Report of the Medical Secretary of the West Michigan Conference by L. J. Otis

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 30, 1908

Report of the Medical Secretary of the West Michigan Conference

By L. J. Otis

It was stated by the medical secretary at the conference one year ago, that there is great need of medical missionary work throughout the conference, but it was not clear just how it should be done. From experience during the past year we realize that there is still great need of this kind of work.

Health lectures were given in various churches; but this entailed considerable traveling expense, and the results seemed hardly to justify it.

One can not become acquainted with health principles by listening to lectures at long intervals. It therefore seemed best to me to lay the burden of this work upon the local churches themselves, assisting in every way possible, and making the ministering brethren responsible for the progress of rational health reform among the people.

Articles appeared on this subject in the conference paper from time to time, in which we have endeavored to set before our people briefly the simplicity of health reform, giving consideration to topics most needed. These I have observed were much appreciated, and have been a help to our people.

The medical work has suffered in that it was ever allowed to separate itself from the denomination. This is evident for two reasons. First, because when the former champions were found to be proclaiming false doctrines, some of our

people felt that health reform also was false; and some considered it to be of the same character as other doctrines that came from this source. Again, because of the way it was presented, it lost its simplicity and became impracticable. I mention this that you may see the inadvisability of continuing such methods.

The third angel’s message includes this department, and it is my opinion that the one who has charge of this work should make the proclamation of the message his main business. For this reason your medical secretary for the last six months has been doing ministerial work, and in many places he finds that the medical work may be used as an entering wedge.

L. J. Otis, M. D.