Medical Missionary Work in China by Mr. P. J. Laird; Mrs. P. J. Laird

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 16, 1909

Medical Missionary Work in China

By Mr. P. J. Laird; Mrs. P. J. Laird

We have recently returned from a six-weeks’ trip among the highlands of Liuyang, a city two days’ journey overland from Chang-sha. The Lord blessed us wonderfully. It gave us great encouragement to see people coming from ten to fifteen miles, ascending a high mountain on their way, to receive treatment and to hear the message of life only in Christ.

At Liuyang itself we have three inquirers. Two of these are itinerant herbalists. When at home, their supplies are spread out on a stall on the street. Advice is given gratis, but thanks may be expressed in a gift of money, which in some cases is a good round sum if the patient has means, and his cure has been satisfactory. But on the whole, it is a precarious means of livelihood, and as they themselves told me, at times a trifle questionable. The other inquirer is a silver- and gold-smith in comfortable circumstances. His elder brother is our first convert to the truth in Hunan, and we trust is about to see the visible result of his prayer and testimony. Our prayer is for them all, that they may not miss the blessing which comes through the obedience of faith in closing their shops on the Sabbath. This will be a splendid witness that they are at least trying to “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

Already we are seeing the power of this message to lead a man to “purify himself, even as he is pure.” Wine, tobacco, and other hurtful things are being given up as the light comes to them. A common dread of giving offense to visitors does now and again cause them to provide things for others which they have ceased to use for their own consumption. An invitation to take a hygienic meal with us occasionally, has been a great help to them. Having to cater to their taste, we learn the local products that are wholesome and palatable. It is not that the Chinese are addicted to unclean food, as so many of our friends at home have imagined, but rather uncooked food, which gives rise to so much sickness. With one fire hole and one frying pan for all purposes, it takes a long time to prepare a meal of several courses; hence the food is often served more or less raw. That the Lord has blessed our efforts to teach healthful living is seen by the empty plates after one of these meals.

The weather being so hot, we did not stay in the city, but remained in the country district. Sometimes those in the city would join us for Sabbath-school, or those of our party would gather with those in the city. One friend decided he would join our Bible school; but as we were leaving, he received the sad news that his father was taken very sick, and he had to go to see him. Others have promised to come to Chang-sha for further study with us after the feast day, September 28.

This being the first time we had left the well-beaten track for a lengthy stay among the villages, and to visit the people in their homes, it was a valuable and educational privilege. But it should be borne in mind that a foreigner is by no means a welcome visitor in every home. Centuries of superstition have beclouded their minds, and Satan knows only too well the channels of thought, and uses them with great effect. This is one of the crosses we have to bear in China. But praise God for the “open doors” everywhere.

One man, after being carried in a chair by two men for about fifteen miles to receive treatment, appeared greatly perplexed when questioned face to face by the doctor. When he was told he must take treatment right away, he called his chair-bearers to take him home quickly, happy in the thought that no harm had befallen him. However, they are not all like this. People come from all quarters seeking relief from their sufferings. The Lord manifests his workings with us by the speedy recovery of stubborn cases. One man came with his sight almost gone, and both eyes greatly inflamed. Several treatments were given daily, and we had prayer and gospel talks with him. As he heard of the land where the blind shall receive their sight, how he drank it all in! In a few days he was able to return to his village. Other patients, coming as the result of his testimony, informed us that he was exposing the fallacy of worshiping deified dead men, instead of the living and true God. He himself had gone quite a round among the villages, worshiping at the various tutelary shrines in the false hope of recovery. May his simple faith grow daily. Another man, who would probably have died had he delayed much longer to receive proper treatment, came to us. Just here we might say we were informed that, at these shrines reputed to possess healing virtues, there are receptacles enclosing prescriptions. They may be mixed together, or those for men and women may be separate, as may also be those for external or internal use. This man told us he had made use of one of these demon prescriptions. It was composed in part of a live fish and a live frog beaten together in a mortar, and applied externally. No Chinese practitioner would treat his case because it was an enormous carbuncle on his neck immediately opposite his mouth. For a few days we worked and prayed with him with no signs of change in the great wound. The doctor requested that he be told of the serious nature of his disease, after which we again joined in prayer.

A little later, in passing an otherwise empty room, what was our joy to hear him engaged in prayer with one of our helpers, himself asking God to forgive his past sinful life and enable him to live better. The very next day a change for the better came, and his neck has almost healed. Being a Buddhist priest, he tried to borrow money from the fraternity, but failed. This proved a good lesson for him, teaching him that works do not beget love, but that God was showing his love toward him in that foreigners and strangers were willing to help him as they were able. Dear friends, our most powerful addresses are not always confined to pulpit orations. O for the gentleness and love of Jesus to help us to be continually at his call

of mercy to fallen men and women! May this man decide to keep all of God’s commandments.

Those sent away were legion, because with such meager equipment we were unable to give proper treatment. Many totally or almost blind came miles in the vain endeavor to receive sight; we could only point them to Jesus, and the place he has gone to prepare for all who believe his gospel.

The mother, in a house held in great repute on account of the dirty idol therein, which had miserably failed to cure her malaria during eight years, was visited by us. After prayer, treatment was administered, and to every one’s surprise she was much better the next day. A second treatment, and she was able to come and thank us in person. This was a good opportunity to tell of the Saviour who came to break Satan’s power over men’s bodies and minds. The family are all very ignorant, but the truth overcomes these hindrances. The eldest son was much interested in what he heard, and gives great promise of becoming a servant of God. He desires to study the Bible and learn to read at the same time; yet with a mother and three growing boys dependent upon his labors, it is a difficult case. God grant we may soon get a site for a school. Dear friends, pray that these dear souls may go on to know the Lord.

MR. AND MRS. P. J. LAIRD.