p. 19 | Interesting Experiences

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 11, 1908

Interesting Experiences

By Mr. J. F. Balzer; Mrs. J. F. Balzer

We came to Pasadena, Cal., nearly two years ago, and began house-to-house work, trying to give treatments, and find those who were suffering. We soon saw the necessity of starting treatment rooms, and looked for a location, but there seemed to be no suitable place. Our attention was called to a small building near one of the large hotels. We had no capital, and I did not feel inclined to push the work very much until I could see my way more clearly. After finding a location, and inquiring about the rent, we found it would be quite expensive; but after the owner considered the matter, he made the price much more reasonable. Feeling encouraged, we started out to find people who were interested, to see if we could get them to loan us some money. This we thought at first would be a hard proposition because we were strangers. But the Lord opened a way, and we found several people who made us short loans of one hundred dollars each, without interest or security. Before we had our rooms fitted up, patients came in for treatments; and before we were ready, we had a number of regular patients. The results were remarkable. Since that time the work has steadily grown, and last winter we had more than we could possibly do. We had many good experiences, and were able to administer to the spiritual needs of individuals as well as to the physical. The Lord has great blessings in store for those who wish to follow him in these last days. Among the sick we find many souls who are hungering and thirsting for righteousness.

Among our numerous patients a gentleman came to us suffering from sciatic rheumatism, and upon asking us how long we thought he would need treatments, we told him he should stay with us at least three months. He was suffering a great deal, and was scarcely able to remain on the treatment table long enough to take the treatment, but in six weeks he was gaining, and in two months had gained twenty pounds. His trouble never returned. Another gentleman, a young man with a family, came here from Chicago for the winter, suffering with nervousness and severe headaches to such an extent that he was very despondent, and at times his wife feared he might take his own life. One of the real-estate men, having heard of our place, brought him in, and we began giving him treatments. Within a few weeks his trouble had entirely left him, and we never saw a happier family return to their home. They were very much interested in health reform and spiritual truths.

So far as we know, not a single case has come to us and been treated but what has made remarkable improvement. A woman came to us who had spent thousands of dollars trying to regain her health. She had some kidney trouble, and suffered severely with headaches, frequently fainting. The doctor was very doubtful about her case. She came to us, and we gave her treatments; and with the help of the Lord in ten weeks she returned East a well woman.

When we first came, we did not visit the physicians of the city very much, thinking the better plan would be to proceed with the work, and let it demonstrate itself. Within a short time a number of people were talking about the place, and some of the physicians who were friendly toward our methods came in, and are now sending us patients. The work is opening up in various ways, and faster than we have been able to handle it. Recently a physician here called a nurse to give treatment to his patient at her home. She had suffered a great deal, and his method of treatment did not seem to take hold. We treated her, and within two weeks she was able to be up, and he was very much delighted. Since that time this doctor has become deeply interested in our work. He is connected with the training-school of the Pasadena hospital. He asked me a short time ago if I would not give his classes some demonstrations in hydrotherapy. When I granted his request, he was much pleased. Although this was but a short time ago, he has sent us, since then, a number of patients, and has been working for us in every way he can. A class of nurses, consisting of eleven young women, displayed much interest in our methods, and were highly appreciative of the privilege.

We have among our patrons all classes represented,—lawyers, physicians (both medical and osteopathic), capitalists, and Christian Scientists. Our experience with Christian Science patients has recently become quite interesting. We have a number of people coming in inquiring for literature on Christian Science; and I am glad to give such the little pamphlet on “Christian Science in the Light of Reason and Revelation.”

Our busiest season here has been during the winter months; and as the tourist season is practically past, we thought we might have a somewhat easier time for the summer. But, instead of that, our work is steadily increasing. Our whole heart and soul are in the work, and we have enjoyed it greatly. The Lord has certainly blessed us in giving us health and strength to do the work that has been accomplished. A few months ago, while treating a patient, he became interested in religious things; and while I was telling him of the times in which we are living, he became more deeply interested, and asked me if I believed these things. He said, “If you do, why don’t you get out and tell the people about it? I am forty-three years old, and this is the first time I ever heard of it.” Truly, the “harvest is great, but the laborers are few.”

The dark clouds of earth’s closing days are fast gathering, and soon our work will be done. While we are considering this, let us gather renewed courage, and press forward; for there are many souls waiting to learn more of the precious gospel of to-day.

MR. AND MRS. J. F. BALZER.