Southern California Medical Convention by J. R. LEADSWORTH

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 11, 1909

Southern California Medical Convention

By J. R. LEADSWORTH

THAT our churches in Southern California might be fully up to their opportunities in combining health and gospel lines in the most effectual ways, a medical missionary convention was called for, to be held in Los Angeles. Churches in close proximity were invited in, and the program was arranged for a two-days’ meeting, February 13, 14.

The Sabbath morning was taken up by a consideration of the subject, “A Crisis in Medical Work,” by Elders J. A. Burden and R. S. Owen. The thought made prominent was that the truths committed to us are a complete antidote for the sickness of soul and body, and are due the multitudes who are being deceived by mind cure, Christian Science, the Emmanuel Movement, etc.

So general was the interest, the church was again packed at the afternoon service. The subject, “God’s Plan for the Medical Work in Southern California in the Year 1909,” was spoken to by a dozen or more physicians who are connected with the work in this conference. The uppermost thought expressed was that God wants the medical work to be used as a means of gathering a rich harvest of souls, instead of simply a profession for getting a livelihood, as is often the case.

Sunday the entire day was filled with helpful papers and demonstrations on practical missionary methods in the home, in the church, in the church-school, and so on up. Other interesting subjects considered were, “What Is the Relation of the Physician to the Minister?” “How May the Self-supporting Nurse Co-operate with the Gospel Worker?” “What Shall Be the Relation of the Physician in Private Practice to the Organized Work?” Many helpful suggestions were offered by those who presented papers on these subjects, as well as by those who took part in the discussion.

At the evening service demonstrations on simple treatments were given for the benefit of those who desired instruction, and the interest manifested by all gave renewed evidence that in the health work we have ready access to the people. In order that the churches generally might be instructed on practical medical missionary work, the following resolutions were adopted:—

“Resolved, That all be encouraged to study the foundation principles as presented in Life and Health, in the ‘Testimonies for the Church,’ and in ‘Ministry of Healing.’”

“Resolved, That where practicable, arrangements be made for churches to receive instruction on common diseases and simple treatments, and in the preparation of food in harmony with the principles of right living.”

The conference committee was requested to take under consideration the following plans for the future prosecution of the work:—

1. That, if possible, every tent company in the Southern California Conference be provided with at least one physician or nurse who shall give lectures and demonstrations upon health topics, visit and care for the sick, etc.

2. That during the summer months, health schools be established for the instruction of our church-school teachers.

3. That our conference provide work for our trained nurses along medical missionary lines.

4. That at every institute, convention, and camp-meeting in this conference, there be a full presentation of every branch of the third angel’s message,—evangelical, educational, and medical.

5. That in each church classes be organized, and physicians, nurses, or the most competent worker available, give instruction in health principles and simple treatments.

6. That physicians and nurses visit different churches and meet to exchange ideas with workers, promoting unity of sentiment and action.

7. That conventions similar to the present one be held from time to time, that workers may relate experiences, so that methods may be improved by a comparison of notes.

J. R. LEADSWORTH, Pacific Union Conf. Med. Sec.