Special Mention by Mrs. S. N. Haskell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Sep 14, 1916

Special Mention

By Mrs. S. N. Haskell

What Our Women Have Done for the Ellen G. White Memorial Hospital

THE Lord has laid the financial burdens of his cause upon the men. They are expected to lead out in building up the various enterprises connected with the work of God, but again and again in time of a crisis in the cause of God women have come forward and rendered valuable assistance. Lydia opened her home to the apostles in Philippi, and Abigail by her generous gift prevented David from shedding blood. Acts 16: 14; 1 Sam. 25: 14-33.

The majority of women belonging to the church of God in all ages have not been able to make offerings like the “great woman” of Shunem, who provided a home for the man of God. 2 Kings 4: 8-10. It is not the amount that God regards, it is the love that prompts the gift that is valuable in his sight. That was the reason the widow’s mite was precious to the Saviour.

When the tabernacle was built in the wilderness, the women as well as the men gave liberally for the entire building. Ex. 35: 29; 36: 6. But there was one important article of furniture which the women had the honor of donating. The laver and its base were made of the highly polished metal mirrors of the women. Ex. 38: 8. Glass was unknown in those days, and metal mirrors were expensive. One Jewish translation says that the women who gave the mirrors came in crowds, while the Septuagint tells us the women who gave their mirrors to make the laver fasted the day it was set up. That was a great sacrifice for the women of Israel. Women of all ages have been noted for pride of appearance; and for those women to come in crowds and give their mirrors to help furnish the tabernacle when they were in the wilderness and could not hope to replace them, meant a sacrifice that few women know anything about at the present day.

Some of our sisters are experiencing a taste of the same spirit of sacrifice in giving for The Ellen G. White Memorial Hospital. One sister in the West started the list with an offering of $5,000, and has since increased the gift by $3,000. Another sister in the East has given $5,000 to assist in erecting a dormitory where our medical students can be surrounded by a Christian home influence while carrying forward their studies in the hospital.

God did not put it into the hearts of a sufficient number of our wealthy sisters to furnish the entire amount; just as in building the tabernacle, he left opportunity for many to give of that which they had thought they really needed. One dear white-haired sister gave what she could spare in money, but still she longed to do more. Then she thought of the beautiful silk quilt upon which she had spent hours of work during many who give liberally are doing so at decided that she would do so. And the quilt was given to be sold for all it would bring for the hospital.

One sister pledged two dollars, but did not have any way to obtain the money. She prayed over the matter, and the thought came into her mind that she could do plain sewing. She at once began soliciting plain sewing of her neighbors, and soon earned two dollars. Then she remembered a sick sister who longed to give for the hospital but was unable to work. She at once set to work to earn two dollars more by sewing. This she brought to the sister who was leader of the work in their church, and asked her to credit it to the sick sister.

One sister living on a farm set aside an acre of wheat as a gift for the hospital. Others have dedicated broods of chickens, and in various ways have secured their offerings, that they might have a part in building the hospital, which, while it will relieve the sick and suffering, will also be a training school for the preparation of medical missionaries to carry the light to those who sit in darkness.

Many of our sisters who are earning daily wages have given one day’s wages, while a goodly number have given two days’ wages. Many women who have given sums varying from one to twenty-five or thirty dollars, have earned the money selling message-filled literature. Thus the Lord is putting it into the hearts of our sisters to work earnestly to help equip The Ellen G. White Memorial Hospital.

Cannot our sisters everywhere between now and Sabbath, October 14, prepare to make a substantial offering for the hospital fund? Think of ways and means by which you can save a liberal offering. If you do not have the cash, there is plenty of time in which to earn it before October 14, and the Lord will bless you in doing it.

Remember our dear sisters of ancient days, who came in crowds to give their looking-glasses to help furnish the house of God; and ask the Lord to help you to find ways and means to assist in equipping the only medical school we have for the training of medical missionaries. If the Lord reminds you of a sacrifice you can make, do not draw back. Make the sacrifice and receive the blessing.

MRS. S. N. HASKELL.