Sanitarium Relief Campaign by L. A. Hansen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 20, 1911

Sanitarium Relief Campaign

By L. A. Hansen

In the Indiana Conference

THE Indiana Conference has been at work in the relief campaign for some time, but has more recently taken it up in a more definite way. The president, Elder Morris Lukens, has given it careful consideration in connection with other conference interests. He arranged to present the matter to the various churches, and then to follow up the interest thus awakened by a worker who could spend time helping the people to sell the books.

Appointments for a three weeks’ tour were given me, and provision was made for workers to accompany me. Elder Lukens joined in visiting several churches, and in urging the importance of the work. N. H. Poole, who will have charge of the campaign, was with me in the north part of the State, rendering excellent help. Rupert Spohr, missionary secretary, accompanied me to other parts of the State, helping in the public effort and also advancing other departmental interests.

Opportunity was given at the closing meeting of the spring council of laborers to present this work. The earnest interest

shown by those present was indicative of a strong support from the working force of the conference.

A visit was then made to the Wabash Valley Sanitarium at La Fayette, and two meetings were held with the workers. The interest of this family in things aside from their routine work was shown by the way in which managers and helpers planned for a full attendance both afternoon and evening, and the response given to what was said.

We have a company of twenty or more believers at the Soldiers’ Home, a short distance from the sanitarium. Brother Poole is in charge of this campaign, and together we visited the different members. A readiness to help was shown, arrangements being made to secure a number of books, which are to be sold to other members of the home.

The following churches were visited, in the order given: Logansport, Kokomo, Noblesville, East and North Indianapolis, Boggstown, Terre Haute, Farmersburg, Salem, Elnora, Middletown, Anderson, Muncie, New Hope, Barbers Mills, Ligonier, Elkhart, and South Bend. A good attendance was present at some of the churches, the members showing a deep interest in the work. At the Salem church, public announcement had been given for a preaching service. An early meeting was held in the interest of the campaign, and before it closed, the outside audience began to come in, soon filling the house.

At Hartford City it was not necessary to make an appointment, as this company had already sold more than its full share of books. An interesting feature here is the effective way in which medical missionary work has been combined with evangelical work, in a public effort carried on by Brethren J. H. N. Tindall and C. E. Garnsey, late of Loma Linda College. Unusually good results have been seen. An extended report may be looked for from this work.

At Goshen Brother Poole made personal visits to the members, and obtained orders for several books, with good promise of continued co-operation. He will visit other churches, and follow up the work already done.

The proceeds of this work in Indiana go to aid the Wabash Valley Sanitarium. The workers in Indiana are united in making this campaign a success, and we are looking for the co-operation of every Seventh-day Adventist in the conference. I believe that if our brethren would show the book to the business men with whom they deal, to the family physician, and to their friends and relatives, they would have no trouble in selling a large number of these truth-laden volumes.

I am sure that every one who will take hold of this work will be blessed. Those who get the book also receive a blessing; and last, but not least, the sanitarium will be better able to do work for the sick and suffering. As it is now, more than eighteen hundred dollars a year, or thirty-five dollars a week, is paid out in interest. If this debt could be liquidated, much more could be done for those who are unable to pay; but with this large amount of interest each week, much that we believe the Lord would be pleased to have us do can not be accomplished.

May the One who has told us to heal the sick help all to do their part in this work. L. A. HANSEN.