Gospel Medical Missionary Work by L. A. H.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 1, 1914

Gospel Medical Missionary Work

By L. A. H.

GENUINE medical missionary work is included in true gospel work. It is associated with Christianity as a part of it, and cannot be separated from it. It follows that we shall find it closely identified with the closing gospel message, bearing the same relation to it that the practical side of Christianity has ever borne to a profession of the religion of Jesus. A Christian is such because he believes in and practices the teachings of Christ. One has said, "Genuine medical missionary work is the gospel in practice."

We read that, "during his ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching." This does not place a less value on the work of preaching, but suggests the importance of practice in relation to preaching. In his life of constant self-denial and service for the needy and suffering, Christ demonstrated his teachings. He responded to all the varied conditions of need, and none who came to him went away unaided. His miracles testified that he came to save. By a parable he contrasted the course of the priest and Levite, who did not do according to their profession and calling, with that of the good Samaritan, who did without professing.

"The work which the disciples did, we also are to do. Every Christian is to be a missionary. In sympathy and compassion we are to minister to those in need of help, seeking with unselfish earnestness to lighten the woes of suffering humanity. All may find something to do. None need feel that there is no place where they can labor for Christ. The Saviour identifies himself with every child of humanity. . . ."

"Many feel that it would be a great privilege to visit the scenes of Christ's life on earth, to walk where he trod, to look upon the lake beside which he loved to teach, and the hills and valleys on which his eyes so often rested. But we need not go to Nazareth, to Capernaum, or to Bethany, in order to walk in the steps of Jesus. We shall find his footprints beside the sick bed, in the hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of the great cities, and in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation."—"Ministry of Healing," pages 104-106.

In Isaiah 58, it is very clearly presented that the same people who stand as defenders of God's truth in Sabbath reform are also identified as those who hear the cry of need of their fellow men and give heed thereto. Emphasis is given to feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and providing shelter for those who need it, rather than to fasting and chastising the body. Those who follow the Saviour's example in these things have the promise of their own health and salvation, the assurance of their acceptance with God and of his guidance.

The people who have the truth of God in word and doctrine are the same people who must represent most fully the truth of God in living manifestation of Christlike service. The theory of truth is not given to one church and the doing of it to another. They cannot be thus separated; so, if there are any people in the world who are active in giving relief, comfort, consolation, or help of any kind to suffering humanity, it will be those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.

In the providence of God there has been developed among Seventh-day Adventists, in a special manner, the principles of his truth as related to the care of the physical being. We are prominent as advocates of health and temperance in the fullest sense. As a denomination, we have shown unusual interest in the establishment of health institutions. We have recognized the value of medical missionary work as an evangelical factor, and have done much in its advancement, in the training of physicians and nurses and sending them forth into many fields. This phase of our work has shown abundant results in the conversion of souls to the whole truth.

The principles of healing and true health reform are an important part of present truth, suited to the needs of the

world at this time. These needs become more and greater with the progress of time. The cry of humanity now sounds louder than ever, and we should be more ready than ever to respond to it. God has heard the cry, and has committed to his people a gospel that meets both the spiritual and physical needs of the world.

Right now there exists a special opportunity for us to give to the world these health-giving and life-giving truths. There is a special interest in subjects of health and hygiene. The question of temperance is prominently in the front. Reforms of various kinds are popular. We should take advantage of the opportunity to give the genuine principles their proper setting, and to impart the truths so much needed.

As related to the second advent, our health work has special significance and bearing in its reform influence. The days preceding the second coming of Jesus will witness an indulgence of perverted appetite and inflamed passion such as was seen in the days of Noah. The benumbed moral sensibilities and the clouded intellects of many will keep them from discerning the sacred claims of God's law, which would, if heeded, enable them to prepare for Christ's coming. Many will be lost as a result. Our work is to present the great subject of health reform in such a manner that many will receive not only its physical blessing of health, but the fuller blessing of salvation to the soul. L. A. H.