The Greatest Joy
ERNEST POHLE, M.D. Tempe, Arizona
THE editors of THE MINISTRY have asked me to write about the work here. Let me make this point very clear at the outset: it is nothing that we have done. The Lord has placed the opportunities before us and we have merely tried in a feeble way to accept them and push forward. He has seen fit to bless in a way that continually amazes us. I can truly say that the greatest joy I have ever experienced is to see souls make their peace with God, and it is the greatest stimulus to further endeavor. From the time a patient enters our office, our desire is to keep in mind the healing of soul as well as body. The literature in the waiting room is restricted entirely to health and religious material, such as: (periodicals) Life and Health, These Times, Signs of the Times, Listen, Liberty; (small books) Judy Steps Out, The Marked Bible, Repairing of Sam Brown, Straightening Out Mrs. Perkins, Faith of Our Fathers, The Cigarette as a Physician Sees It; (large books) the Bible, The Desire of Ages, and Your Home and Health. From the time we begin to take the patient's history, questions are asked that will lead to points of appeal to the individual. Questions on patterns of life and habits open opportunities to place The Ministry of Healing and The Cigarette as a Physician Sees It. We also have a display of Seventh-day Adventist books in our waiting room. From this display, sales are often referred to the conference Book and Bible House.
On the pharmacy display shelves, which open into the waiting room, we keep a stock of our health foods. Our employees, both at the clinic offices and at the hospital, gather in their respective places of work for morning worship. We have received some favorable comments from patients who arrive early at the doctors' offices and are invited to worship with us. At present The Desire of Ages is being read. When a patient enters the hospital, he is visited by the chaplain. Before surgery the doctors pray with the patients; morning worship is broadcast over loud-speakers in the hospital. On Sunday the Voice of Prophecy program is connected to the loud-speaker hookup throughout the hospital. Evening prayer is offered by one of the aides, who makes this her business. Adherence to our principles of diet at the hospital gives opportunities to teach further health principles. Patients who show interest are enrolled in Bible correspondence courses, or are given individual Bible studies. Our chaplain is paid for half-time work for us and half-time for the conference. He therefore acts as pastor of the local church in addition to his work at the hospital.
For a number of months our local television station has put Faith for Today on the air each Sunday. The results have been gratifying. In one week fourteen new enrollees added their names to those desiring to study the Bible systematically. On Sunday the same picture is shown in our church. Public Contacts We have endeavored to take part in civic affairs, such as Lions Club, Boy Scouts, and Chamber of Commerce. We have provided speakers for. the Lions Club from among our missionaries who have visited us; also Faith for Today and other educational films have been shown there. Once each year at the time of Hospital Day we have the Lions Club members as guests and show films on the hospital grounds. The general public is invited. On two occasions we have invited a group of the businessmen. At that time an outline has been given of medical missionary work as carried on by our denomination.
The General Conference has kindly sent us speakers for these occasions. When local option was on the ballot, we took educational films on alcohol, cigarettes, and narcotics to high schools, churches, clubs, and wherever groups could be gathered, it was estimated that we had reached five thousand people. When the time was opportune, we intermingled these films with Daniel 2. At the time our present governor declared his candidacy, we gave a dinner in his honor at the hospital, so that our workers throughout the conference might make his acquaintance. It has been a real privilege to work with our conference organization. G. H. Rustad, our president, has given us much encouragement and help at times when we could easily have become discouraged. It is our purpose to continue cooperating with the organized work in every way possible, as we are determined, by God's help, to go through to the kingdom. We feel that this little institution can be of definite help to foreign medical missionary workers, because it is small, and we can give help in the very problems they are going to have to face, such as hospital management, administration, laboratory and X-ray, anesthesia, surgery, maintenance and operation of a stand-by electrical plant, preparation of surgical packs, sterilization, autoclaving, medical records, and even the construction and maintenance of cesspools. Our hospital of thirty-two beds is equipped for obstetrics, surgery, and medical cases. Our home has been a haven for, a few young people at a time when they needed encouragement. The contacts made here have resulted in conversions and baptisms. A number of these young people are today a real blessing to the cause of God, and they have greatly enriched our lives. Recently it was our privilege to champion the cause of religious liberty, which was being seriously threatened here in our town. We were permitted to present the fact that Sunday observance is nowhere mentioned in the Bible, and the city councilman who had brought his Bible to prove that Sunday observance should be enforced later resigned his position because the blue law was not stricken from the books!
Results
A copy of The Great Controversy lent to one of our nurses later led to her baptism and that of her cousin. There have been a number of baptisms as a result of The Marked Bible on the reading table. We have no idea of the amount of good seed being sown in this way. Recently a young mother remarked, "Oh, I know which is the right day to keep, because I read The Marked Bible." As the result of a vegetarian cookbook in the display rack, a woman expressed interest, and finally took Bible studies. In the lobby of the church a few months ago a woman met one of our staff and said, "Oh, do you remember that you prayed with me several years ago? I never forgot that." Today she is keeping the Sabbath and preparing for baptism. The first contact was through prayer. A patient in one room overheard prayer being offered for someone in the next room. She made a remark about it. Later she was in the hospital again and it was known that she felt kindly toward prayer. The helpers took time to pray with her. Studies were started in her home, and now she has four baptisms to her credit. One young woman asked, "What do you think?" when discussing a religious question. She was referred to the Bible for her answer.
This began a series of studies. She is now attending church. One evening a patient called to say that she and. a friend were having an argument over which was the right day to keep. Would we please straighten them out? This has resulted in one baptism, and we hope will mean at least three more. A young man stated, while confined to the hospital, that attendance at college had taken away his faith in the creation. Conversations followed, then Bible studies. He is now almost ready to take his stand for this message. As chairman of the Health and Safety Committee of the Boy Scouts, I have examined a number of the lads who were preparing to go to summer camp. Among those boys was one who later became a foster son, and today is educating himself for the Lord's service. I have a very strong conviction that patients are sent to us so that we can lay before them the love of Jesus and His soon coming, and tell them how to prepare themselves for that glorious occasion. The Lord sends them, and it is up to us to fulfill our part. Sometimes it takes a number of contacts before confidence is established, but we feel a definite burden for those sent to us, and the Lord has blessed our humble, sometimes blundering efforts with souls who have made their peace with God. And may I repeat, it is the greatest reward I hope to have on this earth the joy of seeing souls won to Christ.
Pioneering in a Dark County
WALTER M. OST, M.D. Higgins, North Carolina
Medical evangelism is only one aspect of evangelism, and in order to be successful it must be integrated with the whole of evangelism. It has no objectives different from those of other types of evangelism, whether they be colporteur, singing, or that conducted across the desk or the back fence. The individual or collective object is the same; namely, bringing men and women to Christ. To become an evangelist is not accomplished upon receipt of a degree or license, and may not be even upon ordination. Rather, it is brought about by the Spirit of God compelling one to go forth and be His witness, whether he be a physician or a carpenter. There is one common denominator and that is "go and do." There are no armchair evangelists. Why is it that the Spirit of prophecy has so much to say about medical evangelism? The answer is quite simple. Before one can present Christ to an individual, he must be in a position where he himself can make a receptive approach to people. This places the physician on vantage ground, because he sees many people and has an opportunity to talk to them about their personal problems. In fact, his advice is sought. The physician is looked up to and respected. Respect for Physicians Adds to Influence This thought reminds me of what happened to us shortly after we came to Higgins. A day in the fall of 1951 was set aside by the denomination as "visitation day."
I had heard of an old man who believed that Saturday is the Sabbath, so on that particular Sabbath I went to see him. There he was, sitting under the apple tree with his Bible. One thing he said I still remember with force: "I'm glad you've come and that you keep Saturday for the Sabbath. Before you came, everybody thought I was crazy for keeping Saturday. Now they see a learned and educated man does the same." No matter how much a person may believe in the second coming of Christ or the Sabbath, he will find it difficult to be associated with a per son or group that is considered fanatical or rabid in any way. There is no reason why Seventh-day Adventists should not be clean, progressive, friendly, frugal, and, yes, even prosperous. We are in a mountainous area, where gardening is productive, and we are endeavoring to show these people that many more things than the usual cabbages, beans, and potatoes can be raised. We have been fairly successful in this, having grown some twenty-five different vegetables in our garden. Since a small stream runs close by, we have taken water from it for irrigation during the dry part of the summer. As a result of this success we were cited in the Asheville daily paper last fall as being Seventh-day Adventists and vegetarians, thus particularly interested in the raising of vegetables. Another issue of this same daily newspaper stated that we had the best vegetable garden in our county. We are learning that if you can excel in any particular line, whether it be medicine or farming or whatever, people will have respect and esteem for you. And if they have respect and esteem for you, they will be more likely to read the literature, you give them and to listen to what you have to say. Evaluation of Our Methods Because we came to a community where there was not a single Seventh-day Adventist, nor did the people even know what a Seventh-day Adventist was, we had to begin in perhaps a little different manner. We use only denominational literature in the waiting room. This plan not only gives the patients an opportunity to read and take home our literature, but it is an ever-present re minder of the reason why I, as a physician, am here. With this literature on my table and in my reading rack, I am not allowed to forget that the winning of souls is my prime objective. As I notice patients reading the literature, I suggest that they take it home with them if they care to. This they almost always do. Upon returning, they will look at some more, and I suggest the same thing as before. Thus I learn who is interested. The literature we use is such as the Little Giant Series, The Marked Bible, Signs of the Times, Life and Health, and These Times. After patients have exhausted our supply, we give them Drama of the Ages. Many of our readers have reread these books, checking all the references in the Bible.
