Chapter 1—A Call to Service
The Entering Wedge
I can see in the Lord’s providences that the medical missionary
work is to be a great entering wedge, whereby the diseased soul may
be reached.—Counsels on Health, 535.
The evangelization of the world is the work that God has given
to those who go forth in His name. They are to be colaborers with
Christ, revealing to those ready to perish His tender, pitying love.
God calls for thousands to work for Him, not by preaching to those
who know the truth, going over and over the same ground, but by
warning those who have never heard the last message of mercy. Work
with a heart filled with an earnest longing for souls. Do medical
missionary work. Thus you will gain access to the hearts of the
people. The way will be prepared for more decided proclamation of
the truth. You will find that relieving their physical suffering gives
an opportunity to minister to their spiritual needs.
The Lord will give you success in this work, for the gospel is the
power of God unto salvation, when it is interwoven with the practical
life, when it is lived and practiced. The union of Christlike work for
the body and Christlike work for the soul is the true interpretation
of the gospel.—An Appeal for the Medical Missionary College, pp.
14, 15.
The Compassion of Christ Revealed
Medical missionary work brings to humanity the gospel of release
from suffering. It is the pioneer work of the gospel. It is the
gospel practiced, the compassion of Christ revealed. Of this work
there is great need, and the world is open for it. God grant that the
importance of medical missionary work shall be understood, and
that new fields may be immediately entered.—Medical Ministry,
239. [8]
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8 A Call to Medical Evangelism and Health Education
Divine Origin
True medical missionary work is of heavenly origin. It was not
originated by any person who lives. But in connection with this
work we see so much which dishonors God that I am instructed to
say, The medical missionary work is of divine origin and has a most
glorious mission to fulfill. In all its bearings it is to be in conformity
with Christ’s work. Those who are workers together with God will
just as surely represent the character of Christ as Christ represented
the character of His Father while in this world.—Medical Ministry,
24.
The Gospel of Health
The principles of health reform are found in the Word of God.
The gospel of health is to be firmly linked with the ministry of the
Word. It is the Lord’s design that the restoring influence of health
reform shall be a part of the last great efforts to proclaim the gospel
message.—Medical Ministry, 259.
As a means of overcoming prejudice and gaining access to minds,