THE Iowa Sanitarium was established Oct. 1, 1899, as an institution where the sick among our people might receive both medical and surgical attention. It was also erected as a school where our young men and women might receive training for medical missionary work.
Acting upon this plan, the institution has accomplished a great deal of good; however, it was but a short time until people not of our faith began to patronize the sanitarium. Upon better acquaintance with the management and methods used in connection with our institution, the outside physicians have learned to recognize us; and at the present time we are well patronized by persons who have been directed to us by physicians who have become acquainted with us, and have received some knowledge of the truth.
We are not only endeavoring to make this an educational institution for our young people, but also a place where those who are seeking physical life may receive spiritual refreshment. We have further endeavored to place before them the principles of healthful living, thereby giving them a knowledge of preventive medicine from a moral basis, while administering to their sick bodies. This instruction is given by means of parlor lectures on health topics, as hygiene, proper combinations of food, studies of the digestive organs, etc.
Owing to the progress of the institution, we have been in a position to do considerable charity work. There are many good, consecrated Seventh-day Adventists in Iowa who are unable to pay the ordinary price charged for treatment at the sanitarium, and to accommodate such, we have established an Endowed Bed Fund, which is kept up by donations from those of our people who are able to help support others who are in embarrassing circumstances. We are daily coming in contact with individuals, almost under our roof, who are suffering, and, as every missionary institution ought to do, we are administering to their needs also. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
In accordance with the plans laid down before the erection of the sanitarium, we are giving due attention to the educational work, particularly in the training of Christian young men and women for medical missionary work. We feel that this is an important work, and therefore should receive due attention. Sister White, in mentioning the importance of the medical work, makes the following statement:—
“In our schools missionary nurses should receive lessons from well-qualified physicians, and as a part of their education should learn how to battle with disease, and to show the value of nature’s remedies. This work is greatly needed. Cities and towns are steeped in sin and moral corruption, yet there are lots in every Sodom. The poison of sin is at work at the heart of society, and God calls for reformers to stand in defense of the law which he has established in the training of the mind and the culture of the heart, that the great Physician may co-operate with the human helping hand in doing a work of mercy and necessity in the relief of the suffering.”
In the training of our nurses, we have tried to keep constantly before them the principles of our faith. Each nurse should be thoroughly acquainted with both the principles and the practical part of nursing, and should also have a clear understanding of the Scriptures. We have, therefore, felt it necessary to organize classes in Bible doctrine; and I am pleased to say that we have received much valuable instruction from the lessons outlined from time to time. Last year we had a number of graduates. Some have gone to other fields; some have been called to connect with the work in different parts of the State, while others are still employed at the sanitarium. We now have a class of nearly twenty intelligent young men and women, and we hope before long to send them forth to introduce the principles of health reform, and, through their faithful efforts, to bring souls to the truth. There is a great call in many of our institutions for good, consecrated nurses. We feel that great care must be exercised in the selection of persons to labor in this important branch of the work.
Since the opening of our sanitarium, its patronage has grown to such an extent that we have been compelled to secure a nurses’ dormitory. As we see the importance of hygienic cookery, and as our increasing bakery trade demands that we enlarge our facilities in this direction, we are erecting a two-story bakery building. We also believe that we can do as great a work, if not a greater one, by teaching nurses and patients the gospel of preventive medicine, especially in the form of scientific cookery.
We are also investing the money that has been obtained from the patronage of the sanitarium, in different branches of the work. We feel that this work must move, and it is our duty to do all that God gives us grace and strength to do to advance the message to perishing souls. The time is short, and what is done must be done quickly. May we ever have the interest in the message that will prompt us to give liberally and work earnestly for the support of the cause of God.