After doing this, they say that they know the book must be good because it checks with the Bible. I believe that the greatest asset to medical evangelism is our good literature. It is interesting to see how all the departments of this message are interwoven to form one great whole. We hold Bible studies, as many and as often as we can usually one or two a week. We could hold more if we had the time. We use both the old-time method of giving Bible studies and the filmstrip method. Both can be used effectively. In giving Bible studies we always try to have the group memorize one key text, and we always review the previous lesson. In using the filmstrips, we copy down the references so that the lesson may be reviewed. When we first came here, we attended a local church on Sundays. My wife and I taught Sun day school classes for more than three and a half years, and I spoke often at the church services. After we had been here one and onehalf years, we held a week's revival in the church, which was well attended. The following year we held another, at which time the doctrines were presented.
The attendance was poor. We feel that possibly a mistake was made in presenting doctrines in this way. Perhaps we should have presented the doctrines through literature or through Bible studies rather than in public meetings. A year and a half ago we started services on the Sabbath. Our attendance is between twenty and thirty and is continuing to grow. Our service consists mainly of Sabbath school, with a fifteen- or twenty-minute talk following, either on one of the Bible characters or on one of the parables. We have no minister who meets with us, so the responsibility is ours. Results Thus Far There are several people who think they have already joined our church. That is because of the custom in this community. None has been baptized yet, be cause we believe in teaching them first, then following with baptism. One family is very much interested. The wife said she believed God permitted her children to get sick so that she would come in contact with the Lord through me. She read our books avidly and one day burst into the office and said, "I see the seventh-day Sabbath, I see the tobacco question, and I see why you don't eat hog meat, but I don't follow you in this hell-fire business." In answering her, I told her she was nearer being a Seventh-day Adventist than she thought, and that I could show her what the Bible said about hell-fire. Later I asked this woman how her husband took to doing without meat. (In view of counsel from the Spirit of prophecy, we do not take any great pains to distinguish between clean and unclean meats, since even the clean are no longer safe to eat.)
She replied that while he liked meat, he could surely tell that he and his family felt better and had had no doc tor bills since they had quit eating meat. Owing to distance (four to six miles) arid lack of any public transportation, we bring several people to our services every Sabbath morning. This year we are sending one boy to Mount Pisgah Academy, and next year we hope to send another. The one we are sending this year is doing well, and is having a great influence on his family. The adversary of souls is not sitting idly by. We have seen him manifest in several ways. To mention a few: (1) public burning of the book Bible Readings. This was done in one of the local churches while Seventh-day Adventists were condemned; (2) local ministers telling the people that the "seventh day" in Seventh-day Adventist means that we believe the wicked will burn seven days in hell; (3) local minister stating publicly that we tried to bribe him by offering him free medical aid if he would join our church.
While we have our moments of discouragement and loneliness, sometimes seemingly greater than we can bear, yet the joy and satisfaction that come in seeing souls won to Christ is incomparable. The experience and anguish that come in praying for people in the valley of decision are taxing, but we are learning patience, the value of prayer, and in a small measure what it means to walk by faith.
Our sincere prayer is that God through His mercy will see fit to save us and those for whom we have labored, in His eternal kingdom, which must shortly be ushered in. May we be faithful to our trust.
Medical Radio Program Opens New Doors
A. E. RAWSON Ministerial Association and Radio Secretary, Southern Asia Division
Your Radio Doctore is a series of fifteen-minute health talks prepared by Clifford R. Anderson, M.D., of the Washington Sanitarium and Hospital and broadcast weekly over the commercial stations of Radio Ceylon and Radio Burma. The program is introduced in the following way: "We are happy to introduce Your Radio Doctor program. This is one of a series of radio talks given by Dr. Clifford Anderson of the Seventh-day Adventist medical department and made available to Radio Ceylon through the courtesy and co operation of the Voice of Prophecy."
This program has been on the air for many months and is meeting with a most encouraging response from the field. Beyond all expectations, letters of appreciation are flowing into the head quarters office here in Poona. These letters indicate that the broadcast is meeting a definite need of the people. As an evidence that this program is recognized as an outstanding one, I should mention that Radio Ceylon is broadcasting it free, and speaks of it in highest terms. Furthermore, the Burma Broadcasting System not only broadcasts it free in English but is translating it and broadcasting it free each week in Burmese also. We look upon this very unexpected reception by these two great broadcasting stations as proof that they feel we have something the people need and that they are willing to cooperate with us in getting it to the people. Some interesting reports have been received. A journalist in Portuguese India wrote asking permission to quote from our printed 1 health talks. He praised them highly and desired to pass on to a larger audience the valuable in formation contained in Dr. Andersen's talks.
Several municipal health inspectors have written asking for additional copies of the printed talks for distribution among the people in their territory. 16 The following are some of the subjects dis cussed thus far: "The Spark of Life," "The Birth of a Baby," "You and Your Baby," "Common Sense in the Feeding of Children," "Training Children as Useful Citizens," "The Fountain of Youth," "Seven Ways to Health and Happiness," "The Science of Good Living," "Making Your Home Happy," "You Can Live Longer, if You Live Right," "Getting a Good Start in Life," "Tropical Anemia," "Your Diet and Your Disposition," "How to Get Along With Your Nerves," "Headaches and How to Treat Them," "What Is Cancer? Can You Escape It?" and "Answers to Questions on Health." A Pleasant Surprise Recently a fine tribute came from an unexpected source. It reveals that not just the ordinary listener is appreciating "Your Radio Doctor" broadcasts, but that those high up in the medical world are hearing it. This is seen by the following paragraph from a letter we recently received from Dr. Anderson: "Just before I close, here is a cheering word. Dr. Cutler, one of the leading Washington officials of the World Health Organization, phoned recently to say how pleased he was to receive word from Ceylon and India concerning our health program from Radio Ceylon. Their officials in both countries have been listening to these programs for some time, and wished him to contact us and express their thanks!
This was a very pleasant surprise, as you can imagine." At the conclusion of each program the announcer repeats the announcement he makes at the beginning and then says: "A free copy of today's talk [mentioning the subject] is available to all of our listeners by simply writing to: 'Your Radio Doctor,' in care of the Voice of Prophecy, Post Box 17 (that is, one-seven), Poona 1, India."
On receiving their letters we send them a copy of the printed health talk requested. In each health booklet is printed an advertisement of the Voice of Prophecy Bible Correspondence School and also our radio log giving the timings and wave lengths of all our programs. In addition to the printed talk, a letter concerning the value of the free Bible course and an enrollment card are sent to each one writing to us for the talks. We believe that this health message now reaching Southern Asia and beyond, through these radio stations, will function as the right arm of the message in breaking down prejudice and leading many to the truth. All indications are that "Your Radio Doctor" is making friends for us. And, being tied to the Voice of Prophecy, it should substantially in crease the listening audience for the message. We believe it was providential that we were able to enlist the services of Dr. Anderson in this great work.
Missionaries in Hospital and Office
GEORGE A. JOHNSTONE, M.D. Glendale, California
Behrens Memorial Hospital, Glendale, California, now has a fulltime chaplain with a centrally located, newly furnished office. The work and experiences of the chaplain are very much the same, no matter where the institution is. Recently, in "making rounds" among the patients, after he had visited briefly with a woman she boldly announced, "I was reared a Seventh-day Adventist. I have left the way. But now, whether I live or die, I am coming back to the church." Since then her sister and brother-in-law living in the Middle West have joined in her decision. One patient queries, "Are you a Lutheran minister?" The answer brought forth this enthusiastic, "Oh, we had Seventh-day Adventist neighbors in Yucaipa. They used to bring us things to read. We enjoyed that literature very much." Patients admitted to the hospital for surgery are visited by the chaplain the evening before operation. The statement of one such person pretty well sets forth the sentiment of all: "Words cannot express how much I appreciate your visit and prayer." The chaplain uses a supply of health and religious literature. Larger books are usually lent, smaller ones given. T
he names of interested persons are sent to district leaders of the church in their home areas. In our office reception room, along with cur rent secular magazines we have Life and Health, Listen, and Signs of the Times. Also we have the four Gospels in "magazine" form, 814 by II inch size, beautifully illustrated (copyright, 1953, American Bible Society, New York). These may be obtained for a few cents each. The book of John, for instance, is titled "He Gave His JULY, 1954 Only Son"; the book of Mark, "Sowing the Seed." These "magazine" Scriptures are very much appreciated and are handled with respect. The authentic and appropriate pictures in them lend much interest, whether one has but a few minutes to read or a longer time. Often, one who would not actually pick up a copy of the Bible and begin to read, will find himself thoroughly interested and unembarrassed with one of these magazine Gospels. A Neglected Phase In my opinion, we as physicians in general have definitely neglected one vital point in the practice of medicine the dietary habits of the patient. I am not advocating that each assume the role of a specialist in this line.
But what ever our specialty, we should carefully consider the diet in making a diagnosis and prescribing treatment. The modern trend being what it is, this factor, I believe, will become more and more important as time goes on. How often we get the same story: Breakfast: several cups of coffee, heavily sugared; perhaps nothing more, perhaps a slice of toast, perhaps a piece of fruit. Lunch: sandwich, pie, coffee, "coke" to say nothing of smoke and drink. All doctors would do well to take an active interest in this phase of medicine. Seventh-day Adventist doctors in particular have a definite responsibility in the matter. Not all patients will listen, of course, but many are eager for guidance in this respect, and when one who has doctored expensively for years begins to feel like a different person after a change in his diet program, he is indeed most grateful. Healthful living needs to be presented in its simplicity, not as a complicated burden too grievous to be borne.
