Untitled article by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 9, 1915

Notes From the Field — No. 5

By F. M. W.

In the broad scope of the questions considered, and in the ultimate influence these questions will have on our worldwide work, it is safe to say that the council meetings just closed at Loma Linda surpass in importance any similar council meeting ever held in the denomination. Our denominational organization was perfected and extended. Two great divisions — one embracing South America and the other the continent of Asia with Australasia — were formed to accommodate the growing demands of the work in these great fields. This arrangement will afford greater liberty of local control and government, will place a larger number of responsible laborers in each field, and will tend greatly to the development and extension of the work. Elder R. C. Porter was chosen president of the Asiatic Division, with Elder J. E. Fulton vice president and secretary. Responsible men will stand at the head of the union conferences composing the division. Strong effort will be made to develop the literature work, the educational work, and other departments of church activity, as fast and as far as circumstances will warrant.

Elder O. Montgomery was chosen president of the South American Division. He will find a strong coworker in Elder J. W. Westphal, who, with his devoted wife, has for long years labored so faithfully and efficiently in bringing the work in this southern field to its present state of development.

Several important transfers of laborers, to meet growing and changed conditions in various fields, were made at this council. These changes will be noted in the reports of the secretaries of the two conferences as published in the REVIEW. We were impressed with the spirit of willingness shown by these workers as they were asked to sever home ties and friendly association, and go to new fields to mingle with strangers and meet new and untried experiences. In this, the day of God’s power, he is making his people willing.

Earnest consideration was given to the work at Loma Linda. In a definite and specific manner the servant of the Lord instructed that at this place there should be established a school for the training of medical missionaries, both nurses and physicians. The workers assembled in council recognized the character of this instruction, and unanimously decided to follow it. Plans were definitely laid for the fuller establishment and future prosecution of this work. The full four years’ medical course will be maintained. Already the medical school has made an excellent record in the character of the students graduated from it. Last year’s class — nine in number — passed the California State Board in a most creditable manner. Not one taking the examination failed.

This school, we feel assured, has before it a bright future. Never has its constituency, which really includes the whole denomination, been so united in its support, as shown in the determination of the representatives at this council that the school be made a success.

We feel that our brethren and sisters everywhere should rally to its support. Particularly should they encourage their sons and daughters who plan to take medical training, to come to this school. Here they may obtain a good medical education, and at the same time be safeguarded from the evils to be found in worldly environment.

God has spoken good concerning Israel, and we believe it is safer to follow the leadings and instructions of his Spirit than worldly plans or policies. We shall have more to say of the Loma Linda school at another time.

As regards the work of the Loma Linda Sanitarium, we can do no better than to quote several extracts from the report made to the constituency meeting, held in connection with the council, by the medical superintendent, Dr. T. J. Evans: —

In rendering a report of the Loma Linda Sanitarium and Hospital, it gives us great pleasure to recognize the kind hand of Providence in caring for us so graciously during the past few months. We recognize God as the giver of every good and perfect gift, and thank him for the degree of health that our family has enjoyed, and also for giving us the co-operation among our patients and helpers which we feel is one of the strongest assets that an institution can have, and gives a substantial foundation on which a magnificent structure can be erected.

One patient called me aside the other day and said: “I have been in your institution for several weeks now, and I should like to know the secret of your organization. All seem to work so harmoniously together, and seem to love their work and cheerfully perform their respective duties. The only rivalry I can see is in striving to see who can give the best service. There must be some power behind the throne.” It was my privilege to tell him that we believe God is behind the throne, and that his presence is felt in every department; that he is the Head of the institution, and that this would account for the harmony that prevails.

I believe that a medical institution should be well equipped with scientific appliances, so efficient work can be done for those who seek help. We believe our institutions should have facilities, that the instruction of the spirit of prophecy can be fully carried out, in giving our patients the advantages that come from the bounties of nature through food, sunshine, and air. Since March of this year, the number of patients in the sanitarium has averaged forty-four.

The patronage of the Loma Linda Hospital is steadily increasing. Since March, 1915, there have been 177 operations performed in the hospital, and 45 babies born under its supervision. In January we had 22 patients; in February, 16; March, 19; April, 20; May, 21; June, 26; July, 19; August, 22; September, 25; October, 29.

There were 159 medical cases, 79 surgical, 22 obstetrical, and 15 babies, totaling in all 275. The average for the first five months is 22 cases a month.

You will notice from the number of operations and number of patients that all the cases did not remain in the hospital, but quite a number were taken back to the sanitarium.

The spiritual interest in the hospital has always been good, and the patients all enjoy the worship hour. Some hearts have been touched by the Spirit of God, and members have been added to the church. Four have accepted present truth in the last few weeks. There never was a time when there was such a good feeling in the hospital as at present.

One very encouraging feature in regard to our hospital is that a number of outside physicians are availing themselves of the advantages the hospital affords. Three doctors from San Bernardino have recently performed operations here, and one physician from Colton has requested that we open the hospital to him; also two from Riverside have asked for the privilege of operating here. All the men who come speak very

highly of our equipment, and are well satisfied with the place in general.

The devotion and loyalty of our workers to the cause of God is manifested in their tithe and offerings. The Sabbath school donation to foreign missions amounts to more than $500 a quarter, and the tithe of the church will aggregate about $12,000 a year. Most of our members are students and those who are working for a small salary, and yet God has placed in their hearts the desire not only to give their means, but their lives and their all to his service.

Our own observation of this institution and of the spirit of its workers fully bears out Dr. Evans’s statements as to their faithfulness and devotion.

Too much cannot be said of the generous hospitality shown by the Pacific Union Conference. Free room and board were furnished the delegates. A large number were accommodated in tents. These were made as comfortable as possible. The food was liberal in quantity and variety, and excellently cooked.

The spirit of the council was good throughout. There was great freedom of discussion pertaining to many important questions, but no one seemed determined to have his own way, but desirous only of knowing the right and best way. Practical unanimity was reached in the decision of every question.

Never have we seen more hearty accord on all questions affecting the onward progress of this movement. To all there came as never before a realizing sense of the work to be done, and a definite settling down to shoulder the responsibilities involved. Let this oneness of purpose actuate every believer. This is no time for division, for pulling apart, for criticism, for distrust and suspicion. Shoulder to shoulder, let us keep step with the pillar of God’s providence which is leading on. Nothing can resist successfully the truth of God borne aloft by a united church.

We cannot afford to spend time in parley or idleness. A great advance move is on. God has set his hand to finish this work in this generation. He will cut it short in righteousness. It is no time now to look back. Forward, is the watchword. Courage in the Lord! Christ is our great Leader. Let us keep close to him, and follow his banner to victory. F. M. W.