A Practical Missionary Movement
By L. A. Hansen
The sanitarium relief campaign has now been before us long enough, and has made sufficient progress, to demonstrate that it is a practical missionary movement. Originating with the dedication of the book “Ministry of Healing,” a movement was begun by which considerable financial assistance would come to our sanitarium work. Conditions of financial need in a number of our sanitariums led to an organized effort for the sale of this book in the United States. The author, the publishers, tract societies, and all our conferences have joined in the effort; and now our people everywhere are uniting to make it a success. The campaign provides for the sale of Life and Health, in connection with “Ministry of Healing.” Three years were allotted for fulfilling the requirements of the campaign; namely, that each member sell at least two copies of the book and five copies of the journal each year. The time is ample, and the terms are simple enough to permit almost any one under almost any conditions to perform his part. Of course it is permissible and even desirable to complete the work in less time, as some propose to do, and also to do more than the specified amount. Some have already sold more than their individual share of books and journals, and are still at work. The reports coming in are verifying the predictions that have been made as to the results of this movement. Its primary object begins to be realized in actual cash income to some of our sanitariums. The monthly statement of one sanitarium shows the receipt of $712.50 from the campaign in its conference. Another reports that money is coming in to make it possible to pay interest-bearing debts. Others report material help being received, and thus courage comes to those who are bearing burdens of financial pressure. The full cash returns of this campaign should amount to nearly half a million dollars. To secure this much-needed money in the manner provided by this campaign, is certainly a practical matter. We are told that by the sale of our relief books, much money may be raised for the work of our institutions, leaving our people more free to give of their means for the opening of the work in new missionary fields. See “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, page 80. The statement that by the sale of “Ministry of Healing” many persons will be brought to our sanitariums, is also being verified in fact. In presenting the book to people, opportunity is given to direct those who are sick to our health institutions; and as people read it, they become interested in this part of our work. This means a further help to these enterprises by developing for them a constant patronage, which is essential to their financial success. Thus may we render effectual help to an important missionary branch of our cause by a little effort on our part. This is practical, and this feature alone is reason enough for us to engage in this campaign. The financial returns, however, are not all that we may expect from this effort, nor are they even first in importance. Many persons will find healing for physical infirmities by being brought to our health centers. Much suffering will be relieved or avoided by the good and plain instruction received from the health publications sold. The sale of about four hundred thousand copies of “Ministry of Healing” and nine hundred thousand copies of Life and Health will surely do much toward making natural law plain, and encouraging obedience thereto, thereby reducing the sum of human suffering and woe. Of still greater importance is the precious privilege afforded of bringing spiritual blessing to many souls. There are sin-sick ones who find the way to the Great Healer by means of their physical restoration. Many experiences that are being reported indicate clearly that the good thus accomplished is beyond measure. Our good missionary book is leading many into a fuller study and knowledge of Bible truth. Interest is aroused, and inquiries are made as to other phases of our work and belief. Other books are requested and are read. In various ways people are being led to an acceptance of the truth and into a fuller Christian experience. The final harvest alone will tell the results of this movement, in souls saved. This service is a blessed one, and many are bearing witness thereto. Space will not permit relating even a small part of the grand experiences enjoyed by those engaging in this work. It does not take much to prove the precious promises that have been made concerning it, and those who try to do something find full reward for their efforts. Even those who enter upon the work with hesitancy and with a feeling of inability, are surprised at the results. A new experience in effectual missionary work and in the joy that attends it, is realized. As in our former relief campaign there were many who developed working ability, so now there are those who are learning how to do practical missionary work. How shall we estimate the sum total of benefit to our own people in this movement of missionary co-operation? There is nothing difficult or intricate about this work. One does not need to be an experienced canvasser or “know how to sell books” in order to do his20part. People will buy good books when given an opportunity to know what they are. “Ministry of Healing” appeals to all classes. Its contents and general make-up make it a ready seller. Many of our people say it is the easiest selling book they have canvassed for. A number of books have been sold by merely leaving a copy with a friend or neighbor. Ministers are found who are glad to secure it and to recommend it. Temperance workers gladly receive and indorse it, and in some instances aid in its sale. It may be sold outright, or a copy may be used to take orders with. The best preparation for selling it is a personal knowledge of its contents. A good field for its sale is offered among business men. To call their attention to the book and the plan of relief upon which it is sold, will in most cases result in a sale. Some even buy several copies for friends or employees. One brother in a town where we are well known took orders for ninety copies in two days in the business houses. One bank took eleven books. Others bought a number to use as presents. We need not hesitate to offer this precious volume to any one. Many favorable things, likewise, may be said regarding our excellent health journal. Life and Health is meeting with a popular reception; its sale and circulation are making remarkable progress. No one need fear to undertake its sale, and all may feel a satisfaction in having placed in some one's hands that which may result in much good. In ordering and remitting, state that you are working for the sanitarium relief campaign fund. Our foreign ten-cent magazines may be substituted where desirable. Let those who have not yet done anything, now make a beginning. Churches that have not yet entered upon the work should make up an order from their members of from two to six books each. Send to the State tract society or other source of supply. If cash can be sent, this should be done, but arrangements are generally made for securing time in which to sell the books and pay for them. Transportation charges are paid from the office. Printed canvasses and instructions may be had. Books may be had in German, Danish-Norwegian, and Swedish, all at the same price. More than one year is already gone. We should make an earnest effort to get our share of this work done within the allotted time. But to finish a task, it is necessary that it should have a beginning. Do not delay to make it. Much is lost by delaying; but a great deal is gained by working.