The Skodsborg (Denmark) Sanatorium
By Ole Andres Olsen
It has been my privilege to spend a few weeks at the Skodsborg Sanatorium; and knowing the deep interest that is felt by all our people in this institution, because of the trying experiences it has been passing through, I have thought that a few lines from a visitor may be appreciated. In the month of May, 1897, a meeting of representative brethren from Sweden, Denmark, and Norway was held at Christiania, and there the organization of the Scandinavian Philanthropic Association was effected. The objects of this association are the same as those of the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association in America. The time was ripe for such a move in these countries. Dr. J. C. Ottosen had finished his medical course, and after spending some time in the States, had returned, and was ready for definite work. During this council it was also decided that the most favorable place to begin institutional work would be in Copenhagen, Denmark, by renting suitable rooms for a doctor's office, and place of treatment. Immediately after this Dr. Ottosen with other brethren began to look for a favorable location in the city of Copenhagen, but not seeing anything that seemed suitable in the city, they turned their attention to the suburbs, and finding what to them seemed a suitable place and buildings at Skodsborg, they decided after much prayer and counseling together to purchase this property, and make it the headquarters for their medical missionary work. This was indeed a large venture. The property was bought for fifty thousand kroner, which was regarded as very cheap; but having only a small amount of available funds on hand, the society was obliged to depend largely on borrowed capital with which to make a start. Not only were our funds limited, but our health principles were but little known, and experienced managers to take charge of such an institution were also wanting; thus the outlook from a human standpoint was not very favorable. But the Lord had spoken concerning the importance of this branch of the work, and Dr. Ottosen and the brethren connected with him felt convinced that the time had come to make this beginning. Although there were hindrances in the way, still this seemed to them a providential opening, and they believed that it was the will of God that they should go forward, trusting that he would open the way for means to be supplied as fast as needed. In May, 1898, the sanatorium was in readiness, and was formally opened to receive patients. These soon began to come, and the Lord blessed the work with marked success in many ways. The institution has been in operation a little more than four years, and it must be acknowledged that its success has been much greater than our most sanguine expectations. Beginning, as they did, in a community where our people were few in number, where the principles that underlie our work were but little known, with managers without experience in such an enterprise, and added to all this, with the embarrassment of having to work mostly on borrowed capital, the outlook from the human standpoint was about as unfavorable as it could well be; and it has been up-hill work indeed, for the difficulties have been many and great. But difficulties are no evidence that God is not leading in the work. Indeed, as we look over the past history of God's people, we find that he permits all this for our good. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1: 2-4. As we now take a retrospect over the little more than four years during which this institution has been running, the guiding hand of the Lord is most plainly seen all the way along. The success that the work has achieved not only in the way of relieving physical suffering, but in bringing the great principles of gospel truth before the world, and through these winning the respect of prominent people, is truly a marvel. Persons of high standing in society, and men of science have found themselves compelled to speak in the highest terms of the work done at this institution. To illustrate, at the time of the opening of the sanatorium there was a doctor in Copenhagen by the name of Ottosen. He found it necessary to insert a notice in the leading journals of the country to the effect that his name must not be confounded with that of Dr. Ottosen, the head of the Skodsborg Sanatorium, as he had no sympathy with that fanatical movement. He explained that his name could be distinguished from the other, as it was spelled with an “e.” Well, at the time I was at the sanatorium, this very doctor sent his wife for a short stay at the institution, not because she was ill, but to learn the principles there advocated, and he himself spent as much time there as his duties would allow, and no one showed more interest than he in learning about the preparation of the various dishes that were served on the table. Another instance was that of one of the foremost medical men in Denmark, the head of their medical organization. Meeting Dr. Ottosen one day, he said, “I must compliment and congratulate you on the success that your institution at Skodsborg has achieved in this short time; it is indeed phenomenal. When you first began work here, we all thought that it was one of the wildest fanatical moves we had ever seen, and could only end in a most ignominious failure; but instead of this, you have achieved a most marvelous success, and I hear your work spoken of in the very highest terms all over the country.” The preceding are only a few of many instances that might be cited, and I refer to them as an illustration of the manner in which the Lord has blessed the work undertaken in weakness and amid much difficulty. During my own stay at the sanatorium, I met people daily who spoke most feelingly concerning the spirit that prevailed everywhere about the institution, and they made many inquiries about the principles that underlie this work; “for,” said they, “this is so different from any place that we have been in before.” Then they would call for Bible studies, and we had some very precious seasons answering their queries, and opening to them the word of truth. Now what has contributed most to all this? and who has given the work this character and standing? It is not great and imposing buildings, for the quarters occupied are very humble indeed; neither is it the superior ability and skill of the physicians and nurses above all other people in the country. Not that we would belittle their ability; still this is not the main reason for the success achieved. No, the institution owes what it is to-day to the fact that those connected with it have been sitting low at the feet of the great Teacher; and nothing has been more helpful in bringing this about than the very trials and troubles that have rested so heavily on them from the very first. Had they not been in such financial distress, and other difficulties which followed in the wake of the same, they would in all probability not have felt the need of seeking the Lord so earnestly and so continuously; but being pressed with their troubles, not just for a moment, but days, weeks, months, and years, they have continued at the foot of the cross, and just there, as in the case of Jacob of old, the battle has been fought, and the victory won. This spirit has permeated the whole institution, from the head physician to the most humble helper, and has given it its special character, and caused its phenomenal success. Yes, truly the Lord has led, and to-day, instead of looking with regret over the difficulties that have met us, we give praise, honor, and glory to the name of our God, who is “wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.” Sometimes movements are made that look foolish to us, and when we are told that the persons concerned sought the Lord earnestly, and felt that they were divinely guided, we look on with a skeptical mien. And this is not altogether without reason, for many erroneous moves are made under the pretense of divine guidance. But while this is so, it is nevertheless true, as stated by the poet, that— “God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform.”
In the trying experiences in connection with the Skodsborg Sanatorium, there have been many wonderful answers to prayer. Never once has the Lord failed to help in times of need; and the brethren and friends in America and elsewhere who have come to the rescue from time to time by sending financial aid and encouragement, may have the joy of knowing that although they did not realize it at the time, they were nevertheless doing what they did in answer to earnest and continual prayer; for many a time when the outlook was dark and threatening, the workers in this institution have fasted and prayed for days. They would continue all night waiting on the Lord till they knew their request was answered, and God did hear and deliver. Yes, these are the experiences that have entered into the very heart of the institution, and have been the real cause of its success. We give praise to God for it all, and we earnestly pray that his special blessing may continue to rest upon this institution. This will undoubtedly be the case as long as the work is carried on in the spirit that has characterized it hitherto. May this be so to the glory of God. O. A. OLSEN.