Without question, the practice of medicine offers unlimited opportunity to the Christian physician to share his faith. There is seldom if ever lack of opportunity. The lack is in sincere, active, Christian faith. One cannot share that which he does not have. Conversely, an abiding faith is shared whether the doctor is conscious of it or not. Several years ago a patient was talking to a doctor's secretary. Among other things, she said, "I want the type of religion that doctor has. I want to go to the same heaven he believes in." She began the study of the Bible and later was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The doctor had not consciously tried to interest her in religion, but something in his life had pointed her to the Master. That "some thing" should be continuous and abiding. But usually, it seems as with Samson of old it is only "at times." Theoretically we want our patients to find the paths of righteousness. Practically, too often we put forth very little real effort in our own example to bring it to pass. But the past is recorded and gone. We have only the present. How are we making use of it?
With Charity To All
GUS H. HOEHN, M.D. Temple City, California
Have you ever had a slap in the face that stopped you right in your tracks? Probably you'll say you've never been slapped. Well, I haven't either that I recall not physically but I have had two experiences that were a mental "slap in the face." Five years ago I was visiting in the home of my brother, and he and a married sister were recounting some minor incident in each of their children's lives that had recently required a visit to their local doctor. By way of curiosity regarding medical fees, I asked them what the doctor had charged them for minor visits like that. And the surprising answer in each case was, "Nothing." On further questioning I found this was common practice for minor things. His stock saying was, "I am your family doctor and I want you to come in whether your problem is big or small, but I don't expect to charge you for every little thing." Well, somewhere along the line I had become imbued with the idea that if you didn't charge people for things, they didn't appreciate them. But it didn't take any crystal ball to see that my brother and sister appreciated their doctor. In fact, they admired him with an almost religious fervor. Externally I showed very little reaction, but internally I was in a bit of a turmoil. If a Catholic doctor could treat his patients so liberally, why couldn't I? And I went home resolved to do just that. I would like to report five years later that it works. And if any of you were saturated with the same philosophy that I had to begin with, why, throw it out the window. I had also believed that if you didn't charge for the small Page IS things, people would take advantage of you; well, they don't. At least most folks don't. Now, I'm not advising this as a hard and fast rule, not to charge for small things.
This is just a suggestion to try to suit your mood. When you are feeling discouraged, try saying to a worried mother that there is no charge for today's visit; tell her you are glad for the chance to see that cute boy of hers again. And after she has thanked you profusely and left, why, just see how much better you feel! Five Dollars Worth Refusing Or when things are booming and everything is going along fine, try expressing your gratefulness by treating a few cases free and you'll feel better than ever and you'll find yourself in a grateful and prayerful mood. When things are monotonous and going along in the same old rut, just put a little spice into life by refusing that five-dollar bill that an anxious father is holding out to you after you treated his daughter's bruised head. Tell him you appreciate the fact that he brought her to you instead of sitting at home and frantically phoning you to make an emergency home call, and tell him you want him to bring the children in when they get hurt, so that you can decide whether it is serious or not, rather than to have to treat a cut nerve or tendon days later. Now I'm not trying to tell you that my income soared during those years that our income tax is so big that the Treasury Department will soon be using armored cars to pick up quarterly payments but I will say my happiness soared. After all, most of us make more than is good for us now. I had a song in my heart and a prayer on my lips much more often.
You will too, and you will find yourself speaking to people much more often about their souls, for somehow you'll feel closer to them. Don't misunderstand me; we did the usual "free" work before I started this plan. We treated ministers of all churches free for office and hospital care; we gave all Seventh-day Adventists a discount and treated all conference workers free; we gave the widows and fatherless a 50 per cent discount, at least. We shared the salary of a part-time Bible instructor. But this was something different not a fixed rule and not necessarily dependent on poverty. Telling the banker that I had appreciated his friendliness and that there was no medical fee for ten days' attendance on his wife in the hospital, did me much more good than another twenty-five dollars would have done. Face Slapped Twice My second experience of mental face slap ping occurred quite recently and my face is still red. Why couldn't I be original and do something like it on my own without having to be shown? I was visiting a young minister who was shepherding a small cluster of our churches in a solid Catholic block of the country.
To be truthful, I should say he was trying to resuscitate a group of dying churches. The birthrate had fallen and conversions were rare, so the churches were slowly fading away. This was true of other Protestant churches too, with one noticeable exception, and there I saw what the right arm of our church could do. Four years ago two young doctors moved into a neighboring town. They belonged to a small Protestant church group that had a handful of members who met in a weather-beaten hall in that little center. The two men were young and earnest and were soon busy and well liked. But suddenly the district began to hear strange tales. Dr. A had been called to see someone in the Jones family down across the tracks, and a few days later the Joneses got a note telling them that since their shanty wasn't very suitable for living quarters, they could look at the house on Third Street, and if it suited them they could have it rent free for three months or until Mr. Jones could get back to work again. And if they would call the local freight trucker, he would move their belongings over free of charge. Of course, when the Jonses reached their new abode, they found a full larder and a ton of coal in the shed. JULY,1954 Doctor Solicits Patients You know doctors usually wait for patients to come to them, but Dr. B is reported to have picked up the crippled Zeebin boy and given him a ride. En route he asked him about his disability and invited him to come to the office for a free checkup, because he thought some thing might be done to help him. And he ended up by paying the boy's bus fare to see a city consultant, and three operations later the Zeebin boy could walk straight and firm for the first time in his life. And so it went. Clothes were supplied to one, food to another, school books to a third, boys' storybooks to a mischievous boy, and a used washing machine to a harried mother with an even seven for whom to wash.
The young people of the church split wood for patients in need; the women cleaned up the town drunkard's home and clothes while he was in the hospital. Difference Is Personal Touch As I was told these experiences I did some rapid calculations and estimated that probably the known charity of these doctors wasn't over five hundred dollars a year, and my second tithe amounted to much more than that. The difference was that my giving lacked the personal touch. It isn't the size of the gift that counts, it's the Christian love and interest behind the gift. You will recall I said these doctors came to this church with its handful of members in a weather-beaten hall. Well, the membership soon increased. They have a dignified new church now and the congregation is bursting its doors. It is no longer one of the run-down Protestant sects in a Catholic town it is a growing, vital church. People are proud to say they go to the "doctors' church" and also proud to go to these two "different" doctors. Both are busy and both are respected and talked of for miles around. Some of their techniques would fit in very well with our blueprint of medical evangelism. I hope to fit them more into my future practice.
What a Physician and a Dentist Did
DUDLEY C. NEWBOLD Chaplain, White Memorial Hospital
We are instructed in the Spirit of prophecy that in denominational medical institutions "our peculiar faith should not be discussed with patients." Counsels on Health, p. 245. Sick people are not in a position to weigh evidence concerning unfamiliar teachings. While it is proper to answer direct questions concerning our beliefs, our sanitarium's and hospitals are not the places "to be forward to enter into discussion upon points of our faith wherein we differ with the religious world generally." Ibid. While patients are in the hospital we aim to visit and pray with each one, directing him to Jesus as a Friend. The Signs of the Times and Life and Health are distributed to the patients. Our tract racks are easily accessible to those who may be interested in studying our beliefs. Twice a week the hospital librarian makes our denominational books, as well as other good literature, available to our guests. These books are on a portable book rack that is wheeled from room to room. The names and addresses of patients who express a desire to study our doctrines are sent to the Adventist minister or Bible instructor who lives nearest to them. After patients leave the hospital, the chaplain's office sends a letter to each one a form letter but appearing to be typewritten setting forth the thought of the fellowship that we enjoy in communion with one heavenly Father. With the letter is sent a copy of Steps to Christ'.
On its inside cover is pasted a picture of our church, with the hours of service and an invitation to attend. In the same envelope is an enrollment card for the Voice of Prophecy Bible course. Our private physicians and dentists can make a more doctrinal approach than would be proper when the sick are our guests. An Unusual Story Some time ago a Seventh-day Adventist dentist in a small town called me long-distance and asked me to preach in his church. The church was two hundred miles away and was in an other conference. I was reluctant to make the trip, but he was so urgent that I consented. I arrived about ten minutes before Sabbath school. The auditorium of the church was almost full of people. My dentist friend was Page 20 playing a beautiful blond electric organ. At class time the dentist's wife persuaded me to teach her class. A CME physician and the dentist took charge as coelders during the church service. During my sermon I kept feeling that there was some thing strange about the congregation. They wore stylish clothes, and rings, earrings, and bracelets were evident on every side. After the services I went to the home of the dentist for dinner. He had also invited the physician and his family. I said, "You have a nice little town here in which to work, and a beautiful little church to worship in. Your Sabbath school was well conducted. Your church order was well planned and executed.
