p. 18 | A Gospel-Medical Missionary Tent Effort by L. A. H.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 10, 1911

A Gospel-Medical Missionary Tent Effort

By L. A. H.

WE recently gave a report of a gospel-medical winter campaign at Hartford City, Ind., carried on by Brethren J. H. N. Tindall and C. E. Garnsey. The friends of the work at Hartford City gave a large tent worth three hundred dollars to these brethren, who are now conducting a gospel-medical missionary tent effort at Indianapolis, under the direction of the Indiana Conference. It is too early to speak of final results, but the present developments are such as to be of interest. Especially may it be well to give some information concerning the methods used in this kind of tent effort; for they help to solve a problem of long standing, and one that has confronted many who have been anxious to follow urgent and oft-repeated instruction on the importance of combining the medical work with the evangelical. In many respects this work follows the general plan of holding tent-meetings. The usual subjects are presented, beginning with those that are non-antagonistic, such as the following: Existence of a Personal God; Authenticity of the Bible; Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation; Who Is Satan? and Why Did Not God Destroy Him? etc.

Printed announcements, in circular and card form, are distributed each week, giving the program for the following week. A special music and song service of fifteen minutes is held before each meeting. The tent is well located, is lighted by electricity, and is neatly decorated. It is known as the Gospel-Medical Missionary Tent, being thus announced on the printed programs.

Health lectures are advertised along with Bible subjects, on programs and in the evening announcements. At the health lectures the gospel services are freely spoken of, and attendance thereon is urged. The gospel service and the health lecture are opened in the same way and conducted in like manner, with prayer and song and use of the Bible. The one carrying the health work is known as the medical evangelist.

Two nights in the week are given to health topics,—Monday and Wednesday nights. These nights are not so good for attendance as others, so the brethren, looking upon the health work as the “right arm,” and not the body itself, give the best nights to the message proper. The attendance is very good, however, though not quite so large as that at the other meetings. The same people largely attend both meetings. A different class of people attend the health lectures at first, and later they become interested in other phases of the truth. The plan of work appeals to W. C. T. U. people and others interested in temperance.

Among the topics of the health lectures are these: Diseases and Their Causes; Foods and Their Relation to Health; How to Live; Foods—Healthful and Unhealthful; Diseases and Results From Overeating; What Foods Cause Disease; How to Replace Harmful Foods With Good; The Meat Question and Economy; Simple Treatments Versus Poisonous Drugs; Demonstration of Simple Treatments.

The first printed announcement of this work states that it is its purpose to teach the people how to live temperately and healthfully; instructing them how to obey the laws of nature, and helping them to know the true causes of disease. The entire tent effort is announced as “a school of learning, set down in your neighborhood to teach you the way of life,—physical, mental, spiritual.”

An announcement is made at the first, of special cooking classes to be held later, and from time to time invitation is given to those interested to send in their names and addresses. It is stated that this is not in the interest of any health food establishment, but is a practical, curative, missionary work. Those forming the cooking classes furnish the material used in demonstrations, and the prepared dishes are divided among them. No admission fee is charged. The equipment is not elaborate, costing but seven dollars. The classes are held at different homes each week, so that the hostess may invite in her own circle of friends. This brings the work before a large number of people, and constantly multiplies the attendance. Meeting announcements are given out at the classes. As the attendance increases, the cooking class is held in sections, with about fifteen members to each. There were eighteen

in attendance at the first one held in Indianapolis. At Hartford City it became necessary to hold the class in three sections. Just one different lesson is given each week.

Another feature of special interest is the practical work for the sick that is done in connection with the visiting work. Several Bible workers, who are receiving daily instruction in the treatment of the sick, are working in connection with the effort, inviting the people to the tent, and treating and praying with those who are sick. Services are given free of charge. The patient is especially instructed and impressed with the principles of right living. In taking treatment, the individual assumes the responsibility relative to the physician’s attitude. Almost no antagonism has been met with from physicians. The workers do not pose as doctors.

A good stereopticon lantern is used almost every evening, to good advantage, for illustrating salient points of both features of the message, especially the health work.

This combination of gospel and medical work appeals to people as consistent missionary effort. Expressions of hearty appreciation are heard from many, especially business men and the better class of people. All classes are reached, and prejudice is allayed.

The expense of the effort is borne by the conference, the same as for any other tent effort. This method may offer suggestion to other conferences as to how medical workers may be employed to advantage. It also offers to this class of workers a wide field of usefulness, and, with a willingness to share and fare with evangelical workers, opens the way for the exercise of talents and abilities for the fullest advancement of the message.

The printed programs and announcements referred to may be desirable to others, offering, as they do, good suggestions and hints for arrangement and attractiveness. Brethren Tindall and Garnsey will be pleased to supply such of these as they can, and will gladly answer questions or give detailed information concerning their work and plans. Address them at 606 East Nineteenth St., Indianapolis, Ind.

L. A. H.