Foreword
A clarion call to medical evangelism is due at this time. Thousands,
yes, tens of thousands of people today are asleep to the condition of
their spiritual and their physical health. They are far from the better
way of life and do not sense their peril. Faithful watchmen are needed
to point out the way of health and holiness.
The call to medical evangelism is first given Seventh-day Adven-
tists in the example of Christ in his own ministry and in his gospel
commission to the church. He “who went about doing good, healing
all that were oppressed of the devil,” showed that true evangelism
comprehends ministry to physical needs as well as to spiritual.
The history of the Advent movement has been characterized by
a dual ministry. Health and temperance work has always been a part
of world evangelism. Many important reforms in healthful living
are recognized as being closely interwoven with the Advent gospel
message. Pointing the way to a full observance of God’s law has
included the recognition of the laws of health.
In the development of the medical missionary interests, institutions
have been established and numerous educational centers and many
training facilities have been provided for teaching the ways of right
living and for fitting men and women to help others.
But again there rings in Adventist ears the command, “go out into
the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house
may be filled.”
A forward step is imperative; a new note must be struck. Thousands
of laymen must now hear and repeat the call to medical missionary
evangelism. Hundreds of nurses who have had a thorough training
in denominational sanitariums should engage in medical evangelism,
and with some additional training they could be leaders in the work.
Scores of young men should qualify to be lecturers. Physicians should
sense fully their responsibility of imparting the message of health and
temperance in talks and lectures in Adventist churches and before
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