Mrs. White, the attention of the world today seems to be focusing more and more on healthful living. Do you believe we should capitalize on this fact?
"No subject which is presented to the inhabitants of our cities should command so large an interest as that which concerns physical health." 1
Do you think our health message can be used as a tool for evangelism?
"I can see in the Lord's providence that the medical missionary work is to be a great entering wedge, whereby the diseased soul may be reached." 2
Why do you call it an "entering wedge" and just how is a man elevated spiritually by placing emphasis upon healthful living?
"If we would elevate the moral standard in any country where we may be called to go, we must begin by correcting their physical habits. Virtue of character depends upon the right action of the powers of the mind and body." 3
Of course, you understand that prejudice is strong against our faith and sometimes we are known as health faddists. How strongly do you favor a health approach for breaking down prejudice?
"When I heard that Dr. Kellogg had taken up the medical missionary work, I encouraged him with heart and soul, be cause I knew that only by this work can the prejudice which exists in the world against our faith be broken down." 4
Could you clarify this point further?
"Doors that have been closed to him who merely preaches the gospel, will be opened to the intelligent medical missionary. God reaches hearts through the relief of physical suffering." 5
So you think it is easier to reach a person spiritually through his physical needs?
"In affliction, many are humbled in spirit, and words in favor of the truth spoken to them in tenderness by one who is seeking to alleviate physical sufferings, may touch the heart." 6
What about using a health approach in those areas where Adventism is unknown, such as a dark county?
"In new fields no work is so successful as medical missionary work. If our ministers would work earnestly to obtain an education in medical missionary lines, they would be far better fitted to do the work Christ did as a medical missionary. By diligent study and practice, they can become so well acquainted with the principles of health reform, that wherever they go they will be a great blessing to the people they meet.
"For thirty years the necessity of health reform has been held before our people. By the practice of its simple principles, the sick and suffering are relieved, and fields otherwise unapproachable, become most interesting fields of action. The seeds of truth, cast into good ground, produce an abundant harvest."7
Are you saying a health approach not only prepares the soil for gospel seed planting but is effective in reaping a harvest?
"When connected with other lines of gospel effort, medical missionary work is a most effective instrument by which the ground is prepared for the sowing of the seeds of truth, and the instrument also by which the harvest is reaped."8
What relationship should medical missionary work have to the three angels' messages?
"Again and again I have been instructed that the medical missionary work is to bear the same relation to the work of the third angel's message that the arm and hand bear to the body." 9
But don't you think that our modern system of medical treatment is sufficient for the human race today and that in these last days our entire time should be occupied in preaching spiritual themes only?
"The gospel of health is to be firmly linked with the ministry of the word. It is the Lord's design that the restoring influence of health reform shall be a part of the last great effort to proclaim the gospel message." 10
But, Mrs. White, we ministers are so busy in our program. How can we be expected to learn all about the body and its functions? We need help. What do you suggest?
"So far as possible, it would be well for evangelical workers to learn how to minister to the necessities of the body as well as the soul; for in doing this, they are following the example of Christ. Intemperance has well-nigh filled the world with disease, and the ministers of the gospel cannot spend their time and strength in relieving all in need of help. The Lord has ordained that Christian physicians and nurses shall labor in connection with those who preach the word. The medical missionary work is to be bound up with the gospel ministry."11
Your answer amazes me! Do you mean medical personnel should be out working side by side with the ministers in teaching truth?
"If our physicians and our ministers can work together in the presentation of truth to the people, more can be reached than could be influenced by the minister laboring alone." 12
"There is much work to be done, and ministers and doctors are to work in perfect union." 13
"The physician and the minister should realize that they are engaged in the same work. They should labor in perfect harmony."14
But don't you think that the greatest work our doctors can do is to earn plenty of money in their private practice and then help the church financially? We are always in desperate need for funds.
"I am concerned because so many things engage the minds of our physicians which keep them from the work that God would have them do as evangelists. . . . [They should] present the importance of present truth from the physician's standpoint. The Lord has declared that the educated physician will find entrance in our cities where other men cannot. Teach the message of health reform. This will have an influence with the people." 15
"One thing I know, the greatest work of our physicians is to get access to the people of the world in the right way. There is a world perishing in sin, and who will take up the work in our cities? The great est physician is the one who walks in the footsteps of Jesus Christ." 16
May I back up a moment? Just how serious are you about preachers and other soul winners having a knowledge of health principles to the extent of teaching it to others?
"Every gospel worker should feel that the giving of instruction in the principles of healthful living is a part of his appointed work. Of this work there is great need, and the world is open for it." 17
Could you define for us more pointedly the work of the minister as teacher of health principles?
'"Ministers especially should become intelligent on this question. As shepherds of the flock, they will be held accountable for willing ignorance and disregard of nature's laws. Let them find out what constitutes true hygienic reform, and teach its principles, both by precept, and by a quiet, consistent example. They should not ignore their duty in this matter, not be turned aside because some may call them extremists. At conventions, institutes, and other large and important meetings, instruction should be given upon health and temperance. Bring into service all the talent at command, and follow up the work with publications on the subject. 'Educate, educate, educate,' should be the watchword."18
Can you give us any other reasons why ministers should be deeply interested in promoting a health program?
"I wish to tell you that soon there will be no work done in ministerial lines but medical missionary work. The work of a minister is to minister. Our ministers are to work on the gospel plan of ministering. . . .
"You will never be ministers after the gospel order till you show a decided interest in medical missionary work, the gospel of healing and blessing and strengthening." 19
Do you think we should have a conference representative who fosters this type of work?
"The medical missionary work is to be closely connected with the work of preaching. Men should be appointed to do this work who have shown themselves trust worthy, who are true to principle. In every conference one man should be set apart to have the oversight." 20
Sometimes we joke about our health mes sage and I've heard some ridicule the concepts God has given us through you regarding health principles. How do you feel about this?
"Guilt rests upon us as a people who have had much light, because we have not appreciated or improved the light given upon health reform. Through misunderstanding and perverted ideas many souls are deceived. Those who teach the truth to others and who should be shepherds of the flock, will be held accountable for their willing ignorance and disregard of nature's laws. This is not a matter to be trifled with, to be passed off with a jest." 21
What do you think the future holds for our medical missionary work?
"We shall see the medical missionary work broadening and deepening at every point of its progress, because of the in flowing of hundreds and thousands of streams, until the whole earth is covered as the waters cover the sea." 22
Let me express appreciation to you for giving us such valuable insights of a work we should have taken up long ago. We hope to see a change of emphasis in our movement regarding the use of our health message as an evangelistic entering wedge.
REFERENCES
1. Temperance, p. 196.
2. Counsels on Health, p. 535.
3. Ibid., p. 505.
4. Ibid., p. 532.
5. Medical Ministry, p. 246.
6. Counsels on Health, p. 503.
7. Medical Ministry, p. 239.
8. Ibid., p. 240.
9. Counsels on Health, p. 513.
10. Medical Ministry, p. 259.
11. Ibid., p. 240.
12. Medical Ministry, p. 263.
13. Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 233.
14. lbid., vol. 7, p. 111.
15. Medical Ministry, pp. 241, 242.
16. Counsels on Health, p. 544.
17. The Ministry of Healing, p. 147.
18. Temperance, p. 169.
19. Counsels on Health, p. 533. -
20. Evangelism, pp. 521, 522.
21. Counsels on Health, pp. 505, 506.
22. Medical Ministry, p. 317.
