p. 184 | A Visit to Loma Linda by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 20, 1913

A Visit to Loma Linda

By G. B. Thompson

From the splendid council at Mountain View, with others I went to Loma Linda to attend the meeting of the constituency of the sanitarium and medical school, which was called to meet January 27. This meeting proved to be a most excellent one, characterized by a spirit of unity throughout.

This was my second visit to our institutions established in Loma Linda. I greatly enjoyed the opportunity of becoming better informed concerning the work being built up at this important center, and of coming into closer touch with the large body of consecrated teachers and students gathered here. In no institution among us have I found a deeper spiritual atmosphere, or a more earnest and loyal company of workers and students than at this place.

I found the sanitarium well filled with a good class of patients. This institution has become widely and favorably known, and is exerting a strong influence in favor of the truth. There seems to be no reason why, with careful management, the indebtedness of the sanitarium can not be reduced each year, if its present good patronage can be maintained, and at the same time efficient nurses trained for work in mission fields.

The medical school has over sixty strong, consecrated students enrolled, all of whom are endeavoring to secure a medical education with the view of devoting their lives wholly to the advancement of God's work in the earth, in either home or foreign fields. This is the high and noble aim that all connected with the school are endeavoring to keep constantly before the students.

No argument is necessary to prove the need of a medical school. Those receiving a medical training for the work of God should be able to obtain it in a school where God is reverenced and the Bible believed, rather than be compelled to secure their education where infidel sentiments are constantly met, and a worldly goal is held before them.

The need of a Christian medical school is apparent. To have Christian doctors of the highest type, we must have a Christian school in which they can secure their training. As well expect the schools of the world to train teachers in other lines, as to expect a worldly medical college to train Christian physicians. While some may go through these schools and stand the test, the risk is very great. It is to establish a school to give a training in our methods of medical practise that I understand the Lord, through the spirit of prophecy, is calling for here at Loma Linda, and that those upon whom the burden has especially rested have been trying to build up.

To establish such a school is a great undertaking. But there is a way to do whatever the Lord calls upon his people to do. Our whole work is a great undertaking; but it can be done by faith and united effort. If we all take hold of this enterprise, the Lord will bless us, and give the strength and means necessary for the work. An excellent beginning has been made. The equipment already brought into existence is good, but not extravagant. It meets the needs of the school so far, and fulfils the requirements of the medical board as a beginning. But we must continue to advance. Funds must be furnished with which to provide additional equipment as the work of the school goes forward.

Among the most urgent needs at present is that of a clinical hospital. This must be provided at once, or the work will be greatly hindered. The foundation of this building has been started with what funds the brethren had on hand. But in harmony with the instruction not to create further debt, they have stopped and are waiting for funds with which to complete the building. We believe that this is an opportune time for all our people to take hold and lift, and thus place this struggling and necessary institution upon vantage-ground. In doing this, we shall be following the instruction of the Spirit of God, and shall bring a great blessing to our own hearts, and to the work of God as well.

To secure the clinical hospital and yet not incur further indebtedness, Sabbath, March 15, has been appointed as Loma Linda Hospital day, in which a collection is to be taken in all our churches to secure the necessary funds with which to build the hospital. This is the first general offering that has been called for to help this institution, and the response should be very liberal.

To secure funds with which to make a beginning in starting the medical school, the various union conferences have been called upon for several years to raise a certain stipulated amount. With the apportionment for 1913, and the amount unpaid for the two previous years, the sum due from the various unions is about $27,000. It is agreed, however, that the collection taken on Loma Linda day, March 15, shall be applied on this sum, and whatever is raised will cancel this entire amount. If we should average in every church a sum equal to fifty cents a member, there would be raised sufficient to build the hospital and furnish it. Why not set this as a goal to reach? Some can give many times this amount, others not so much; but this amount can be readily raised if all take hold and lift with willing hearts. We expect the Lord will greatly bless his people in their efforts to help forward this work. Why should not every individual take hold heartily and help to secure a most liberal offering?

G. B. Thompson.