The congregation appeared to be intelligent. They were unusually attentive and responsive, but I have never seen so great a concentration of jewelry in my life." Then they told me the story. The medical doctor first set up practice in this town. He liked the people and his practice grew rapidly. At times he visited the Adventist church, but it was so small and looked so uninteresting that generally he drove off with his family to some city church. The physician liked his business set-up so well that he decided to find an Adventist dentist to share the office building with him. The dentist he found also liked the town and its people. It was not long before he too had a large practice. The doctors were friends. The townspeople loved them. Life in the little town was unhurried and simple. They could go home to dinner. They could easily walk to work. But, alas, the church! They just drove off to faraway churches. Then one day the physician and the dentist talked over the situation. They decided to do what they could to change the local condition. The doctors and their families began to attend the little local church. They joined in its work. The local membership began to take more of an interest in the church. Country brethren found the service inspiring enough to drive in to attend meetings. The doctors invited their patients. From a little company of fifteen or eighteen the church grew in one year until there were seventy people attending services, most of whom
were not of our persuasion. The doctors as coelders at times invited speakers from afar to visit their church. They are starting Bible studies for those of their patients who are interested in our faith. The doctors led in providing social and recreational programs on Saturday nights. The electric organ was purchased by them for the use of the church. They are constantly improving the church building. These doctors are not only making a good living but are the happiest and most enthusiastic I have met. They have a mission. Their zeal and their unselfish service bring them business and a contentment they never before knew. These doctors would say to their fellows in the healing arts who desire the same goals, " 'Go thou and do likewise,' if you want to taste real happiness and soul-satisfying success."
Awakening and Caring for Interests
COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER STAFF* North Sacramento, California
Have we covered every phase of our subject tonight, or is there still some question in your mind? This study has been rather deep, but it is fundamental to a clear understanding of the good things yet to come. Then, until next Monday evening every needed blessing, and Good night." The group of four or five prepares to leave. Friendly farewells are exchanged. The porch light of the doctor's home is extinguished. The well-earned rest of the night begins. Once again, the "right arm and hand of the message" has been at work. The ministry of the physician in hospital and clinic has be come a ministry of yet higher privilege to bring the light of truth to the mind, and the peace of understanding to the heart of his patient through the study of God's Word. These Bible studies carried on by members of the staff and workers in the North Sacramento Community Medical Center are not the result of any elaborately organized plan. They are rather the outcome of a clearly understood purpose and a willingly accepted responsibility. May we ever realize that the medical work is a "heaven-ordained means of finding entrance to the hearts of the people." Our experience has proved many times the truth of the counsel of the Spirit of prophecy: "The influence of the Spirit of God is the very best medicine for disease." In our worship hours and prayer bands this high ideal is kept before every member of our staff. It is not just a matter of giving Bible studies or presenting pieces of literature. Rather it is something ex pressed and seen in our attitude and in the performance of our daily tasks. It is to be felt and seen in our association with one another, as well as in our service to those who come to us in sickness and perplexity. The patient who enters our building by way of the reception room will see the latest copies of the Signs and of These Times on the desk as he attends to the necessary admission forms. Those who are seated and waiting for the appointments with the doctors can scarcely avoid seeing an attractive sign above a side table, "Free copies. Help yourselves," and be neath it, other issues of the Signs—enough that they will feel quite at ease in helping them selves.
Current issues of other magazines are on another table for those who may not care for religious literature. It thus becomes a ques tion of suggestion and choice, and, therefore, more attractive. The patient who comes in through the ambulance entrance will find at his bedside a Bible and a copy of a daily devotional book, Steps to Christ, or other inspirational literature. A neat sign near the admission desk and at the nurses' station informs the patient: "Our chaplain is at your service, to listen or to counsel." The hospitality booklet presented to the patient when he is admitted, helping him to feel at home, informs him that his physician or nurse will make an appointment with the chaplain, if desired. These mechanical features acquaint the guest promptly, yet un obtrusively, with the spiritual aspect of the institution. .They prepare the way for more direct effort. Ministry to the Soul The thoughtful and experienced physician well knows the importance of a contented mind and a restful spirit in relation to the healing of the injured and the cure of the physically ill.
The Christian physician, with a knowledge of truth and the prophetic urgency of our mission, senses his opportunity, its privilege, and its inescapable responsibility to minister to the soul as well as to the body. Doctors, nurses, and helpers alike are alert to the sacred responsibility they bear as medical missionaries to those under their care. The seemingly casual, yet well-chosen and purposeful remark in the treatment room or by the dental chair can awaken curiosity and interest in truth. The condition of a patient physically or in mind may give cause for counsel that will lead to the Word of God and en courage its study. If the response points to an interest in definite Bible study, arrangements are made to provide regular studies. A happy spirit of cooperation exists between our staff physicians Adventist and non-Adventist and the chaplain. Their requests and suggestions enable him to make his visits more effective to the physical, mental, or spiritual needs of the patient. Books that lend com fort, inspiration, and spiritual guidance or that teach Bible doctrines are available through the hospital library, and also books of interest to children. It is a frequent occurrence that an interest in the truths of this message is awakened as the dietitian visits with the patients and counsels with them regarding the importance of diet and the reasons for some of the menus served them. The departing guest takes with him a leaflet briefly outlining the doctrines in which we believe "What Is an Adventist?" and with it a book of daily devotions, or other inspirational book.
These are presented by the physician, dietitian, nurse, or chaplain whoever has made the most suitable contact. To some who reveal a definite interest, a copy of Bible Readings or Drama of the Ages is given. Many names are placed on the mailing list for Signs of the Times and These Times, which has some four hundred names at present. Of great importance in this program of giving the message for this time, and of winning souls to Christ, is a working contact with the pastors of our churches in the communities served by the institution. They are frequent guest speakers at our worship periods. Sometimes they are introduced to interested patients who re side in the area served by their church. The names of those who have taken Bible studies and are interested in baptism are passed on to these pastors, also names of persons in whom an interest has been awakened that should be followed through. The Results To the patients: Many, many people receive an attractive acquaintance with Seventh-day Adventism, and misunderstanding and prejudice are dispelled from their minds. Frequently these contacts lead to conversion and baptism. Unquestionably, many are blessed in body and in soul, and return to their homes with a better understanding of how to live and with nobler ideals in their living. To the institution: A reputation of kindliness, thoughtfulness, sincerity, and efficiency is gained that well repays the cost, time, and effort. To the workers: A spirit of loyalty and unity is gained, and the unparalleled joy of serving their fellow men in the name of Jesus Christ. True, indeed, is the inspired counsel:
"All physicians are under one Master, and blessed indeed is every physician who has learned from his Lord to watch for souls, while with all his professional skill he works to heal the bodies of the suffering sick." Medical Ministry, p. 13. Sufficient, truly, is that blessing to carry over abundantly to all associated with him, whatever their task or duty. In the spring of 1954 we concluded a series of Sunday evening lectures given in our North Sacramento church. Approximately one thou sand invitation cards were mailed to persons whose names are on our records. Illustrated health talks by members of the staff were coordinated with brief inspirational and doctrinal messages by the chaplain. It was the intent of this series not only to bring a service of health instruction, but also to lead to the organizing of a Bible study class to be carried on by the church pastor.
The Double Ministry
A. W. TRUMAN, M.D. Ardmore Sanitarium and Hospital, Ardmore, Oklahoma
It is thrilling to contemplate the time, not now distant, when the "right arm of the body of truth" will be invigorated, revitalized, and so revived that it will again fulfill its divine mission to "serve and protect the body." The human body can do many things without a right arm, but it is terribly crippled. God had only one Son and He sent Him into the world as a medical missionary. Why? Because there is no other kind of human ministry or service in which it is so possible to clearly demonstrate the sympathy, compassion, and love of God and the principle of the gospel of His saving grace as in unselfish ministry to the sick. It is into this sacred circle of power and influence for good, into this fruitful field of the double ministry, that Christian physicians are called to serve. What shall be our great objective? What are our most satisfying rewards here and now? It is a wonderful thing to be the instrument for snatching out of the very jaws of death some beautiful child, a young mother, or a needed breadwinner, but if our efforts are confined to these worthy achievements having to do only with this present world, someday the icy hand of death will thrust back our best efforts and claim that loved one, and then what?
Prayer Quickly Answered
Late one night the telephone rang. A frantic mother screamed, "Doctor, hurry to such an ad dress over by the ditch; my child is choking to death with diphtheria!" I rushed to the little shack over in the poorest section of the city and found a young mother, her form convulsed with weeping, her head turned to one side. She held on her lap the limp and apparently lifeless form of a little boy of four years. The child had ceased to struggle. He had ceased to breathe. The only light in the room was the flickering flame from a smoking kerosene lamp. Speed was the prime requisite. The race was against seconds of time. With the mother's lap for an operating table, with no assistant, the father's shaky hands holding the lamp, and no anesthetic (however, none was needed, for death is a potent anesthetic), and with but two surgical instruments from the medicine bag a scalpel and one forceps I did a tracheotomy in thirty seconds. When the cold air struck the inside of the windpipe it provoked a coughing reflex. The child sprayed diphtheria membrane all over my nose, eyes, mouth, and face. A heavy plug of debris was forced into the artificial tracheal opening and with the forceps I pulled out a cast of the trachea as long as the child's finger, and the boy could breathe again. What grateful parents and what a thankful doctor! Faith in God was again revived in this home. Peter's formula had been retested and it worked the shortest prayer in the Bible just three words, but it contains all the essentials of a perfect prayer: God at one end, a needy doctor and a dying patient at the other, and a oneword plea for help in between. Oh, the terrific responsibility and the un excelled opportunity of the Christian physician, the man who can pray and get quick answers!
"The physician who can not do this loses case after case that otherwise might have been saved." Ministry of Healing, p. 118. As "scientific medical men" Seventh-day Adventist physicians are often tempted to maintain a sort of apologetic attitude for their Christian faith and to keep in the background their religious beliefs and principles. I have repeatedly observed, however, that the things we might fear and might wish to cover are our greatest drawing cards and our greatest asset. All people respect honesty, integrity, and fidelity, and all people respect Christianity if not religion. As such people draw near the operation table, they feel safer in the hands of the Christian surgeon. Of course, hollow pretense, sham, and makebelieve are soon detected and can only lessen the respect and lower the physician in the estimation of the public. From some non-Seventh-day Adventist patients who did not know that it is our regular custom to pray with patients before perform ing major surgical operations, we have had numerous requests that we pray with them before beginning the operation. Some surgeons have lost much by neglecting or discontinuing this practice. A sense of calmness, of security, of assurance of divine aid, comes into the heart of both the patient and the surgeon as the head and heart are bowed in humble petition.
