The Work at Loma Linda, Cal.
By F. M. W.
It was our privilege to visit the College of Medical Evangelists at Loma Linda, Cal., in the month of April last year. At that time we told the readers of the REVIEW of the good impressions which we received of the work carried forward in that important center. It was our privilege to again visit the institution at the time of the board and constituency meetings, held during the first few days of the present month. We were pleased to note the many evidences of growth and progress that had taken place since our former visit. This center forms a little world by itself. Our people operate a sanitarium, a nurses’ training-school, and a medical school for the training of physicians. Accessory equipments have been provided. A general store is kept. A steam laundry is in operation. The institution owns a plant for the manufacture of health food products. A large tract of land has been purchased and is devoted to farming. These institutions and enterprises have brought together some three or four hundred Seventh-day Adventists. A large majority of these are in training, either as nurses and physicians, or are taking the preparatory school work for these professions. It was truly inspiring to look into the faces of these earnest young people and realize that they have devoted the strength and energy of their young manhood and womanhood to the work of this movement. A faithful and devoted company of physicians and teachers have been assembled at this place. Dr. W. A. Ruble, for some years secretary of the General Conference Medical Department, is in charge of the school work. Dr. T. J. Evans is the medical superintendent of the sanitarium. The institution has availed itself of the efficient business management of Brother W. D. Salisbury, who brings to his work a long and successful experience in the management of other denominational institutions. Brother J. A. Burden and his faithful wife, who have been connected with the enterprise from its inception, and who have so earnestly and sacrificingly labored for its promotion and upbuilding, have the direct oversight of the sanitarium, Sister Burden as matron and Brother Burden as business superintendent and chaplain, and also as treasurer of the general association. As chairman of the general board, and as a father to the enterprise, Elder G. A. Irwin has located at this place. His fostering care and able counsel have been much appreciated. The meetings of the constituency and board were employed in dealing with some of the pressing needs of the work, particularly the demand which exists in connection with the medical school for a clinical hospital. This additional equipment is required by medical standards, and unless the school provides such facilities for its senior medical students, they will not be permitted to take State board examinations. The first medical class graduates from the college one year from next June, hence all will see there is no time to be lost in providing the required hospital building. As announced by Elder A. G. Daniells in the REVIEW of last week, this question was taken under consideration, and provision was made by the members of the General Conference Committee who were present, for a general collection to be taken in all our churches March 15, in order to provide funds for this enterprise. It was confidently believed that our people everywhere would esteem it a privilege to make liberal offerings to this important general denominational institution. As we took time during our visit to review the leadings of God in connection with the starting of the Loma Linda work; as we heard recounted to us many incidents in the history of the enterprise where God has particularly interposed to send help and deliverance in times of distress and perplexity; and particularly as we read the many messages of encouragement which the servant of the Lord has borne regarding the development of this training-school, we felt more deeply impressed than ever before that the guiding hand of God is with his people; that he has not left them to walk in darkness, but that he is still moving before them. We believe that in obedience to that leading there is light and liberty for us in the future. It was gratifying indeed to see this view of the question taken by all the visiting brethren. Those from the local field and the members of the General Conference Committee entered heartily into the plans which were laid for the furtherance of the work, and assured the workers in Loma Linda of their hearty sympathy and cooperation in their labors. These brethren are not there by their own appointment. By others they have been placed in their positions; and must carry heavy burdens. They have labored earnestly and untiringly. Their fellows should count it not only a duty but a privilege to sustain them by their prayers, their sympathy, and their donations. Loma Linda Hospital day, March 15, will afford an excellent opportunity for the exercise of this spirit of helpfulness. We hope that our brethren and sisters everywhere will give as God has prospered them, in order that the work in Loma Linda may be placed upon that basis where it will be enabled to accomplish what God designs in the preparation of men and women to go out as efficient workers in the carrying forward of this last-day movement. Plan for the Loma Linda hospital offering, March 15.