Sanitarium Relief Campaign by L. A. HANSEN.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 12, 1910

Sanitarium Relief Campaign

By L. A. HANSEN.

Institute Work

A SERIES of institutes has just been held in the Columbia Union Conference, one in each local conference. This is in line with the recommendation of the recent General Conference Committee Council, although this union has the credit of having led out in the plan. The recommendation was as follows:—

“That where it is practicable, institutes be held at an early date, for the instruction of workers, who shall, in turn, visit the various churches to instruct the members concerning the campaign and how to engage in it.”

The conference workers are called together for two or three days, to spend the time in a careful study of the relief campaign and methods for carrying it on. Ample time is allowed for a full consideration of various questions that may arise. A clear understanding is obtained of the general situation of our sanitarium work and its relation to the cause. Among the subjects considered are the following:—

General Outline of Campaign, Reasons for the Campaign, Prospective Results, Causes of Sanitarium Indebtedness, Hopeful Indications and Prospects, Development of Sanitarium Work, What Sanitariums Are Doing, Place of Health Work in Our Cause, How We Can Help, Definite Plans, Canvassing Methods.

These subjects are considered in detail. Statistics and figures are given, interesting items of progress are presented, experiences that show the attending blessing of God upon this branch of the work are related, and there is given a drill in canvassing methods. Instruction is given on gaining entrance to homes, approaching people, and so forth.

After spending a short time in this way the workers feel better prepared to present the campaign work to others and to give instruction as to how to proceed with it.

We have been favored with the help of the union conference president, Elder B. G. Wilkinson, as his time would permit; the full co-operation of all the conference presidents, and the very efficient assistance of the missionary field secretary, I. D. Richardson.

Our people are usually willing to engage in any worthy line of work presented to them, if they only know how to take hold. There are many, however, who feel that they do not know how or where to begin. They are honest in their belief that they can not do this or that. While this is often greatly exaggerated, it is well to provide such instruction and training as may be possible and practicable. Effort in this direction is well spent.

Further information regarding the conduct of institute work will be gladly given to those desiring the same.

L. A. HANSEN.