p. 19 | South Africa

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 21, 1914

South Africa

From the Field

South Africa

IN a letter from Dr. W. C. Dunscombe, of the Cape Sanitarium, at Plumstead, South Africa, we read that that institution is having a healthy growth. Its ten years of existence has developed it into an institution of excellent equipment. During the past year or two a number of additions have been made to its facilities without increasing the sanitarium's indebtedness. The physicians connected with the institution have contributed liberally to this end.

The sanitarium accommodates only about twenty-five or thirty patients, and the workers are enabled to become quite well acquainted with the patients before they leave. It is found that many of them come to the institution with a longing to receive spiritual help and to learn something of the truths we hold. Many have become interested in the truth while there, and some have accepted it. Several are making an earnest study of it. Dr. Dunscombe says: "We feel grateful to God that he has given us these opportunities to labor for him, and it is our earnest desire that we may not let the medical and scientific side so fill our minds and hearts that we shall lose sight of the fact that we are medical missionaries, and that our first aim is to win souls to Christ."

This sanitarium is the only one in this part of South Africa. Patients are drawn from all parts of Africa. Quite a few come from even as far north as Rhodesia and British East Africa. Thus the influence of the institution becomes a wide one. The prime minister and quite a few of the representatives and senators are now numbered among its guests. Dr. Dunscombe closes with the statement: "It is our earnest desire that our work may be so conducted that it shall be the right arm of the message here in South Africa."

Portland, Oregon

The sanitarium here is at present full of patients, and is crowded for room. It is now enjoying the heaviest work of the season. A number of class recitations have been dismissed in order that nurses may have time to care for the patients. Several nurses from the city have been called in. The work of the chaplain is showing good results, in that individuals are expressing a desire for spiritual help. Recently three persons in one week found peace for their souls. Some interesting experiences are gained in connection with the spiritual work. The workers rejoice that they have the privilege of thus doing real soul-saving work.

Temperance Literature

Our department has been enabled to supply helpful temperance literature to some of our workers in the field who are engaged in temperance campaigns. We shall be glad to furnish others with material of this kind. A recent hearing in connection with the United States Senate on the proposed amendment to the Constitution prohibiting intoxicating liquors has been put in print. In it are the statements of a number of temperance workers representing various organizations. This makes a pamphlet of sixty-one pages. It may be had free of charge by addressing our Medical Department.

We would request, too, that any items of interest regarding prohibition movements, temperance speeches, reports, etc., be called to our attention where it is thought that these might be used to advantage in passing on to others. Address Medical Department, General Conference, Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C.

Glendale, Cal.

A most cheering word comes from the Glendale (Cal.) Sanitarium saying that the past year has seen twenty-four patients accept the truth, some of them uniting with the Glendale church. As many others have gone away fully determined to study into present truth, and have kept up correspondence with members of the sanitarium family.

Practically all these persons have first become interested in the study of our health principles, the presentation of which receives considerable attention at the sanitarium. Enthusiasm in this leads to a further study of our work and truth, and to a fuller knowledge and acceptance of the message we give. Attachment to principles rather than to an institution is encouraged by the sanitarium workers, and patients go away praising the truth they have learned.

We hope to secure a fuller report of the religious work of the Glendale Sanitarium, which may offer valuable suggestions on how to combine religious work with medical. L. A. H.

Dr. G. A. Droll, of the Kansas Sanitarium, reports most encouraging progress in his work. Dr. and Mrs. Droll are doing considerable lecturing on health topics before clubs and in the public schools. The interest shown on the part of the public is surprising. Many favorable developments are seen. A minister of the city, who was a patient of the sanitarium, brought nine of his ministerial brethren of the city to sample a health and temperance dinner, giving occasion for many questions and answers, and leading to several requests for health talks and lectures to be given in their churches.

The veteran canvasser Walter Harper writes that he is still using relief books in his work. Recently he sold forty-one copies of "Ministry of Healing" in a little over two weeks, in addition to over three hundred and fifty dollars' worth of other books. He firmly believes that it is in harmony with God's plan to combine medical and religious books. He also believes that it is right to devote time and effort in behalf of relief books and their objects. He finds great blessing in working accordingly.

At a late constituency meeting of the Washington (D. C.) Sanitarium Association the reports of the superintendent and the business manager were received with special interest, encouraging progress being noted in both reports. Dr. H. W. Miller was reelected medical superintendent, and L. M. Bowen treasurer and business manager.

Workers and Openings Wanted

An excellent opening is offered in Arizona for a Seventh-day Adventist dentist. Missionary opportunity is good; financial outlook is also good.

A few openings are offered to persons desiring to engage in treatment room work, either to start an enterprise or to purchase. Some capital is needed.

A gentleman nurse, single, capable of taking charge of sanitarium bath rooms, is wanted.

We have on our list of available workers persons desiring employment, as follows: baker, business manager, bookkeeper, cook, engineer, electrician, housekeeper, nurse, optometrist, painter and decorator, physician, steward.

Information will be given regarding any of the foregoing on application to the Medical Department, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Takoma Park, D. C. L. A. H.