A Hospital for the Loma Linda Medical College by A. G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 12, 1916

A Hospital for the Loma Linda Medical College

By A. G. Daniells

RECENT articles in these columns have presented the call that is now being made for means to establish the new hospital in Los Angeles, to be operated in connection with the College of Medical Evangelists, at Loma Linda.

The action authorizing this movement was taken only after the most careful study of the matter, with days of consideration and discussion. This attitude on the part of our responsible men was in harmony with the position they have ever held toward the Loma Linda work. Recognizing its necessities, they have from time to time endeavored to meet them as far as possible and consistent with our ability and the needs of the work in other places. Much thought and effort have been given to plans for this school.

In placing this new enterprise before our people, we do it with the thought that this hospital is a real necessity. The need of a strong training center for medical workers is emphasized the more as we view the needs of our mission fields, and note what is already being accomplished by this class of workers in these fields. No one finds more ready access to the homes and hearts of people than the medical missionary, and no one finds more opportunity to make practical use of his training. With hearts set on soul-saving, and with every effort bent to that one thing, such workers add many sheaves to the garner.

In our determination to press our gospel message to the ends of the earth in the Lord's appointed time, we must give earnest heed to the instruction we have had relative to the kind of work that must be done. We must plan for the strong development of those features that show good returns. Our dispensary work in mission fields is accomplishing a great work, and the results give encouragement for stronger outlay in similar enterprises.

These medical centers in mission fields must be manned by men and women whose hearts are in this message, and whose lives are devoted to making its furtherance the one thing before them. The work requires men and women who have been trained to it, and whose skill is secured in an atmosphere of loyal adherence to the truth and all its needs. We must depend upon genuine Seventh-day Adventists to push our work at the front. We must give proper spiritual fitness a place of paramount importance.

At the same time we must recognize that medical practice and nursing in mission fields call for the exercise of the very best skill and training possible. Maladies of grave character and great in number are to be treated. A few workers must care for many people. Facilities are limited, and conveniences are wanting. Tact and training must make up for much that is lacking. Emergencies on every hand must be met. We must prepare these workers as far as lies within our power to meet the varied needs of these fields, and to make their services as efficient as possible. A. G. DANIELLS.