Reports From Sanitariums by D. H. K.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 5, 1911

Reports From Sanitariums

By D. H. K.

Dr. W. E. Bliss, of the New England Sanitarium, Melrose, Mass., writes:—

“Our work is still onward. We have fifty-four patients in the house, which is phenomenal for just a few days before Christmas. Our prospects are bright for 1911. The work is growing so rapidly we can hardly keep pace with it. The week of prayer was a great help to us all. Every one seems to be of the best of courage.”

R. W. Parmele, president of the Florida Sanitarium, Orlando, Fla., writes:—

“I am pleased to report that the work of the sanitarium is progressing satisfactorily. Our greatest need is more extended facilities. We do practically no advertising. We simply dare not; for we can not care for much more than we have as it is.”

Dr. F. A. Loope, of the Wabash Valley Sanitarium, La Fayette, Ind., writes:—

“We are getting along very nicely, and the patronage is holding up well. The Lord has blessed us wonderfully. The family are all encouraged, and every one seems to want to do just the right thing. We are all of good courage, and wish an interest in the prayers of our people.”

Brother J. A. Burden, manager of the Loma Linda Sanitarium, Loma Linda, Cal., writes:—

“Our work in Loma Linda is progressing nicely. Especially do we feel encouraged with reference to the medical school. While we are very much crowded for room, and have many things yet to develop, we can see the hand of the Lord thus far in guiding the work. Our teachers and students are of good courage. We have over forty students this year in the medical department; about one hundred eighty, I think, in the nurses’ department; and thirty-five doing special work; besides this, we have a church-school with about fifty in attendance. So we have quite a large educational work already established at Loma Linda. The advance of the work will be according to the faith and confidence of the people to support it. One thing is sure, the Lord is leading. From year to year we can see how his blessing has gone before us. To illustrate: Our income from the patients in 1906, during the summer months, which are the lightest, was $6,000; for five months in 1907, $10,000; in 1908, $14,000; in 1909, $15,000; and in 1910, $22,000. Our last year has been a very good one. After paying all expenses and depreciations, we had a little over four hundred dollars’ gain in the running of the institution. We are now finishing the girls’ dormitory, which we hope to have ready to occupy by the first of February. It is a re-enforced concrete building, and will accommodate about 125 girls when it is completed. This will free the sanitarium building for guests. We have had to use some of these rooms this winter for students, and they are still so occupied.”

Dr. W. A. Ruble, president of the Loma Linda Medical College, writes:—

“We are in great need of funds. We ought to get in touch with some people who can place annuities in the institution. We should have twenty-five thousand dollars during this year for our school. I do not see how we can complete the year without our laboratory. We have forty young people here to whom we have promised adequate facilities for taking the medical course. We should already be at work on the laboratory, but we have not the funds to begin it.”

Special instruction has been given concerning Loma Linda as a place where workers should receive a training which will fit them to become medical missionaries. Some are to be trained as competent physicians and others as nurses, but all are to combine the evangelistic idea with their medical practice.

The Spirit of God has urged that this work should be taken hold of in faith, and the necessary buildings and equipment provided. In harmony with this admonition, the medical college was opened. We are glad that we now have a place where our young men and women of promise, who are ambitious to fit themselves for the greatest usefulness, may be encouraged to go. From this place, missionaries will very soon be sent forth into all parts of the world with the commission, Heal the sick, and preach the gospel of the kingdom. Money invested in this enterprise will yield returns.

D. H. K.