The Medical Missionary Convention
By A. G. Daniells
According to arrangements, the Medical Missionary Department of the General Conference held its first convention at College View, Neb., November 21-26. Over one hundred persons registered as delegates or regular attendants. These were composed of twenty-four physicians, forty nurses, twenty-four ministers, and twelve or more deeply interested persons who attended the meetings regularly. These representatives came from all parts of the United States and from Canada. This was a larger gathering than some of us had looked for. When arrangements were made to hold the convention, it was thought that there would not be a very large gathering. That was not a prominent feature of the purpose in holding the convention. There was little opportunity when the department was organized at the General Conference for the members of the committee to formulate a working, progressive policy, and it was thought that a small convention this fall would be necessary in order to get the work of the department clearly outlined, and well under way. The presence of one hundred physicians, nurses, ministers, and interested laymen was not only a very pleasant surprise, but a very great encouragement as well. In opening the convention the chairman, Dr. W. A. George, emphasized the importance of making a meeting of that character truly spiritual as well as instructive in technical lines. In view of this, it was arranged to have either a prayer or a preaching service each day. Each day was pressed full of earnest work—reading and discussing papers dealing with important medical questions, passing recommendations concerning the work of the department, and reading important Testimonies from the spirit of prophecy bearing upon the most essential features of what constitutes our gospel medical missionary work. All the discussions and exchange of views were harmonious and dignified. Not a discordant note was struck. Every one was granted the fullest liberty of thought and speech. The ministers present expressed the deepest interest in the medical missionary work, and extended to the physicians, nurses, and general helpers in this department the best and heartiest co-operation which they were capable of rendering. The physicians repeatedly expressed appreciation of the deep interest of the ministers in the medical work, as shown by their presence at the convention, and the brotherly part they were taking in the proceedings. One of the most impressive and helpful features of the convention was the earnest study given to the Testimonies which came from Sister White after the meeting convened. These communications set before us in very clear, pointed, unmistakable language the dangers which threaten us at this time, and the course to be pursued in order to have the approval and blessing of God. The Testimonies made a profound impression on the minds of all who heard them, and nearly all expressed their full confidence in the divine source of this instruction, and their full purpose of heart to follow it faithfully. As this confidence and determination were expressed, light came into our meetings. The mists and clouds of doubt, perplexity, and confusion rolled away. Our hearts were united in the bonds of Christian love, our courage was renewed, and our hope was revived. This meeting has brought a new experience to many who were present. It has marked the beginning of a new era in the medical missionary work of this denomination. It was a better meeting in some respects than we had looked for. The proceedings will be published in pamphlet form for all who desire a full report. The officers of the department will now push the medical missionary work forward in all the union conferences. It is hoped that the interest of our people will be increased in this phase of our message, and that they will unite in an earnest effort to make known to all others the light that has come to us showing us how to live. If the eighty thousand believers in this message will do the little that each can do to hold up this light, a great flame will be kept burning in this dark world. A vote was passed requesting the officers to arrange to hold another medical convention next year. The Educational Department will very likely hold a large and important convention during the summer of 1906. Owing to the close relationship of the educational and medical missionary lines of work, it is thought that the departments can very profitably hold a joint convention. If this can be done, we may look for a grand convention of teachers and medical workers. The chairman of the Educational Department has already begun the preliminary work for the convention. Thorough preparation should be made for this joint meeting, so that the greatest possible benefit can be obtained for the development of these most important phases of our cause. And now let us all pray and work for the advancement of our medical missionary interests, that many sick, suffering, hopeless souls may be blessed and saved by the light God has given us.