The past year is the second since our connection with the institution, and it gives us pleasure to say that it has been the most prosperous one in the history of the medical missionary work in Portland.
About four hundred patients have been cared for during the year. While all have not made a complete recovery, many have; others have been greatly benefited; and all are rejoicing in that they have learned a new and better way of living. Some have found a new life in their Saviour, and returned home thankful for blessings received and for the hope they have of entering into the joy of a better life than this.
That the Lord has most wonderfully blessed in the efforts put forth to free the institution of its indebtedness, is evidenced by the satisfactory condition of the work at the present time. Having passed through a most severe struggle for existence, the work is at last founded on a firm financial basis. A marked increase has been made in all departments of the work, which will necessitate the securing of more room in the near future. Already plans are being formed for the enlargement of the work by the erection of suitable buildings.
A food factory, conducted in connection with the sanitarium, manufactures all lines of health foods. Its work has rapidly increased until, at the present time, eight persons are engaged in this branch of the work. A good trade has been established for the foods, and many people are learning of the truth through this medium.
Believing the educational work to be one of the principal factors for which the sanitarium work is conducted, the managers of the institution have endeavored to make this one of the most prominent features. Knowing that the Lord has given us a knowledge of most wonderful truths and principles in regard to healthful living, we have tried to impress the minds of those with whom we come in contact with the importance of living out those principles. The educational work with patients has been carried on21largely through individual effort. Physicians have given instruction in the offices, nurses in the treatment rooms, cooks in the dining room and kitchen, and all who have been connected with the institution have felt a burden for its success, and have labored most earnestly not only to teach but to live the principles of the gospel of Christ.
At the time of the reorganization of the sanitarium work in July, 1900, a training school for nurses was also organized. Since that time we have had in the institution a class of earnest Christian young men and women who have consecrated their lives to this branch of the work. All have been most devoted to their calling, and harmony and good will have prevailed. Thirteen have been graduated. Some of these have gone out into the work in different parts of the field, and we believe all have gained a knowledge and an experience that will fit them for a wide field of usefulness in the cause of God. The school is conducted on the same general plan as the one at Battle Creek, Mich. Since the organization of the medical missionary interest on the Pacific Coast, the training schools have adopted a uniform curriculum, and will endeavor to maintain the same standard in regard to entrance, graduation, wages, etc.
An effort is also being made to secure a home where those who are in need of rest can go for a few weeks or months to regain their strength. It is the thought to make this a self-supporting enterprise, and a place where the nurses will be surrounded with everything that will tend to restore both the physical and the spiritual well-being.
