In the very heart of Germany, far removed from the noise and bustle of the city, is a small place which has been attracting more and more attention during the last six years, for it is here that the Friedensau Sanitarium was erected in the summer of 1901. Surrounding the institution, and protecting it on every side, are fine forests of pine, so intersected with lanes and roads that it is possible for the pedestrian to abundantly enjoy the pure, fresh air, heavily laden with the aroma of the woods; while the eye is pleased with the ever-changing panorama of color—here the tender green of a miniature forest of saplings, yonder the foliage of a lot of more somber-clad trees whose size and strength tell you that they have weathered the storms of many winters. The hare, the squirrel, the deer, and the cuckoo inhabit the woodland, and they all make the visitor aware of their presence. The quiet beauty of the landscape is enhanced by the Ihle, a branch of the Elbe, which flows along a few hundred steps from the sanitarium building. On the right bank of this stream are inviting footpaths, decorated now and then with hidden bowers, where the convalescent may spend many a pleasant hour.
The sanitarium was built upon the highest point of land in the settlement, although the sandy soil makes dampness almost impossible, as the heaviest rainfall quickly flows off. Within the last few years a park has been laid out before the sanitarium buildings, and this adds much to the attractiveness of the grounds. The full benefits of this piece of landscape-gardening will be reaped in later years. Aside from the fountains, grottoes, and arbors, there is a miniature mountain landscape, with an artificial spring emptying its waters into an artificial lake that is alive with sporting fish of various kinds.
The Friedensau Sanitarium was opened under the superintendency of Dr. A. J. Hoenes, who accepted the call to come from the States in 1899. It fell to him to educate a staff of male and female nurses, whom he had to train in our principles,—principles altogether too little known in this field,—teaching them our manner of living and of treating the sick.
Soon after the sanitarium opened, patients and guests began to come—and ever in greater numbers: during 1902 there were 108 patients; in 1903, 140; in 1904, 165; in 1905, 247; in 1906, 300; and in 1907, 328 received treatment. In addition to these, many have spent their vacations here, and others have visited us simply in quest of medical advice. These guests have come from all parts of Germany, from Russia, Scandinavia, England, France; from Austria-Hungary and the countries around the Mediterranean; from Asia; from America; and from Africa. Our best season is during the summer, when both of the sanitarium physicians have their hands full.
Since the institution was founded, eighty-two nurses have been trained here. The larger number of these are employed in Germany, but some are in Russia, Austria-Hungary, Palestine, and Africa, acting as medical missionaries in the cause of their Master. Not only is it the aim of these nurses to give treatments; they use some of their free time in the circulation of our literature—the German Good Health, and the German “Ministry of Healing,” a book which has proved a great blessing to many. Accompanying their regular reports, our nurses frequently speak of the precious experiences they have in spreading the principles contained in these works, and in the sale of the publications themselves.
There are now forty nurses in training, whose course extends from two to two and a half years. We are happy that our nurses can attend the Friedensau Industrial School, located near the sanitarium; here they attend the classes of competent teachers; they secure a theoretical course, and they gain a thorough knowledge of the Holy Scriptures.
FRIEDENSAU SANITARIUM
Last August the work suffered a great loss by the return of Dr. Hoenes to America. Dr. E. Meyer, his former assistant, was chosen medical superintendent; Dr. A. W. Peterson is associated with him, and is especially engaged in holding health and temperance lectures, and in looking after the nurses engaged in the field work. The matron is Miss Helen Bartel; business manager, W. Krum; treasurer, P. Brandt. The legal owner of the property is the “Deutscher Verein für Gesundheitspflege.”
Our increased patronage has compelled us to make a number of additions to the sanitarium building, the last of which was made this autumn, so we now can accommodate sixty-six patients. We rejoice that the Lord has so richly blessed his work. We trust that his weak instruments at this place may be filled with his wisdom, meekness, patience, and love for humanity, so that the light of the third angel’s message may be shed abroad in Germany and in the surrounding countries through this instrumentality of his planting. Many of our former patients have been brought to a knowledge of the precious truth during their stay here. Others write us letters expressing their gratitude and happiness that they have learned of the principles we teach. So writes, for example, an aged professor who was with us for a short time:—
“As I made up my mind to take treatment at Friedensau, I thought I should come into contact with just such a sanitarium as one finds everywhere—that the chief thing would be business, merely. But I can now state that he who leaves Friedensau does so with regret; and he can always look back with pleasure upon the days he spent there; for the management earnestly care for their guests. It is no wonder that my digestion, which had been impaired for thirty-five years, has been so much improved, and also that my bodily powers, happy disposition, and joy of living have been restored, and that I, after a six weeks’ stay, felt like a new man. I, who am seventy years of age, could then keep step with all the younger guests in the gymnastic exercises; I could walk about barefoot for an hour before breakfast, in the woods, without being wearied; and my old trouble, cold feet, disappeared. Similar results, experienced by other guests, are due not only to the proper course of medical treatment, but also to the benevolent and unselfish execution of their duties on the part of the nurses, who are actuated in their work by a genuine spirit of Christian love for the good of humanity.”
Although such results are a great incentive to us to strive for greater perfection in our work, yet that which constrains us the most is the command of the Saviour: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” Our greatest reward, aside from the appreciative look of the patient, is to be the everlasting reward given us in that glad day when Christ appears. We trust for his help in our difficulties. We hope our brethren and sisters in other lands will remember us in their prayers. May the Lord bless his world-wide work.