A prospective surgical patient who once was a Christian, but who had married a worldly, unbelieving businessman and had lost her way, was lying on a bed in one of our Western sanitariums. Her case was serious and she knew it. She was much worried and fearful of the outcome. Lying in an adjoining bed was an other non-Seventh-day Adventist woman who was convalescing from major surgery. Desiring to reassure and comfort the younger woman, she said, "Now, dear, drop your worries, don't be afraid; these are Christian doctors and nurses. They pray before they operate." The woman replied, "I don't want them praying over me."
She was placed upon the operating table and I remarked, "Mrs. Jones, we always have a brief prayer before we operate." Then followed a short petition that God's love would sustain our patient; that He would bring her safely through the operation; that He would guide us in judgment, that we might be led to do the best thing; that He would guide our hands to do the work in the best way and that a speedy recovery of health might follow. The quivering lips and the tear-filled eyes betrayed the softening of a hard and flinty heart. The operation was successful, recovery was speedy, and the kindly ministry of Christian physicians and nurses fully reclaimed this wayward, backslidden soul for Christ. The joy of such ministry smooths the hard places and gives meaning and point to living. We are not builders alone for time, we are builders for eternity. We shall meet all of our patients again. We must, like Abraham, keep the long-range view. Natural human vision is so myopic, so shortsighted, but faith has a long range. It can see as far as the mind can think. Thus, we are to regard every patient as a possible candidate for heaven, and if we do this we shall be on the alert for opportunities to plant a thought that will attract them to the beauty of truth.
The highest aim of the Christian physician should be the spiritual health of his patients. Health and Spiritual Educational Work Instead of the usual trashy literature that clutters up the average physician's waiting room, in our waiting room the Signs of the Times, These Times, Life and Health, Liberty, the Youth's Instructor, Voice of Prophecy literature, and many of our small books and tracts are on display in appropriate reading racks and upon a library table. We provide a liberal supply of Signs and These Times for free distribution to patients. We have within the past year given away more than one hundred copies of Bible Readings. It is our constant endeavor to make our med- Page 24 ical work educational in character. We are fully convinced that "the disease and suffering that everywhere prevail are largely due to popular errors in regard to diet." Ibid., p. 295. We are in accord also with this statement: "There is sickness everywhere, and most of it might be prevented by attention to the laws of health." Ibid., p. 146. We are not satisfied, therefore, just to help our patients get well. We want to help them stay well. It requires time and patience and effort to do this educational work, but the wholesome fruitage fully justifies the endeavor. For many years we have made a decided effort to acquaint every patient, man or woman, who was a user of the "filthy weed" in any form, with the facts respecting its damage to the body and its injury to the health and try to lure him away from his darling indulgence. These friendly office chats have opened many doors for the presentation of other points of present truth and have paved the xray for invitations to give Bible studies or lectures in homes, in halls, and in the popular churches. Two years ago we rented the American Legion Hall in Madill, Oklahoma, twenty-six miles distant, where we gave twenty-five health, temperance, and Bible prophecy lectures.
The interest and results encouraged us to repeat the procedure last year in the American Legion Hall of Wilson, Oklahoma, twenty miles in the opposite direction. We have accepted invitations to speak in a number of the churches and schoolhouses of our community. A few years ago when the liquor interests put up such a battle for the repeal of the hard liquor laws of our State (Oklahoma), a great interchurch temperance rally was held in our city and I accepted the invitation to give the address. This opened other doors of opportunity. Prejudice Removed The medical missionary endeavors of the Ardmore Sanitarium and Hospital group have done much to remove prejudice and create a more favorable atmosphere toward the truth in our area. Within a few brief years our church membership has doubled, now numbering one hundred and forty, and our tithes and mission offerings have increased sevenfold. Yes, the "right arm" message and ministry are greatly needed. Medical missionary work re moves prejudice and opens doors, it attracts people to the truth and holds them within the truth. Brother physicians, shall we not constantly strive to perfect our double ministry and make our medical work a more effective, more fruitful evangelizing agency?
Prayer Medicine
A. W. N. DRUITT, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. Rutland, British Columbia, Canada
It was quite a while before I learned how to dispense prayer as a medicine. In fact, it was not until I was a medical missionary in Jamaica, B.W.I., working in a wonderful two-year partnership with Dr. Clifford Anderson, that I really learned of its advantages as a medicine. Oh, I had prayed very often before that time, having learned to pray from the time when we had family worship in the home morning and evening.
As a student, also, I had learned the value of prayer, and not being one of the bright ones theoretically, I was always glad to claim God's promises in my prayers, especially prior to examinations, that "he shall . . . bring all things to your remembrance." It helped, too. Many a time I know that prayer helped me through when nothing else would have done so. I was glad that I found a partner in life who believed in prayer too, because she was an answer to my prayers. Many a time through our twelve years of married life we have found that God answers prayers. Often we have found that they are not answered when we would think they should be, but at the last minute the answer frequently comes, apparently when we have not known which way to turn. This experience, however, is not new to Adventists, and possibly no one who is reading this journal has any doubt at all that God hears and answers prayers. But how can prayer be dispensed? It needs to be handled in as careful a manner as one would handle a dose of morphine, giving it at the right time and in the right amount. Sometimes it is contraindicated, for we are told not to cast our "pearls before swine."
Prayer in the Hospital
I really learned in the operating room of the mission clinic in Jamaica how to dispense prayer. It was the custom there never to put anyone to sleep with an anesthetic without first having offered a short word of prayer for the safe-keeping of the patient and the guidance of the doctors and nurses. Sometimes the patients may not have appreciated it, and sometimes they were too sleepy from the premedications to notice, but it brought into the operation room the feeling that the Great Physician was there to help. It was also the custom of the nurses to offer a word of prayer with all patients as they were tucked in bed for the night. Those prayers, often offered by very timid nurses, were greatly appreciated by many patients who openly ex pressed their appreciation in letters after they had left the institution. Let me quote portions from two such letters: "I think there is none better able than I to tell of the benefits derived both physically and spiritually. Matron [Director of Nurses] Sister C., the nurses, and yourself have been wonderful to me during my several illnesses, and I'll surely never forget the many prayers offered for me and my family." "You have exemplified to the world at large and to Jamaica in particular that there is nothing impossible with God, and I believe it is because the institution is built on the foundation stone of the Rock of our Salvation, that success follows your wonderful work for the aid of suffering humanity.
I cannot forget the prayers offered for me by those Christian nurses before I retired to rest at night, and the kind manner in which they attended to my comforts. May the God of heaven help them to realize the importance of their calling." I remember when the prime minister of the island was in the hospital for a few days' rest. I was around in the evening when the nurse came out of his room, and she said, "I prayed with him, too." A big lump came up in my throat when I thought of the courage of that Christian nurse, and I wondered then whether I would have had the same courage had I been in her place. Such is the power that comes from prayer. A doctor's wife had been admitted to the hospital. She had been ill for six years and had come to the Adventist hospital as a last resort, having been persuaded by her maid to try it, at least. Her first impression of me was that I was too young to know what to do, but she submitted to the examination, cooperated with the treatments, and said "Amen" to the prayers. In three weeks she considered herself almost cured, but more than that, she had read some of the literaure supplied to the patients, sent to Jamaica by good friends in America, and had had her ideas completely changed regard ing the Sabbath, so that she went out of the hospital not only walking (which she had not done for many years), but determined, with God's help, to be a Sabbathkeeper.
Despite all the persecution that she has had since, she is still faithful to her God, who did so much for her. Can there be any doubt that the prayer medicine used on her behalf at that time and many times afterward was the means of her health improvement both physically and spiritually? A Roman Catholic nun was lying on the out patient table in all her robes, waiting to have her teeth extracted under general anesthetic. I remember the look of peace that came over her face when a simple prayer was offered on her behalf. I do not know what happened when she went to confession, but I know that she came back on different occasions to have more teeth pulled. Prayers penetrate beyond the robes, and only in heaven will we know the result of the prayers offered. Jews also appreciate the prayers offered for them. The name of God need be the only name mentioned on such occasions. One Jewess will, I am sure, some day be an Adventist because of the prayers on her behalf.
My Resolve
What have we as Christian doctors to offer a world that is tumbling over itself in such a manner that it cannot regain its equilibrium, if it is not the solidity obtained by fastening ourselves to the Rock of Ages? Where 50 per cent of the problems of life can be accounted for by the nervous tension of the individual, how can that tension be relieved unless it be by the building up of his confidence in Some- Page 26 one who has promised to carry his burdens? I am confident that in my recent months spent in psychiatric postgraduate work, the results obtained would never have been accomplished had it not been for the power that I was able to claim from above in pointing these patients to Him and in praying with them. I resolved never to let a patient leave the hospital without having had at least one prayer with him if at all possible, and with many patients the prayers were numerous. The biggest hurdle is finding courage to ask the patient if he would like to have a little prayer asking God to bless and heal him. Once the question has been asked, the rest is simple, because the patient will al most always say, "Yes, please." Sometimes it is made easier when the patient says, "Will you pray for me, doctor?" However busy you may be, never turn such an opportunity down, be cause it may not take more than thirty seconds, but it will carry with it perhaps far more healing than the bottle of medicine or the injection. Before coming to Canada, I knew that the Lord wanted me just where I now am because of the way He answered my prayers, opening the way for me to buy and remodel the store building that is now my office, and sending opportunities for community service. Already in my short time in the beautiful Okanagan Valley I have been able to see the results of some of the prayers that have been offered for patients. Let your office be the gateway to the throne of grace, and from your office dispense this potent medicine called prayer.
