The Measure of Success of Missionary Nurses by W. F. Lange

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 3, 1907

The Measure of Success of Missionary Nurses

By W. F. Lange

The work of a nurse covers a large field. The idea is not so much the relief we give to the sufferer as it is the spirit in which this relief is given. For this reason it seems to me the performance of our duties should be marked by unselfishness. Again, the question might be asked, Is not the relief afforded the sufferer a religious act in itself? Personally, I do not think it is. All over the world are thousands of physicians and nurses who are doing grand and noble work in lessening the sickness and suffering of mankind; but are they living religious lives? We find also that a vast amount of money is given every year for benevolent purposes by those who do not believe in the gospel of our Lord; but will this benevolence save them? What, then, is the vital connection between these kind acts to suffering humanity and the religious life? The apostle Paul says, in his letter to the Corinthians, “Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” Here, then, is that secret principle, charity, which makes the ministrations of a nurse a part of his religion. This genuine unselfish love for our frailer and weaker brother, should be the very foundation upon which the Christian nurse builds the structure of his success.

But just what is meant by the word “charity,” or “love”? Let us consider further to ascertain the true meaning of the language of the apostle, for it is a term of many definitions. He gives us, in the following verses, some conception of the genuine charity of which he is speaking: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind, Charity envieth not; . . . seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity; but rejoiceth in the truth.” Notice the last clause, “rejoiceth in the truth.” These are some of the attributes of that great love of the Father that caused him to give his only Son for the salvation of mankind. It is a love that will not be satisfied with the simple giving of comforts in this life, such as food and clothing and freedom from physical suffering; but it is a love that reaches into eternity. Giving a cup of cold water, then, to the traveler, weary and heavy laden, is a kind and loving act in itself; but when given in his name, it shows a love far greater.

The nurse who by long and patient labor and watchful vigil, brings his sufferer safely through the dangers of his affliction renders a noble and lofty service to his fellow man; but if at the same time he goes in Jesus’ name and aids the patient to free himself from the influences of sin that would eventually carry him to destruction, the Christian nurse then accomplishes that which is as much greater than the ordinary as the eternal life is greater than this life. Then, what

is the measure of our success as missionary nurses? Is it the large number of patients we can command by our skill, and the popular institutions with which we are connected? Is it the financial success of the nurse’s profession which commands large pay in many parts of the world?—No, indeed; it is the number that we bring to see and accept the light of present truth. Those who fail to conform their life practise to right principles can not be truly called missionary nurses. They need to be thoroughly converted. Those who are so misled as to engage in this work at our schools for selfish profit, will not meet success along the line at which we aim; but saddest of all, they will exert a wrong influence over others.

The nurse’s work, which is in the association of the sick and dying, ought to lead him ever to bear in mind the responsibility resting upon him, that he is his brother’s keeper, since the patient in his charge may never have another opportunity to know Christ the Redeemer of mankind, who gave up his life on Calvary to save this sin-cursed world. This essential thought of “Am I my brother’s keeper?” when put into the practise of our daily lives, will bring to us the largest possible success we may attain as missionary nurses.

W. F. LANGE.