A Winter Campaign of Gospel-Medical Work by L. A. H.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 20, 1911

A Winter Campaign of Gospel-Medical Work

By L. A. H.

SOME time ago reference was made in the Sanitarium Relief Campaign column to a very interesting evangelical medical work that was in progress at Hartford City, Ind., with the suggestion that a full report might appear later. On request, the brethren doing the work have furnished some facts, which are given herewith. The results of this effort are so definite and practical that a consideration of what was done will be not only interesting but instructive. What was done goes to prove in a most emphatic manner that evangelical and medical missionary work can be so united as to form a successful combination for developing believers and building up a symmetrical work.

When Brethren J. H. N. Tindall and C. E. Garnsey went to Hartford City last fall to hold a series of meetings, they found a need of earnest work. The church was almost dead; the ten or twelve faithful members were disheartened and discouraged, the prayer-meeting was dropped, and criticism and strife had given the church an unenviable reputation in the community. The Sabbath service was attended by but ten or fifteen persons, including children.

A series of meetings was begun in the little church building, in which the health work was given a prominent place, two out of the six meetings each week being devoted to the presentation of health subjects. This had the effect of breaking down prejudice and enlisting the sympathies of the best people of the city.

Later in the effort, cooking classes were started, which were attended by women from the best circles, including wives of physicians, lawyers, druggists, etc. This placed the work on a high plane. The interest in both Bible and health subjects was excellent. The last cooking class held was attended by about forty-five persons; and if it could have been held at another hour in the day, there would probably have been sixty-five, as this was the number of those who expressed a desire to be present.

The principal daily paper of the city printed ninety-four consecutive articles on the front page, written by Elder Tindall, covering every point of our faith, including ten or more articles on the Sabbath question, thus placing the plain truth before the people of the city and surrounding country. Many papers were mailed to distant relatives and friends. Aside from this, reports of the meetings were printed nearly every day by the papers, free of charge. The whole city and country were deeply stirred by the solemn truth for this time.

As a partial result of this effort, thirty-five persons were baptized and added to the church, among whom were Elder Tindall’s brother (a successful physician) and wife, his two sisters and their husbands (all have children), and his mother. Surely this was enough to repay this brother for a lifetime of hard work. His father also accepted the Sabbath, and closed his factory on that day. A much larger percentage of the converts than is usual were men.

The last Sabbath before the brethren left for their next field of work, over seventy, including children, were present at the services, and all were enthusiastic in the work for perishing souls. All those added to the church were converted on all points of the faith.

We are told that if we will go forward and do the work God has given us to do, and do it according to the plan he has outlined, he will supply the funds. This was strikingly shown in this effort. In addition to more than paying all the running expenses, the church people and those attending the meetings assisted materially in advancing the work elsewhere, as the following will show:—

Week-of-prayer offering ....... $175.00 First-day offering for missions.. 27.50 Beechwood Academy .......... 47.00 Loma Linda College .......... 40.00 Religious liberty ............ 40.00

A fine library case was presented to the church by one member, and the church purchased nearly all the books of Mrs. E. G. White, besides other books, including forty song-books, with which to fill it. Electric lights were placed in the church building to replace the kerosene lamps, new stoves were installed, a fuel-house was built, and other improvements were made. Plans are being laid for enlarging the building and for the organization of a church-school.

Between two and three thousand dollars’ tithe was paid in, as against $239 for the previous year. One man alone paid tithe on all he possessed to the amount of $750. Another prominent farmer publicly announced that upon the sale of his large city home he would pay over $1,400 tithe.

Books to the value of over one hundred fifty dollars were sold. Every member has in his home a large chart (many have them framed) on the time of the end and order of events, by which he is able to explain, in a clear, positive manner, the principal points of our faith. These charts are in many homes in the city, as they were printed in two of the leading dailies, and also scattered over the city in the form of an announcement

of the meeting. Surely the gospel of the kingdom was preached in that city for a witness.

The full quota of “Ministry of Healing” was quickly sold, and several others have been sold since; this is another evidence of a well-organized work.

Elder Tindall carries the evangelical work; Brother Garnsey, the medical and health lectures; Mrs. Tindall, the cooking demonstrations and cooking classes; while Mrs. Garnsey gives assistance in dress-reform work and in practical nursing. The workers feel certain that the reason the Lord has so signally blessed their efforts is because they have endeavored to follow his plan of harmoniously combining the health and medical work with the evangelical. The Hartford City church donated to these brethren a large new tent, costing $300. A tent effort is now being carried on at Indianapolis. L. A. H.