Literature in the Physician's Office
R. W. SPALDING, M.D. Gobies, Michigan
In June, 1952, in Chicago, I had the privilege of attending a symposium on "How to Make My Practice More Christian." This meeting was held as a part of the convention of the Christian Medical Society. Many excel lent suggestions were made. The first speaker made the point that he must be prepared by early-morning Bible study to meet the patients that came to his office. He felt that he was Christ's representative in his own office. It was his conviction that the Holy Spirit would impress upon him the proper time and give him the best words to speak to his patients. He should treat them as Christ Himself would treat them. Another speaker discussed the use of reading matter in his reception room. Certain popular magazines were discussed and some were condemned because they had carried articles expressing atheistic views. He had found it useful to have on his reading table both the King James Version of the Bible and a recent Catholic version for his Catholic patients. Often his patients made comments that led to an opportunity for him to discuss the patient's problems in the light of Christian philosophy. Comic books for children were strongly condemned, but good literature for children, particularly Bible stories, are of great benefit. In my own practice I have found patients very appreciative of Life and Health, These Times, and Signs of the Times. The paper-covered Bedtime Stories I have been using recently as gifts to my pediatric patients who have had to have a shot of penicillin or some other dis agreeable treatment. And I find that even the three- and four-year-old patients are thrilled to have the chance to make a selection from among the more than twenty different colorful covers. This also aids the colporteurs in my area to sell these books to my patients. On the walls of my reception room are pictures of various birds. And on the magazine stands are bird and other nature books and magazines. My patients can find the popular magazines in the waiting rooms of other offices I want them to read only the things that I would want to be found reading myself, should Christ walk into my office. I know of several patients who have to a large extent read their way into my church while waiting for me to treat them. My con science does not bother me for taking time to talk with my patients about the most important things of this life and the life to come, if I know that those waiting for me can be filling their minds with the good things in the books and magazines found in my reception room. Some of my Adventist colleagues maintain a lending library of Adventist books arranged in a small neat bookshelf in their reception room.
Through these books they find many opportunities to talk with their patients regarding the certainties of Bible prophecy and Christ's soon return. I once had a young mother come into my office seeking relief from extreme nervousness. She realized that she was con fused in her thinking. On the second visit she said to me, "Doctor, I don't need that medicine. That will not help me. The other doctors have given me all kinds of nerve medicine. It hasn't helped." And I sent a prayer heavenward that God would give me wisdom to know how to help that poor soul lost in the woods of modern thinking. The Holy Spirit immediately gave me an answer. I said, "Mrs. , I'm going to give you a prescription, one that you haven't had before.
This is it: Every day I want you to sit down and read your Bible for fifteen minutes." "I can't understand the Bible," she interrupted. "I want you to spend fifteen minutes reading your Bible," I insisted. "You will find that you can understand it if you will read the first three chapters and the last two chapters of the Bible. Then start with the first Gospel, the Gospel According to St. Matthew, followed by the other three Gospels. Read that assignment and come back to see me next week. We will see if you are not feeling much better." A week later she came back, and immediately I could see that she had improved. She said, "Why, doctor, I never knew the Bible was so interesting. And I am feeling much better!" That happened not only once in my practice, but three times to three different young mothers who had lost their nerve because they had lost their way in the maze of modern living.
Juvenile Delinquency and Divorce The Adventist physician holds a key position in the solving of the problems of juvenile delinquency and divorce. One of our most effective writers, Dr. Harold Shryock, has given us a very good weapon to use in the solving of this problem in his book Happiness for Husbands and Wives and its companion books for the adolescents, On Becoming a Man and On Becoming a Woman. I use many copies of these books in my practice, and they save me hours of time in counseling my patients. In Michigan every person who applies for a marriage license must first have a physical examination by a physician.
To those who come to me for a premarital examination, I present a copy of Happiness for Husbands and Wives. If they wish to keep the book I sell it to them, or on certain occasions I may give it to them as a wedding gift. I make the definite request that they read it together before their wedding day. And I may ask them to pay especial attention to the last three paragraphs of the chapter "The Honeymoon." Dr. Shryock has written as only an Adventist physician could write. He is scientifically and medically sound, he has based his thinking upon the Word of God, and he has the ad vantage of being a thorough student of God's special gift to His remnant church, the Spirit of prophecy. Indeed, are we not all to heed diligently, in the solving of all our problems, the message that the first of the three angels proclaims, calling for all mankind to give glory to God and to worship Him who is our Creator? Is this not verily a part of the message that God has given His remnant church? How reverently, how beautifully have God's truths been presented in this book! God has given us a wealth of the best literature to be used as He through His Spirit may impress us each to use it.
Should we use that literature with which may be mixed even a little evil, a little impurity, a little doubt, when He has given us such an abundance of the pure, the good, the uplifting, the eternal? Should not our patients come to love to spend their time in our reception rooms where only the best can be found? One day a salesman sat for an hour waiting to see me. He spent the time reading God and the Future. But when he came in to see me he had it only half finished. After discussing his products and taking my order, he seated himself again in my reception room and finished the book. Perhaps next time I can give him another book, to take with him to read in some other reception room!
The Value of Professional Influence
GLEN H. McDONALD, M.D. San Diego, California
Every medical practitioner good or bad has influence. He could not make a living without it, for he has to sell him self and his ideas. The fact that a patient comes to him, pays him money, and returns or sends other people to him, is evidence that this influence has been accepted. Why not "cash in" on it? That personal influence can work wonders if we only take time to "work" it. Just a few of the practical things that have especially impressed me during the past six or seven years, giving me a new vision of true success, will be mentioned in the hope that they may extend to other "two-talent" men the enthusiasm to make small but regular deposits in the bank of heaven investments of eternal value. Perhaps some of the "ten-talent" men may read this too, and make even larger investments. "The physician who ministers in the homes of the people . . . wins a place in their confidence and affection, such as is granted to few others.
Not even to the minister of the gospel are committed possibilities so great or an influence so far-reaching." The Ministry of Healing, p. 132. I enjoy these personal contacts and pray daily that only those will be led into my office who can be helped either physically or spiritually. All that come may not appear to be our choice, but God knows best and sometimes real surprises are in store. One morning, soon after I had started to make this request, a Catholic priest was sitting in my office reading some of our good Adventist literature. He was not just an ordinary priest, for he is a Monsignor with other priests under him. He directs a large parochial school and the largest church in the community. This contact has proved a real blessing. Since then he has referred many of his parishioners, house hold helpers, and several of the other priests to me. Some time later, during a serious illness, God blessed in a remarkable way. Although he was a heavy cigarette smoker, he was induced to give up smoking entirely for a while. His soul is valuable in God's sight and his influence can be used to His glory. We should ask God to help us to do our best for each patient. We can only supply the channel through which He works. At times He has to erase some mistakes in diagnosis and treatment, in order to heal the patient. In a day when malpractice suits are almost of daily occurrence, His protection is truly valuable. My twenty-six years without a threat bear out the statement, "Above all other men should he [the physician], by prayer and the study of the Scriptures, place himself under the protecting shield of God." Ibid., p. 136. Individual Health Education The doctor has a one-person audience that is very attentive.
The personal welfare of the patient is involved, so he not only listens but usually takes the advice given. If you count each of these personal interviews, in a few years it runs into thousands. Think of speaking before an audience of interested listeners fifteen or twenty thousand of them! We do it, but over a period of years. Not one of them ever goes to sleep while we are talking. More over, we have a personal record of each of them, and know many intimate and confidential facts about them. I like to use a small part of the record for a note about their response to spiritual comments or literature taken by them. Much of the suffering, and even serious illnesses, for which we are consulted have had as their starting point some violation (perhaps unintentional or ignorant) of God's moral or health laws. Mental stress and strain, social, financial, and marital troubles are frequent, but often too time consuming to be solved satisfactorily in the doctor's office. We have as our local pastor a young man who is unusually energetic, sympathetic, tactful, and willing to help in any of our problem cases. The most recent was a serious and complicated situation in a family where there were several small children. The crisis arose suddenly and without warning when the husband left home and began to arrange for a divorce. He had been drinking enough to threaten his high-salaried job, and was attending night clubs regularly with another woman. Now the drinking has stopped, the couple are happily re united, with daily Bible study in the home, and the children are attending Sabbath school. The prospects are good for seven future new members of our church. Doctors and ministers must cooperate for successful evangelism.
We are told that it is only through our mental faculties that God can communicate spiritual blessings to the soul. Moreover, we cannot have a clear mind when the body is diseased or burdened by faulty health habits. When it comes to correcting bad health habits, the doctor's influence counts more than anything else. A "health reformer" attitude or even the suspicion of religious bias nullifies almost any good we can do. Creating a desire on the part of the patient to give up something he cherishes and enjoys, and to develop will power enough to do it, is certainly a miracle of God. But it works through the channel of a doctor in whom the patient has enough confidence to believe that what he says is scientific truth. He does not believe that anyone else knows what he should do, or that what he reads applies to him. But the doctor knows his case, and if the patient actually believes the warning of the doctor, he will follow it.
