Medical Work Attracts Crowds by W. L. BURGAN.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 19, 1915

Medical Work Attracts Crowds

By W. L. BURGAN.

A STRIKING illustration of the effectiveness of blending the medical work with the evangelistic was given in a recent meeting held in the large canvas pavilion on the east side of Indianapolis, Ind., where an effort has been in progress for a considerable part of the summer. This campaign for the salvation of souls has been under the direction of Elder J. H. N. Tindall, who has had associated with him Dr. A. W. Truman, teacher of physiology in the College of Medical Evangelists, Loma Linda, Cal., and an able corps of Bible workers and other helpers.

One evening Dr. Truman gave a very practical and instructive lecture on “Why We Do Not Eat Flesh Foods,” aptly illustrating his remarks with stereopticon slides. At the close of the lecture an invitation was given to the audience to sample the health foods, and the five hundred or more present, with very few exceptions, partook of the different dishes. The foods had been prepared in a neatly appointed kitchen just to one side of the rostrum, by one of the chefs from the Wabash Valley Sanitarium, located at La Fayette, Ind., assisted by several nurses and by sisters of the Indianapolis church.

The wholesomeness of the foods was vouchsafed long before the time came for serving, as the scent that permeated the air while the foods were in the process of cooking was certainly appetizing. Many strangers were present, and were loud in their praise of the way the foods were prepared, and they left the tent with a very favorable impression of the methods employed to serve healthful and attractive dishes. It was encouraging to stand in the midst of the people as they filed past the serving counter—just as is done in the cafeterias—and listen to their favorable comments.

Those in charge of the effort are endeavoring to carry out the instruction given in the spirit of prophecy, which says, in “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, pages 240, 241: “Our physicians are to unite with the work of the ministers of the gospel. Through their labors, souls are to be saved, that the name of God may be magnified. Medical missionary work is in no case to be divorced from the gospel ministry. The Lord has specified that the two shall be as closely connected as the arm is with the body. Without this union neither part of the work is complete. The medical missionary work is the gospel in illustration.” It was stated that the health lecture always attracts a large and appreciative audience.

Treatment rooms had been provided in the church building, which is only about a city block from the location of the tent. Those desiring treatment are treated free of charge, but those who desire to contribute toward maintaining the work are permitted to do so. Several nurses are assisting in this work.

Elder Tindall was quite optimistic over the outlook, and expects a rich harvest of souls from the season’s effort. The medical phase of the message occupies two evenings each week, while all the other nights are given over to purely evangelistic work. The attendance has averaged from 250 to 500, and the workers are responding to scores of invitations from interested ones who desire further instruction. W. L. BURGAN.