Special Reasons for Thanksgiving

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 23, 1915

Special Reasons for Thanksgiving

FROM a report of a thanksgiving address given by Elder F. M. Burg to the faculty and students of the Loma Linda College of Medical Evangelists, we take the following paragraphs:—

“We have great cause for thanksgiving and gladness in what we have heard from the brethren during the council just closed, concerning the progress of the work of God in the great, populous countries of the Far East. We surely have heard enough to inspire in us an unwavering faith that God has set his hand to the finishing of his work, and that ‘this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.’ The work of God is speeding forth on the right hand and on the left; the stakes are being strengthened, and the cords lengthened.

“A more vigorous and aggressive evangelization activity in the home field, embracing all workers, from the ministry to the humblest layman, is bringing results in accessions to the faith and in consecration of means to the work of God. So the stakes are being strengthened.

The cords are being lengthened by our expanding policy for the work abroad, throwing the lines of our soul-saving efforts farther and farther out into the benighted regions of heathenism; sending more men and women to the front for service, with money following them for their support and to provide them with needed facilities. In these and all other evidences of the soon coming of our Redeemer, we have great reasons for rejoicing and thanksgiving. Our workers attending the council from foreign countries have brought reports to us that must greatly strengthen our faith in the speedy finishing of the work of God, and also arouse in us a stronger purpose to go forward with this advancing cause until it ends in triumph.

“This council has also given us reasons for rejoicing and thanksgiving, by clearing the atmosphere surrounding the Loma Linda Medical College of the depressing element of uncertainty that has been a real trial of faith to both the teachers and the students. It may be said, however, that this trial of our faith has proved to be more precious than gold. Having endured the test, our faith in God and in his promises is stronger than it was before. God has spoken good, through the spirit of prophecy, concerning the institution that is planted here. This fiery trial that has tried us is not a strange thing. We should appreciate the magnitude of the problem which presents itself to those who are responsible for the financial obligations that are involved in maintaining and providing our school with the equipment necessary to assure its success.

“Reflection on our part will help us to understand the reasons for their conservative and careful deliberation while counseling together as to the policy that should be adopted and followed. However, man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. So, at the opportune time, light came to the servants of God from that source which has in all the history of our work given clear vision to men of faith. The Testimonies of the Spirit of God pointed the way for us to go. Our brethren said, ‘We will follow the light that has come concerning this school, and go forward in obedience to all that the Lord has said.’ For all this we are profoundly thankful. And now the word may be passed to our young men and young women everywhere who are looking forward to a medical education as a better preparation for service in the Master’s great field, that Loma Linda College of Medical Evangelists is to live, with the cooperation and support of this denomination, and with provisions made for it that will enable the school to accomplish everything that was intended in its planting.

“What has been done,—the decision to follow God and go forward,—together with the great financial problem involved in it, demands, in connection with our expression of gratitude today, a new and deeper consecration to God, that we may share with our brethren in the burdens that the maintenance and the building up of the institution involve; and also, and above everything else, that the one object in the planting of the school may be fully realized—the going out from its halls to the beckoning mission fields, of many young men and young women prepared by consecration and by the training they may receive here, to bring relief to the sick and suffering, and to point them to the Saviour of men and prepare them for his soon coming.

“This added responsibility comes alike to both students and teachers: more diligence, more praying, more hard work for the teachers; the same, with earnest cooperation, for the students. Thus working together here, with the active cooperation of our brethren who have been here in council, and with the blessing of God, we shall see good days for the Loma Linda College, and a large place for it in the closing work of God. And beyond all the struggles, the toil, and the patient waiting, we shall share the joys of Christ when he sees the travail of his soul, and, with him, we shall be satisfied. Our joy will be complete then, and our expression of praise and thanksgiving will have no end. ‘Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.’”