EGW: Guidelines for Sanitarium Establishment and Location

Southern California has consistently been highlighted as a vital area for establishing medical institutions and conducting tent-meetings, especially in tourist-heavy regions.BCL 60.1 This divine guidance emphasizes the urgent need to share the message of mercy with the many thousands who visit annually, highlighting the importance of strategic and swift action in this field.LS 399.3+2

The Call for Medical Institutions 🏥

The Lord has revealed that Southern California is a crucial location for medical institutions.BCL 60.1 The region attracts many thousands of tourists each year, presenting an extraordinary opportunity for soul-winning.LS 399.3+1 It is essential that sanitariums are established to serve this population.BCL 60.1 God has graciously led in securing buildings for this work at a very low cost, and His people are called to build up and strengthen these endeavors.LLM 85.3

Within a relatively short period, God has worked marvelously to establish three sanitariums in the Southern California Conference territory.LLM 404.2 These institutions include Glendale Sanitarium, Paradise Valley Sanitarium, and Loma Linda.14MR 248.1+2 The Loma Linda property, in particular, is considered a special favor from the Lord and efforts are needed to free it from debt, as it has been instrumental in the conversion of souls.23LtMs, Ms 127, 1908, par. 6 The aim of these sanitariums is not just physical healing, but primarily the salvation of souls, showing patients the way to repentance and peace.SpTB03c 4.1 Like the Tabernacle of old, these institutions are places where God's presence can dwell and where healing, both physical and spiritual, can occur. Exodus 29:11+27

The Power of Tent-Meetings 🏕️

Alongside the establishment of medical institutions, tent-meetings are crucial for reaching people in Southern California's tourist resorts.BCL 60.1 This method has been a powerful tool for evangelism, as demonstrated in places like Los Angeles and Redlands, where many souls have accepted the truth.19LtMs, Lt 307, 1904, par. 5+1 Elder W.W. Simpson, for instance, held successful tent-meetings in Los Angeles, leading many to embrace the truth.LLM 84.1+3 The effectiveness of these meetings is seen in the divine credentials they bear, leading to convictions and a turning away from sinful lives.19LtMs, Lt 349, 1904, par. 6

The practice of conducting tent-meetings is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, echoing the temporary dwellings used by patriarchs and the Israelites during their journeys. Genesis 13:5+17 It is a proven method for disseminating truth and stirring interest, especially in new territories.1EGWLM 375.5+1

The Need for Unified Action 🤝

For the work in Southern California to advance rapidly, unity and harmonious action among workers are essential.LLM 296.6+1 There have been instances where a lack of harmony delayed progress, and some leaders have been cautioned against self-ruling and exercising arbitrary authority.LLM 334.2+4 It is vital for those in positions of responsibility to humble themselves, seek counsel from God, and foster a spirit of unity, much like the unified structure of the Tabernacle itself. Exodus 26:11-12+88

The emphasis is on presenting Christ and striving for Christian unity, which avoids grave evils and strengthens the work.LLM 296.6 This approach allows the Lord to work in accordance with His purposes, as workers patiently wait for Him to prepare the way.17LtMs, Lt 182, 1902, par. 12 The blending of interests, sympathies, love, and labor for the saving of souls is paramount, reflecting the sacredness of the work.AH 101.4

Ultimately, the goal is to glorify Christ, not self, allowing His light to illuminate the path forward.LLM 333.4

It is wonderful to explore the inspired counsels regarding the establishment and operation of sanitariums, which are vital instruments in God's plan for reaching humanity. These institutions are meant to be beacons of truth and healing, reflecting Christ's love and compassion.

It is counselled that sanitariums should be established in many different places, avoiding the centering of too much in one location. They should be located in retired areas, some miles outside of cities, amidst the beautiful objects of nature, where patients can benefit from warm sunshine and pure air. It is not advisable to erect very large buildings for sanitariums; instead, smaller institutions and cottages are preferred, which allows for more quiet and individualized care. The establishment should be conducted in a humble way, in harmony with God's plan, with an emphasis on mission and the spread of truth rather than commercial gain. Securing completed or partially finished properties is also a wise approach, especially as the end times draw near.

Here are some relevant insights:

I have been instructed to tell our people that they are not to erect such large buildings for sanitariums. The medical institution in Battle Creek would better have been divided into at least seven different plants, so that other places would have had proper facilities for the care of the sick. There are many pla...— SpTB06 55.3 (1905)

...ntations given me regarding sanitariums in the country, and I have urged upon them the necessity of establishing our sanitarium outside of the cities. I have had repeatedly presented to me the advantage of securing locations some miles out of the cities. Those who follow the counsel of God in providing places where the sick and suffering can receive p...— SpTB03c 37.3 (1905)

...the work. It will be for the best interest of the sanitarium to plan for the erection, later on, of several small cottages. These cottages will be a great blessing in many respects. Patients will come who will need greater quiet than can be obtained in a large building. Those who are too sick to go up and down stairs, even in an elevator, and who cannot bear the open...— 20LtMs, Ms 86, 1905, par. 6

... not taken the advantage of nature that God desires them to take. He intends that the sick shall be placed in the midst of the beautiful objects of nature, where they will have opportunity to be in the warm sunshine and the pure air— 17LtMs, Ms 86, 1902, par. 4

...ance from the sanitarium buildings, on the road toward the railroad.” Here the work was being conducted in a humble way and in harmony with God's plan. Within a few hours of the vision, Mrs. White was writing to th...— CCh 16.6 (1991)

...hat will be better than to put up a large building just now, when we know that the end is near, and every city is to be turned upside down every way. There will be confusion in every city. Everything that can be shaken is to be shaken, an...— 17LtMs, Ms 173, 1902, par. 22

Our brethren generally have not taken the interest that they ought in the establishment of sanitariums in the European countries. In the work in these countries, the ...— 7T 52.4 (1902)

Why do we establish sanitariums?—That the sick who come to them for treatment may receive relief from physical suffering, and may also receive spiritual help. Because of their condition of health, they are susceptible to the sanctifying influence of the med...— SpTB03a 3.2 (1905)

...o the suffering ones through the agency of men and women who are loyal to the commandments of God. Sanitariums are to be established all through the world, and managed by a people who are in harmony with God's laws, a people who will co-operate with...— KC 13.7 (1985)

...The Lord has revealed to me that if, in the place of having one mammoth sanitarium in Battle Creek, smaller sanitariums could be established in several cities, His name would be glorified. The centering of so much in one place is contrary to God’s orde...— 17LtMs, Lt 110, 1902, par. 3