Sanitarium Relief Campaign by L. A. HANSEN.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 4, 1910

Sanitarium Relief Campaign

By L. A. HANSEN.

The Spiritual Side of Sanitarium Work

Much could be quoted from the Testimonies to emphasize the fact that, in general and in detail, the work of our sanitariums should advance the third angel's message and be a blessing to souls. This work was not given to this denomination as a means of financial income, for its own support and that of other branches of the cause. However, this is not to say that we should not try to make it self-supporting, nor that it is out of place to use surplus earnings in the advancement of other interests of the message.

We can not estimate the full strength of our sanitarium work as an evangelical factor in reaching persons with the truth, but there are some facts that indicate its possibilities in this respect. Figures for last year show that more than twenty-five thousand persons were in our sanitariums either as guests or as patients. The average stay is five weeks each. Taken as a whole, this gives a vast audience for a time sufficiently long to receive much instruction in principles of truth. The sanitarium facilities for successful spiritual work are usually very good. Those in attendance are in a state to be especially susceptible to real spiritual help, it being often their greatest need. They have plenty of time to spare for attending services, at the regular worship hour and at special services on Sabbath or at other times. If the workers are awake to their opportunity and privilege of helping souls to the fullest extent, it is an easy matter to secure the attendance of patients at worship. The routine work can usually be so planned as to permit both patients and workers to be free at that hour, physicians making their prescriptions accordingly, and heads of departments co-operating, so that nothing will hinder any one from attending who wishes to be there.

From experience I can say that the worship hour may become the most precious part of the day to many. Serving as chaplain for a number of years in two of our smaller sanitariums, in connection with other duties, it has been my privilege to have, night after night, an audience of from ten to forty persons who showed the deepest interest in the services. The exercises may be varied by reading suitable selections from our own or other good books, timely articles from our periodicals, giving Bible lessons on doctrinal points or of a practical character, etc. Often request is made for some special subject; and then it becomes an easy matter to present a theme that might otherwise be thought out of place. Thus by exercising care there may be given a very full line of truth that will be well accepted. An anxiety to be present at worship will be seen, outdoor games and pleasures, visiting, or anything else of the kind not being sufficient to detain. Even persons who are much prejudiced on first coming often show a gradually growing interest, until they are seated in the inner circle of those most interested in the principles we hold.

Special Opportunity

A matter of special interest in this line of work is that of reaching people of all classes, from the poorest to the most wealthy. While the greater part of the patronage is drawn from the more common classes, there is also a goodly number of persons of special prominence or influence. A knowledge of the truth is to be given to all, and we can readily see that many would hardly have the opportunity of receiving it through our canvassing work, Bible work, or public services. We should be grateful that God has given us a means whereby these may be reached.

Is it not proper that we give due consideration to what is being done by our sanitariums as evangelical factors, and recognize that this work is deserving of credit? This denominational work is done without cost to the denomination, except that in a few instances conference support is given to the chaplain, or to the physician who is serving as conference medical secretary while also employed in an institution. Should we not recognize that there is something definite to show for the outlay of means that has been made in the establishment of our sanitariums? Is it too much to say that some of their deficits in earnings might be properly accounted for in the work that has been done in evangelical lines?

Can we not even say that it is a good thing to have these institutions as undoubted means of extending the truth, and that, as such, they are worthy of our support? Then let us respond heartily to the call that is now being made in the present relief campaign. It is not much that is asked, after all, nor is it in the form of a bill to the denomination for services rendered, but at the same time it comes to us as a legitimate call for help. L. A. HANSEN.