The Work at Plumstead by GEO. W. THOMASON, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 14, 1905

The Work at Plumstead

By GEO. W. THOMASON, M. D.

GEO. W. THOMASON, M. D.

THROUGH the Lord’s manifest blessing resting upon our institution at Plumstead, we can come with an encouraging report. Especially as we look back upon the work of the past six weeks we can but feel grateful to God for his special guiding presence and blessing. He has wonderfully verified his promise to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”

It seemed quite reasonable to expect that with the beginning of the rainy season the patronage would materially lessen, but thus far every room has been occupied practically all the time. At the present writing every room is occupied by patients. This coming week we shall begin occupying a nice cottage adjoining the sanitarium property; a patient who is to spend several months with us, having secured this cottage, has placed several rooms at our disposal. The next few days will bring to us several new patients from different parts of the colony, two of whom are surgical cases.

From various inquiries at hand it is evident that a knowledge of the work is spreading, and others are contemplating a visit to the institution, where they may place themselves in contact with these life-saving principles.

Recently we have been able to make a number of improvements which add greatly to the appearance of the sanitarium, of which we mention papering the halls throughout and all the rooms, with the exception of two or three. This feature alone has greatly aided in making the building more homelike, and has contributed much to the satisfaction of the patients. We have also installed some new electrical apparatus in the bath-room by which we can give a variety of electric baths. This will supply a long-felt need in our list of treatments. We have been able to make these and other improvements because of the contributions made to the “Equipment Fund,” and the friends who have accepted the privilege of giving to this fund can feel that they have an active part in this good work. There is other electrical apparatus which we greatly need for special office treatments, and which we shall now be able to secure through the assistance of Brother Honey and Brother John Wessels.

We recently completed our first year

of work in this country. Reference to our records shows that we have been consulted by more than two hundred patients personally, to say nothing of the many who have made medical inquiry by mail.

The Lord has greatly blessed us in our medical work outside the sanitarium. Two cases have recently recovered from most severe attacks of typhoid fever, which, to all human appearances, must have succumbed to the disease had it not been for the triumph of rational principles of treatment.

During the past nine months we have performed more than thirty surgical operations of major and minor character. We feel specially to thank the Lord for his guidance in these experiences, and we have realized anew the sweet assurance which comes with the promise: “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”

We are anxious that as soon as possible the benefit of these principles shall be extended to other classes in this country. The sphere of vision must be enlarged to see the need of suffering humanity of whatever color or station. Our plans in this respect have not been crystallized into definite shape, but in trying to peep into the future we have seemed to see a little building located on one corner of our grounds, devoted to the care and treatment of the colored people. Such a work could be undertaken with comparatively little outlay, and, as an entering wedge to this class of people, would mean results reaching into eternity. Such work would also be a valuable addition to our facilities as a training-school for workers. It might become apparent in time that a few carefully selected natives from the mission stations could be received, and given a careful training, after which they could return to their country as medical missionaries to their own people. Recently in talking with a patient in my office of the hope of soon starting such a work, from his interest in missionary and philanthropic work he voluntarily offered substantial assistance toward a building for such a purpose as soon as we are ready to begin operations.

The work in our nurses’ training-school is progressing favorably. At present the class numbers six. At the very outset of their training they are gaining a practical medical and surgical experience that is rarely afforded beginning nurses.

We are endeavoring to always make prominent the spiritual side of our work, and many of our patients, we believe, have had their faith in God strengthened and their religious experience deepened by their stay at the sanitarium. Our workers have embraced many opportunities for Bible reading and prayer with the patients to their mutual strength and upbuilding. We are conscious in our work that many prayers are daily offered for our success, and we earnestly urge a continuation of the same.

Plumstead, Cape Colony, South Africa.