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The Ministry of Health and Healing
Many have no faith in God and have lost confidence in their fel-
low mortals. But they appreciate acts of sympathy and helpfulness.
As they see one with no inducement of earthly praise or compen-
sation come into their homes, ministering to the sick, feeding the
hungry, clothing the naked, comforting the sad, and tenderly point-
ing all to Him of whose love and pity the human worker is but the
messenger—as they see this, their hearts are touched. Gratitude
springs up. Faith is kindled. They see that God cares for them, and
they are prepared to listen as His Word is opened.
Whether in foreign missions or in the home field, all workers,
both men and women, will gain much more ready access to the
people and will find their usefulness greatly increased if they are able
to minister to the sick. When every other door of access is closed,
women who go for service in lands afar may thus find opportunity for
giving the gospel to the women of these lands. All gospel workers
should know how to give simple treatments that do much to relieve
pain and remove disease.
Teaching Health Principles
Gospel workers should also be able to give instruction in the
principles of healthful living. There is sickness everywhere, and
most of it might be prevented by attention to the laws of health.
The people need to see the bearing that health principles have on
their well-being, both for this life and for the life to come. They
need to be awakened to their responsibility for the human habitation
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designed by their Creator to be His dwelling place, and over which
He desires them to be faithful stewards. They need to be impressed
with the truth conveyed in the inspired words of Paul:
“You are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will
dwell in them, and walk among them. I will be their God, and they
shall be My people.’”
2 Corinthians 6:16
.
Thousands need and would gladly receive instruction concerning
simple methods of treating the sick—methods that take the place
of poisonous drugs. There is great need of instruction in regard to
reform in diet. Wrong habits of eating and the use of unhealthful
food are in no small degree responsible for the intemperance, crime,
and wretchedness that curse the world.