The Work in Chicago by D. H. Kress, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jan 2, 1913

The Work in Chicago

By D. H. Kress, M. D.

THE work in the large cities is constantly becoming more difficult, and yet it must be carried forward in spite of the existing difficulties.

When the twelve were sent to spy out the land of Canaan and bring back a report to the people, ten of them looked upon the task of taking the cities as hopeless. They saw only the high walls, and the giants within them. Two of them said, We are well able to go up and take the land. They, too, saw the giants and the high walls, but they knew that God had spoken, and had commanded them to go. In his strength they felt able to undertake what appeared to be an impossible task.

Those who engage in the work in the large cities of to-day meet with similar problems. For every reason presented that something should be done, ten apparently good reasons can be given why it is useless to make the attempt.

During the past two or three weeks Elder K. C. Russell and myself have been conducting a class each day, except Fridays and Sundays, between one and half past two o'clock for the benefit of the company of workers who are assisting us in the effort on the West Side. On January 5 we expect to begin a series of meetings in the large Baptist church on the corner of Munroe Street and Ashland Boulevard. The church will accommodate about sixteen hundred persons. It is situated in a part of the city that is easy of access. Our aim is to carry forward a strong effort in which the medical and evangelical work will blend. Our workers are lay members of the various churches in Chicago who have volunteered their assistance. We are planning to have a meeting each night in the week, and in addition two afternoon meetings each week. We are expecting much from this effort.

Recently on the South Side, we transferred our medical missionary training class from the Branch Sanitarium to the South Side church. Our reasons for doing this are as follows: First, we thought this would enable others to attend the classes who would find it difficult to come to the Branch Sanitarium; second, we thought the church was a more suitable place to conduct this training class; and third, the expense could be minimized by making this change. Dr. David Paulson and his company of workers are doing most of the educational work. For about two months I met with the class daily. Recently Elder W. E. Straw was appointed to take the Bible instruction. This left me free to engage more fully in the effort on the West Side. Each Friday night we have a special meeting with members of the South Side church. Practical instruction in all phases of missionary endeavors is given at these meetings.

Each Sunday evening between 6:30 and 7:30 I conduct a meeting at the Brookline Mission. These meetings are well attended by a splendid class of people, who seem to appreciate light. This meeting is followed by preaching and evangelistic services. Dr. A. A. John is at present giving a series of talks on the book of Revelation. Recently seven expressed their intention to cast in their lot with us as a people.

The small medical missionary centers which are being established, report good results. Dr. Paulson opened up a center on Lake Street, a very needy portion of the city. The nurses who are there have been greatly blessed in their work as they have gone from house to house seeking out the needy ones. Another center has just been opened. We hope in time to have the city dotted with small medical missionary centers of this kind. These centers are self-supporting. I can see how it is possible to have one hundred workers in these large cities where now there is but one, without materially increasing the expense to the conferences. By placing together a periodical canvasser and a nurse, they can work together in a way to meet their expenses, and in time even make these centers remunerative.

Lectures have also been given in the public schools, during the last two months. In these lectures we have aimed to call especial attention to the evils resulting from the use of cigarettes by the young. We are confident God is blessing these efforts. It seems strange that this evil is permitted full sway without warning voices being raised to help the young who innocently form the habit. There are many more open doors than we are able to fill. In your prayers remember the work in the city of Chicago.

D. H. KRESS, M. D.