It is a wonderful experience for a minister to be associated with a genuine medical missionary physician, such as Dr. Milton E. Denmark. At present he is leading out in the work at the Doctors General Hospital in San Jose, California, where a work for God is being developed, which we trust will mean much for the advance of the message of truth.
This institution, which has at present a capacity of twenty-nine beds, is the nucleus of a constantly expanding program. There have been added to this medical center a twenty-three-bed nursing home and a home for unwed mothers. Another small hospital is to be established in a new subdivision where there are no medical facilities at present. Added to these will be the bombproof disaster and welfare center in San Jose.
We believe that the good will of the public can be obtained and kept by kind, courteous, Christian service, unfailingly rendered to spirit, soul, and body. As hospital chaplain I attempt to accomplish this by the following methods:
The day new patients are admitted, I make a brief call, introducing myself with my personal card, upon which are the words "To help you find peace of mind and a firm trust in God." I also present a little poem entitled "Have a Good Rest," to help them settle down, with their attention directed toward God's tender care.
Thereafter, I visit the patients daily in their rooms, during visiting hours, in order to meet the relatives and friends as well. On these daily visits a different Scripture card is left each day, on faith, prayer, and trust in God, such as, "The prayer of faith shall save the sick," "Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you," et cetera. For heart cases the card bears the text, "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart." For those waiting for surgery the verse is, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God." The patients read these cards over and over with great benefit.
On each patient's tray, three times a day, is placed a thanksgiving-before-meals card with an appropriate prayer for Catholic, Jew, and Protestant. Upon each of these many cards is printed the name of the hospital. These cards are carried home by patients and friends.
In the event of a death the nearest relative is sent a sympathy folder, printed especially for the hospital, containing Edgar Guest's poem "Faith," as well as comforting Scripture passages.
In the course of a year I meet more than three thousand patients at the Doctors General Hospital, besides many relatives and friends. Those who express special interest are given Bible studies in their homes. During this first year of chaplain service, eight have been baptized and many more are studying.
To keep in touch with these thousands of patients and friends, a weekly radio program is broadcast on Sunday evening at 6:45, over station KEEN, San Jose, called "The Radio Chaplain." During the program flowers are sent to the hospitals in the area, including, of course, the Doctors General Hospital. In this way the name of the hospital is kept before the people, and many are becoming interested in the truth.