During some weeks I have a patient almost every day who gives up cigarettes entirely, even after having the habit for many years. It is my conviction that other health reform principles can and need to be given in a way that is attractive and inviting, even to non- Adventists, and without as much prejudice as we sometimes might find in our own churches. Most patients are interested in nutrition, if there is a possibility of better health or relief from some of their troubles, especially if a good scientific reason can be given. Many will even accept quite a drastic "ten-day trial" that will, with the Lord's blessing, achieve the same results as. it did in Daniel's day.
I have seen some miraculous results, especially in young children, on this plan. Great advances have been made recently in the field of nutrition. Facts given by the latest scientific research are in complete harmony with those fundamental principles of diet and health given us seventyfive years ago through the Spirit of prophecy. These truths are quite contrary to many cur rent popular opinions, especially the forced high-protein program and the much-advertised value of between-meal snacks and sugar as a source of energy. Even the influence of the lucrative advertising of cigarettes is' now be ginning to fall before scientific research. "Applied Influence" I had an interesting experience in witnessing for our health program when I became a member of a national organization of physicians and dentists interested in nutrition (the American Academy of Applied Nutrition). At first I did not attend the dinners, but later, when I did, Page 36 I ordered a vegetarian plate. That single order evidently was very conspicuous, but the silence suggested sympathy. Later, as I became better acquainted, comments were more free but col leagues seemed somewhat puzzled, so I had to explain. Fads and religious views carry little weight with scientific men, but interesting re search reports attract their attention and "make friends and influence people." It was a privilege for me to sit at the speakers' table all last year, and to come in personal contact with some nationally known men and hear their favorable comments upon my meatless diet from a nutritionist's viewpoint. I might mention briefly a few more instances of applied influence. It gives me considerable pleasure each Sabbath to see an active little Englishwoman, formerly one of my most prejudiced patients, sitting there in church. Al though not yet a member, she now admits she is "one of us." She attends all the meetings faithfully, and leads out in the W.C.T.U. work in the community.
Her husband was the Baptist minister here for eighteen years. He became very much prejudiced at first when some of his members joined our church. Later he was forced to retire because of illness, and came in contact with our medical work more directly. He attended church with me regularly until his death, but his wife would never go. Shortly after his death she requested us to take her to church, and she has been coming ever since. The next two succeeding Baptist pastors and their families are patients, and have been ex posed to the same physical and spiritual influence. The end results are not yet visible. Suggestions for Medical Evangelism Before the opening meeting of our recent evangelistic effort, three of my Adventist col leagues and I sent out personal invitations to several hundred of our patients. The first night the place was packed and many have continued to attend.
Those thrilling words, "Thank you for inviting me here tonight," were repeated many times. Through the influence in the community of one of the Seventh-day Adventist doctors, our new church group (organized as a church on December 5, 1953) has been able to meet in the newest and finest church building in this community (Methodist), and the pastor and his congregation seem to think it is a real privilege to let us meet there until we can build a new church of our own. A short dedicatory service in 1942 by our local pastors and some leading conference brethren, setting the new office apart for medical missionary work, I believe has been a definite help and constant reminder of the Lord's presence and guidance many times in emergencies as well as in the rush and routine of everyday practice. A careful record for missionary giving of all Sabbath money collected (deducting actual cost of such service) from necessary Sabbath emergencies would, I believe, prove a great blessing an experiment in faithful stewardship and some protection against that ever-present sin of covetousness and selfishness. We have plenty of attractive, up-to-date Seventh-day Adventist literature in our reception room, and no other. Patients can get all other kinds of reading matter elsewhere, but not this kind. A sign offers them any literature they are interested in. There is also a rack of large books lent by the conference, with information as to how to purchase any of them. These are serviced and replaced from time to time by the conference. The receptionist has opportunity to note any interested readers. Even though it would be a privilege and a pleasure to give Bible studies personally in the homes, I do not believe many busy practitioners could take out several nights a week regularly for this work. However, other members of the doctor's family or his office staff can carry the message in an effective and attractive way by means of audio-visual machines. A series of Bible studies, well illustrated, with a wonderful presentation by Elmer Walde and songs by Ben Glanzer, is supplied by Visualades, P.O. Box 488, La Mesa, California. We have had some well attended meetings in our home.
A neat formal printed invitation to attend the meeting gave added dignity and created a desire to attend. A short health talk, nurse's demonstration, or health film preceding the Bible study attracted many who would not have come otherwise. A number of my good Catholic patients who would never go to an other church or to an evangelistic meeting came to our home. We get real enjoyment and happiness from this work and thank God for the privilege of making small investments of eternal value in the bank of heaven. We pray that our lives may be consistent with this great message and that we may find more and better ways of serving Him.
Our Hospitals Cooperate With Our Evangelists
N. A. BUXTON, M.D. Ranchi Mission Hospital, India
The most enjoyable part of our hospital work is cooperating with our evangelists. It is so supremely worth while. It is the means of growing in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
I was working in the Rangoon Mission Hospital when one of our workers came to take our morning worship period one day. The power of the Holy Spirit was upon him. He must have prayed over his talk that morning. His life shows that he is being used by the Holy Spirit. He and his family, having offered themselves as living sacrifices to the Lord, are now posted far away from other Europeans in a distant part of northern Burma. He spoke on the healing of the lame man by Peter and John at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. He asked us, "What did Peter and John give the man?" and was not satisfied until he had obtained the answer, "They gave him Jesus Christ."
He showed how in our medical work we must always do to our patients just what Peter and John did to the lame JULY,1954 beggar. We must first receive the Lord Jesus Christ ourselves, so that we have Him, and then we must give Him to others. He reminded us of our hospital patients that day, who were needing to be given the Lord Jesus Christ. He is soon to return to this earth, and some might perish if we failed them. After the worship hour, it was customary for the doctor to go the round of the hospital. I vividly remember hesitating before entering the first room. A Burmese nurse was accompanying me. I said, "Nurse, what are we to do? How are we to act as we go to these patients?" Her perfect reply was, "We must give them Jesus!" I had never had such a round as we had that day. I think we spoke to every patient, about thirty of them, endeavoring to give them Jesus. All my subsequent hospital rounds have been measured by that particular one. I re member seeing one patient lose his tense, anxious expression and sink back on his pillow relaxed and peaceful. There was healing power on that round.
Another time our chapel speaker spoke on the apostle Paul and how he kept on preaching the gospel "with all the power in his body."
That phrase has been another perpetual inspiration in my medical work since then. Many times I have tried to excuse myself from speaking to a patient about his soul's welfare by thinking, "I am too busy," or, "There's a limit somewhere," but on remembering "all the power in his body" I have called on my reserves, spoken the word, and felt glad to have done it. In Ranchi Mission Hospital we found that the ordained evangelist was being pressed down with the arduous duties of business manager, registrar, and accountant. Now we have re leased him to do full-time gospel work. Please, brethren, follow suit in all other places where gospel workers are being kept from their evangelistic work.
Other Workers Follow the Lead
Drawing from the experience of the four mission hospitals where I have worked (Nuzvid, Surat, Rangoon, and Ranchi), I can say how enthusiastically the hospital workers follow any lead given in evangelistic work. Signs of the Times mailing, Sabbath afternoon missionary bands, branch Sabbath schools, going'round the wards to sing and pray on Friday evenings after the vesper service, inviting their friends and relatives to attend all our services, and taking the projector and slides round the wards on Sunday evenings these and other activities never fail to attract even the busiest hospital workers. Best of all, there is the quiet word spoken while giving a treatment, or while comforting a relative, to point the hearer to the Great Physician. Many of our hospital workers are faithfully on the lookout for opportunities for this kind of personal evangelistic work. A hospital is a great place for giving out literature.
All the literate clinic patients can take something away if we have a large enough variety of vernacular tracts and papers. Patients who start reading during their stay in hospital can be helped and have their questions answered, and can continue reading when they go home. Many Voice of Prophecy cards are given out and enrollments secured. Finally, we see how well Surat Mission Hospital is leading out in another kind of cooperation, in giving a course of medical instruction to ten evangelistic workers for six weeks this year. More of this should be done. All our evangelists should be well-informed health re formers and visitors to the sick. This we know they will become as the work goes forward to its final conclusion!
The Physician's Personal Spiritual Ministry
PHILIP S. NELSON, M.D. Seattle, Washington
Personal work is the greatest single responsibility of every Christian. It is a sense of this responsibility that colors our contact with those we meet on our daily rounds. The personal work we do will be directly proportional to our alertness, and our alertness directly proportional to our sense of this responsibility. We are told that we are responsible for every contact, whether it be for a long or a short period of time. Jesus told us the same when He sent us to preach the gospel to "every creature."
Though it is very important to have a good reputation in the community, to be thought of as a Christian by all who know us, this is not the end of our work. To slop here is to leave people susceptible to the call of Christ without giving them the invitation. To many, the problem of bringing the conversation around to specific truths and leading them on to know the Page 38 Lord is an obstacle that often stands in the way of specific teaching.
The physician who is seeing patients as fast as he can and knowing he is behind on his schedule has little time to visit. However, taking a few moments to encourage some soul is really the main reason he has for practicing medicine. With new patients, a warm greeting and a demonstration of personal interest may be all that is done till confidence is established. Months may pass in building up this confidence, but it is not time wasted unless, when the opportunity comes to witness for Christ in a specific way, it is allowed to slip by unimproved. Patients often express their appreciation for improvement they have felt under treatment. My response is, "Thank the good Lord for that."
