The Sanitarium Relief Campaign by A. G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 14, 1910

The Sanitarium Relief Campaign

By A. G. Daniells

EVERY one who is interested in the welfare and progress of the third angel's message should be deeply concerned in the success of the movement now being launched in behalf of our sanitarium work. It is of more than ordinary interest to us, and calls for the loyal support of every one, whether leader or lay member.

This relief campaign was planned and

developed as the result of the most careful deliberation. At the council of the General Conference Committee held at College View last October, there were present a large number of representative men from all parts of this country. One of the principal topics considered at that council was the question of making provision for aiding our sanitariums, which are burdened with indebtedness to an extent that hinders their work. The result of this council was the development of a plan for the relief of our sanitariums by the sale of “Ministry of Healing” and Life and Health.

The sanitariums represent an important part of our institutional equipment. They belong to the denomination, and the work they are doing is a part of our work. Their interests are ours; their progress means the progress of a branch of this cause; and when they suffer, the whole body suffers.

During the past few years, our medical missionary interests have passed through many trying experiences. We have great reason to thank God that our sanitariums have come through the ordeal as well as they have. And now the time has fully come for us to give this work substantial help. Various causes, which have been published from time to time in the REVIEW, have contributed to our sanitarium liabilities, until these institutions require our assistance and earnest co-operation. Their struggle with a trying situation is such as to impede seriously their progress and to hinder their development. They could accomplish much more in the work for which they are established, were they not laboring under their present load of debt.

The plan adopted for helping these institutions is a simple one, and should not be difficult to carry out. Yet when the work is done, and the fruit of our efforts has all been gathered in, the total should amount to nearly half a million dollars. What a relief, and what a blessing, this would be to our sanitariums! This is the largest enterprise of the kind we have ever undertaken; yet if the plan is carried out, the work can be accomplished without robbing any other branch of the work, and without overtaxing our strength. A little individual effort on the part of all, and the work will be accomplished.

By the sale of two copies of “Ministry of Healing” and five copies of Life and Health, by each member for each of the next three years, we can render this great help. At the same time we will be doing most excellent missionary work by placing these publications in the hands of our friends and neighbors. The blessed experience that we shall ourselves enjoy in this good work will far more than repay for the little time and effort put forth. While the accomplishing of this work should not be a difficult task, from the individual viewpoint, yet it is a work of great proportions as a whole, and should not be left to itself. It will require energetic co-operation on the part of all.

The General Conference Committee has done its utmost to launch this enterprise successfully. Many hours have been spent in counsel. Plans have been laid for producing the publications at the lowest possible cost, and for handling them without profit. A secretary has been employed to connect with the Medical Department, who will devote his entire time to this work. The columns of the REVIEW AND HERALD have been thrown open for the presentation of our plans and reports. Union conferences have taken on the responsibility, and are organizing the work in all their local conferences. Now is the time for every one to take hold loyally and do his duty. Every union conference, State conference, and church should feel that this is an individual and sacred responsibility. Leaders in each of these organizations should ascertain what share of the responsibility properly rests upon them, and should lay broad, workable plans for accomplishing their part. Every leader should become acquainted with the features of the plan, and should give it due attention in his section of the field. Church elders should take upon themselves the responsibility of seeing that the flocks over which they are appointed are instructed in the work.

If all the leaders take their proper place, and if the people stand loyally by their leaders, we may be able to rejoice in the words of the scripture:— “For that the leaders took the lead in Israel, For that the people offered themselves willingly, Bless ye Jehovah.”

A. G. DANIELLS.