurses who were in uniform. An explanation of how, why, and when to use these simple treatments was given while the nurses were showing the audience the procedure. After the demonstration period the topic for the next health talk of the Better Living Series was announced, and the audience was reminded of the cooking school, which was started at the very beginning of the health institute.
3. NUTRITION AND COOKING SCHOOL.—Mrs. Vollmer, from the Pacific Union Conference, was the instructor for the school of nutrition and cookery. These classes were held daily in the afternoons from two to four in the Modern Ice Center Building, located in the very heart of Atlanta.
This school was a real success. Mrs. Vollmer had well over one hundred in attendance daily, and the group kept growing. "Wherever the truth is carried, instruction should be given in regard to the preparation of wholesome foods." —Gospel Workers, p. 233. We feel that no effort is complete without a cooking school. We wish to pass on this valuable suggestion—have a nursery school along with your classwork, and you will have the young mothers coming. This feature was greatly appreciated by the ladies in attendance.
4. RADIO HEALTH BROADCASTS.—Every morning a half-hour broadcast was given on better living, and this, contrary to what you might expect, was the easiest feature to prepare of the many-sided health program that was be ing carried forward. It consisted of a panel discussion by our own Seventh-day Adventist doctors who were practicing in Atlanta, and Dr. and Mrs. Vollmer in addition. Elder Eckenroth was the interrogator.
4. RADIO HEALTH BROADCASTS.—Every morning a half-hour broadcast was given on better living, and this, contrary to what you might expect, was the easiest feature to prepare of the many-sided health program that was be ing carried forward. It consisted of a panel discussion by our own Seventh-day Adventist doctors who were practicing in Atlanta, and Dr. and Mrs. Vollmer in addition. Elder Eckenroth was the interrogator.
The radio audience was invited to send in questions, and these were answered and dis cussed over the air. Needless to say, this was a real drawing card for the meetings. None of the local physicians' names were given out over the air, and all the questions were answered in such a way as to avoid any ethical difficulties. Some of the questions were: (i) How can I reduce? (2) What will put on weight? (3) What causes cramps in the legs? My doctor says to cut down on smoking. Can tobacco cause such a thing?
In many instances a spiritual lesson was given in answering the questions. The doctors of Atlanta, some of whom had never been on the air, thoroughly enjoyed helping out, and this radio broadcast continued after the Better Living Institute was over.
5. MEETINGS WITH THE WORKERS.—After the morning radio broadcast we all met together to study, pray, and learn more fully how God intended a city to be worked. Dr. Vollmer led out in these meetings. This was one of the most inspiring parts of the health evangelistic effort.
These were practical meetings on how to meet objections, what a minister can do with no medical help, what and where to find source material on health. One textbook used was Health Evangelism, by Dr. Mervyn Hardinge, published at the College of Medical Evangelists, Loma Linda. Another was the booklet How to Keep Well, a compilation of articles from Life and Health, ordered through the Book and Bible House.
6. HEALTH CORRESPONDENCE LESSONS.— Those who wished a more extensive course in health and nutrition were offered a twelve- lesson course by correspondence. The Florida Sanitarium kindly consented to correct these lessons. The set used was the Home Health Education Series, published by the Pacific Press. This course was announced over the radio, in the evening meetings, and also on the handbills.
The enthusiastic support of all the workers and the sincere appreciation expressed by the people attending the Better Living Institute made this one of the finest evangelistic campaigns we have had the pleasure of taking part in. It is time we unite all our forces—medical, ministerial, and educational—in getting the truth before the people in the large centers of population. May we .suggest that you reread chapters 13, 17, and 18 of Medical Ministry, on how to evangelize a city.
