The Medical Work in India by J. L. SHAW

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 10, 1908

The Medical Work in India

By J. L. SHAW

J. L. SHAW

It is well to make mention of God's goodness and his overruling providence, as seen manifested in his work. It is, therefore, a joy to me to speak of the medical department of our work in this field, and how manifest God's dealings have been with it of late.

About a year ago difficulties began to arise which we knew not how to surmount. The Calcutta Sanitarium, which for a number of years had been struggling with difficulties, was fast reaching the place where something needed to be done to avert calamity, and just what to do became a perplexing problem. For some time it had been running behind, and a larger debt was being incurred. Every effort to bring the work upon a sound financial basis proved unavailing, and after much earnest prayer we decided to close up the sanitarium work in Calcutta, and move to some other more favorable place.

The Lord has said our sanitariums should be placed out of the cities, and in the most healthful locations to be found. Calcutta fulfilled neither of these conditions. It is a large, congested city and has a very trying and unhealthful climate. As we began to look about for a location for the Calcutta Sanitarium in harmony with the instruction laid down in the spirit of prophecy, our eyes were turned toward the Himalayas, the natural sanitariums of India, having a cool and bracing climate where both patients and helpers can thrive. Mussoorie seemed to present the best opening.

Before moving the sanitarium from Calcutta, it was first necessary to relet the part of the premises not required for treatment-rooms. This the Lord did for us in a very sudden and almost unexpected manner. The major part of the premise was sublet for the balance of the time of lease, amounting to nearly five years, and the landlord became responsible for collecting the rent, and, in addition, gave to us a splendid gift, which helped toward the liquidating of our indebtedness with him. This lifted a burden and set us free.

At the council in November, 1907, it was definitely decided to carry on only bath- and treatment-room work in Calcutta, and move the sanitarium to Mussoorie. About this time, a friend, to encourage moving the sanitarium to the mountains, made a gift of one thousand

rupees and offered to loan a considerable sum at a nominal interest for purchasing a property for sanitarium purposes.

At first operating bath- and treatment-rooms in Calcutta, apart from the sanitarium and without a physician seemed an impossibility. However, the workers having this part of the work in hand began to pray and study with a new determination. Considerable advertising was done. Physicians were made acquainted with our change of plans, and the treatment-room work picked up, and a good business was done during the cool season.

The back rent, amounting to five thousand rupees, was reduced to about one thousand rupees.

During the past two months, when patronage is generally least in Calcutta, the bath- and treatment-rooms have shown a gain, and the outlook for the future is encouraging.

No less marked has been God's favor upon the Mussoorie Sanitarium. To be sure, Dr. Menkel, the writer, and others associated with them, had their faith severely tested in finding a suitable location, yet not without very definite spiritual help. Our faith was strengthened. The month of February was spent in Mussoorie looking about for a property, but the time seemed spent almost in vain; for no sooner was something suitable found than the way to rent or purchase it closed up. Long and continued searching seemed not to find any place for us. Morning, noon, and night we were in prayer, inquiring of God his will, and between times looking at houses. In the end a very central and healthful location was found.

God heard and answered our requests, yet he waited, giving us blessed lessons in the school of prayer, which are of more worth than houses and lands.

From the day it opened up to the present, the Mussoorie Sanitarium has had all the indoor patients it could accommodate. To be sure, it is small, and can not care for many at one time, yet it holds all and more than our force of workers can care for. It has now been running two months, and its earnings have been more by several hundred rupees than its expenses. The treatment-room work is also picking up, for which we are thankful. Better still, the truth is being taught. A lady missionary, recently taking treatment, has accepted the Sabbath. The future prospect of the Mussoorie Sanitarium, therefore, is bright. Dr. Menkel and his wife, with their faithful little corps of workers, are doing their best to place the institution upon a good basis, and make it a beacon light of truth. Some of the workers are working beyond their strength, but it will not be long.

Nurses from America are now on the way, and will soon be here. Let us pray for the success of the medical missionary work, and praise God continually for his leading providences in it here in India.

Mussoorie.