The Hospital Chaplain

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.

ALFRED E. HOLST, Chaplain, Doctors General Hospital, San Jose, California

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.


Ministry reserves the right to approve, disapprove, and delete comments at our discretion and will not be able to respond to inquiries about these comments. Please ensure that your words are respectful, courteous, and relevant.

comments powered by Disqus

ALFRED E. HOLST, Chaplain, Doctors General Hospital, San Jose, California

July 1956

Download PDF
Ministry Cover

More Articles In This Issue

Unfeigned Faith

This talk, given at the morning worship hour during the 1956 Spring Council, seems particularly appropriate for this special issue on pastoral work.

On Being a Preacher

An address delivered at the Potomac Conference workers' meeting, Takoma Park church, March 20, 1956.—EDITOR.

Characteristics of the Pastor-Counselor

What qualities distinguish the better pastor-counselor?

God's Plan for Confession

God's plan for the confession and re­mission of sin is wonderful. But does this amount to setting up confessionals?

Men of the Word

Pastors are admonished to "preach the word"

The Scriptural Basis for a Seventh-day Adventist Philosophy of Pastoral Care

Study of the processes of counsel­ing can aid the city pastor to a more effective work for Christ.

The Pastor as Leader of Lay Evangelism

Pastors must never lose sight of their true responsibility.

Mental Sickness and the Christian

For the Christian to act in his own strength is to court disaster; the anxieties and tensions of life are never as great as they are to the Christian who chooses not to abide in Christ.

Religious Groups in Our Evangelism

As we continue this brief series on our ap­proaches to those of differing faiths among Protestants, let us keep in mind the 1956 Book Club selection, A Guide to the Religions of America.

View All Issue Contents

Digital delivery

If you're a print subscriber, we'll complement your print copy of Ministry with an electronic version.

Sign up

Recent issues

See All