More often than not they say, "I do thank Him." By this method you know you are dealing with one who prays. Subsequent conversations can be built around events occurring or conditions existing in the world. Only an introduction need be made, and then, if interest war rants, literature for further perusal may be offered. We make it a habit to keep the Signs of the Times and Voice of Prophecy literature in the examining rooms as well as in the waiting room. When the doctor arrives, the patient often expresses an interest in what he is reading, and a suitable follow-up is begun. We often give a subscription to the Signs or provide other literature, or call his attention to the log of the Voice of Prophecy and the lessons available. Occasionally patients give evidence of being real students. They may be ministers, teachers, businessmen, or retired men or women who surprise one with the knowledge they possess. We strike up a conversation concerning a book we are reading and enlist their interest in this. Recently we have been using Truth Triumphant. Where interest is manifest, we have been giving a copy. At present we have three actively studying the truth after such an introduction. Another plan we have used is to put paperbound booklets in our racks, with a note typed on a piece of paper inside the cover saying, "You are welcome to take this book home with you."
Dozens of them are taken. Ministry in the Face of Death Sometimes a person will have a suspicion after surgery that he has cancer, and will come up with the straightforward question, "Do I have cancer?" If he puts it that way, he is the type who is not afraid to know and demands a forthright answer. "Yes, you do, but we did our best to remove it all"; or "Yes, but we will give X-ray treatments." Such an answer softens the shock of knowing what the trouble is and leaves a hope that it may be cured. At this time a simple statement of your faith, which you speak of as being equally his, is in order. With a firm grasp of the hand and an earnest expression on your face, you look him in the eye and say, "You know we belong to the good Lord, and He will take care of us." At the deathbed the physician may stand as the last messenger of mercy to a fading life. I usually ask the family whether they have talked to the patient about his soul and the other side of death. Usually they say no, and protest that they do not know how. At this I may ask, "Would you mind if I spoke to him about it?" An affirmative answer is spontaneous and unanimous. It is best to go back and do it at that visit. I postponed it once and the next visit was too late. It is, however, very important to study the patient and the family in order to choose the right moment. To speak prematurely would be too startling, and to speak too late, disastrous. Most of the time the patient accepts or at least expresses a belief in Christ. Rarely does he refuse to hear. I remember one man sitting up in a chair, breathing with great difficulty. I had spoken to the daughters about the welfare of his soul.
They gladly accepted my offer to speak to him, and followed me back to the room. I asked him, "Do you know how you may be saved in the kingdom of heaven?" He leaned forward with an earnestness that was almost startling, and asked, "How are you saved?" I replied, "Accept Christ as your Saviour." He leaned farther toward me and with hasty words, as though reaching for a life line, said, "I accept Him, I accept Him right now!" I knelt at his side and prayed. Then he prayed, and what a prayer! It was as a call for help from a man alone and adrift at sea. His words were not the ones commonly heard from the lips of those accustomed to praying. They were neither well chosen nor well ex pressed, but eloquent in their portrayal of a lost soul who realized he was having his last chance. But he found his Lord, and his countenance showed it. His few remaining days were spent in learning about Him, confessing his sins, and pleading with his grown children to do likewise. His stalwart son told me after the death of his father that he had said, "Son, don't wait till you are seventy years old before you give your heart to God." Tear-filled eyes bespoke the impression made on his young heart. Sometimes one will be confronted with the sudden inquiry, "Doctor, am I going to die?"
To this I look him in the eye and answer, "Yes, John, but you know that you may live again in heaven." By showing real faith and enthusiasm, you divert his attention from the certainty of death and point him to the equal certainty of life eternal. You may continue: "One of these days you and I will walk down the streets of gold together. Imagine it no stiff joints, no pain, no shortness of breath; but with the spring of eternal youth we may live forever in the home Jesus said He has gone to prepare for us." I remember the first one who put the question to me. It was in my internship year at the county hospital. This man had a Ewing's tumor of the bone. Every joint was stiff except his right wrist. He also had pompholyx of the feet, which causes severe itching. His pain was severe. After a conversation similar to the one I have just related, he said, "Would you talk to me more about this?"
Whenever I could I slipped into his private room and talked with him of the love of God, o£ salvation through faith in Him, and of His soon coming. We prayed together every day. He told me just before he died that he had had more joy during the last thirty days than in all his past life. Imagine it unable to move a joint, severe pain, intractable itching, face to face with death; yet, with Christ enthroned, the happiest he had been in all his life! Such is the power of the gospel. This is the power of Christ, who stands beside the Christian physician. May we never lose an opportunity to lead men to Him.
The Christian Physician
C. J. MARTINSON, M.D. Wayzata, Minnesota
At one time I secretly wished that the name of the College of Medical Evangelists were something else. Now I am happy that our medical school bears that name, for it is a challenge to every graduate to live up to the name of his alma mater in his daily practice. The purpose of the College of Medical Evangelists is to train Christian physicians. One hundred years ago, when Seventh-day Adventists began to teach the principles of health reform, we were far in advance of the accepted medical practice of that day.
Today, medical schools are teaching many of those very principles. God has guided our medical school, and today we are recognized and honored by the medical profession for the excellent doctors who are trained by the College of Medical Evangelists. I believe this honor has come to us because we have emphasized the Christian phase of our medical practice. It is just as important that we recognize the cause of disease as to know its cure. Sickness, suffering, and death are the work of an antagonistic power. Satan is the destroyer. God is the restorer. As physicians, we cannot heal the sick. This thought was well expressed by the famous French surgeon, Ambroise Pare, who said, "We dress the wound, God heals it." This motto is on the mantelpiece in the Harvard Medical Club. In the May, 1898, issue of the Gospel of Health, Dr. J. H. Kellogg said: "Health reform Pas?e 40 shows the relation between the transgression [of physical laws] and the penalty, between wrong habits and disease. It points out the causes of disease and premature death, and teaches how to avoid them and so preserve health and prolong life." Summing up, Dr. Kellogg said,
"The object of health reform, then, is really twofold, (1) the preservation of health and the prevention of disease; (2) the restoration of health, or the treatment of dis ease." It is the work of the Christian physician to show his patient that disease is the result of the transgression of the law of God, that healing comes from obedience to the law of God, and that Jesus is the Great Physician, who alone can heal him of all his diseases. By his inspiring of trust in Jesus, the fears and perplexities of life will vanish, for often men and women imagine and fear they have a disease that they do not have. Jesus said, "Take there fore no [anxious] thought for the morrow. . . . Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." This is the best remedy for worry. The wise man said, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." I am convinced that many patients come to a Christian physician hoping to receive help not only physically but spiritually. Often, as I probe a little deeper into the complaints of a patient, I find the difficulty is not physical illness, but a problem about which he should have consulted his pastor. Many times he feels more free to discuss his problem with a doctor than with a minister. It is here that the physician and the minister can find a common ground on which to work together, to help a struggling soul find that peace and confidence given only by faith in a merciful Saviour. Some years ago I was called late one night to see a poor old lady who was dying of an inoperable cancer. Her pastor was at the bed side when I arrived, and I listened to him pray for the dear soul. After the minister had gone, she looked up into my face and said,
"Doctor, I realize there is nothing you can do to help me, but I want you to pray for me like you did for Mrs. Nelson." It touched my heart that the simple little prayer, which I had offered more than a year before and ten miles away, had reverberated in the heart of this poor dying woman. It was said that Dr. David Paulson would be on his knees praying while his wife, Dr. Mary, was putting on fomentations in the next room. I know he was a man of prayer, because I have many times heard him pray for the sick. Recently a patient came with a complaint of intense itching. He was deeply jaundiced. It had come on painlessly and slowly. He con sented to have surgery, and as they left my office the wife said, "I know you are a Christian doc tor. Will you pray for my husband?" We had sent the Signs of the Times to these fine Chris tian people for a number of years; now they were in need of help, and it was my privilege to point them to the Great Physician. The pa tient made a wonderful recovery from the opera tion. I was happy to remind them that God had been good to them and answered our prayers.
Prayer has been called "the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's store house." As physicians we need to make use of this power. It will aid us in our diagnosis and treatment. It will bring the Holy Spirit into our hearts and enable us to give comfort and hope to the sick, who are often discouraged and distressed. Some years ago I told a mother that the growth on her face looked as though it might be malignant. She refused to have it removed. The son took her to a divine healer. As time went on the tumor grew until there was a large cancer on the side of her face. A few weeks before the mother passed away, the son came one Friday evening to bear a testimony of heal ing. He declared that his mother was being healed.
He firmly believed that she was healed, yet she died. What was wrong? A few cubic centimeters of procaine and the excision of the growth in the early stages would no doubt have saved this woman from the deadly cancer. What a mystery! God works to heal, but He depends upon the human agent to cooperate in this work for the healing of the body as well as the soul. It is a glorious task set before us as physicians. How we need to study His Word and pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit that we may rightly aid those who seek our help! We need daily to recognize Him as "the Lord that healeth thee." "A Simple Religion" One patient, in thanking us for These Times, paid a wonderful tribute to our faith. She said, "I have often wondered what your religion is like. Since reading the magazine you sent us, I find it is a very simple religion." I liked that expression, "a simple religion," one that any one can understand. Jesus taught no compli cated system of theology.
He revealed to men the love of God so that even the humblest could understand. He declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life."
* William K. Eaton, D.O., F. Curtis Varney, D.O., Russell T. Brown, D.O., Robert A. Jacobsen, D.O., E. L. Mathisen, D.D.S.. and G. H. Smith, Chaplain.
