p. 17 | Medical Missionary Work in India by Louise Scholz

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 18, 1910

Medical Missionary Work in India

By Louise Scholz

A YOUNG man eighteen or twenty years of age was seriously ill with typhoid fever. Two doctors had given him up, when his parents called me in. One doctor was there when I visited him first. I learned that soon after the doctor had given him medicine, the boy became unconscious. I inquired what kind of medicine he had given, and found that he had used strong, poisonous drugs, as the heart was very weak, and the brain affected.

The doctor and relatives wanted to know what I would do for him. I told them I would put away all drugs, and use hydropathic treatments. Of course the doctor did not like this. He said he had studied in large schools, and knew his drugs were good. Yes, I told him, I had taken a four years' course in a large university hospital in Germany, where we used to give drugs; but I afterward learned that we could do more good with the simple water treatments.

As I was very busy, and the people were able to pay, I advised them to get another doctor. Two days later they asked me to come and see the boy again. They had dismissed the doctor, and were unwilling to call another if I would take the case, as the new doctor would have to come by train, which would take several hours. I did not feel clear in the matter, as it meant assuming a great responsibility, but the people pleaded so earnestly that I could not refuse.

I saw the young man again, and found there was but little hope. It was the third week of his illness. I decided to take the case for two days, and during that time I asked God to make it very clear to me what I should do. I only desired that his name be glorified. The patient seemed to get on so nicely under the hot and cold applications that I felt impressed to keep on.

His father and brother-in-law, both

well-educated Hindus, who can speak some English, came at this time to stay with the young man. I taught them how to give packs, sponges, fomentations, etc., and you would have been surprised to see those two men give the treatments. It made my heart rejoice. I told them to take the temperature every two hours; and the next day when I called, I found they had fixed a book as a report blank, where they kept every little detail, and the record of the temperature, just as we nurses do. They followed my orders strictly. It certainly was the Lord who sent these two men.

One day the young man's condition was very critical, and I did not feel like taking the responsibility any longer. But nothing could persuade his people to call a doctor. They said, 'We do not want a doctor. We do whatever you tell us, and we know you do all you can, and he is in God's hand.' Miss Burroway and I had prayed at his bedside in this Hindu house; and when we arose, the father's eyes were filled with tears.

The young man is now recovering, healed by the power of God, for which we all thank and praise the Lord.

LOUISE SCHOLZ.