238
Welfare Ministry
James and Ellen White Combine Prayer and Labor—Before
there were any sanitariums among us, my husband and I began work
in medical missionary lines. We would bring to our house cases that
had been given up by the physicians to die. When we knew not what
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to do for them we would pray to God most earnestly, and He always
sent His blessing. He is the mighty Healer, and He worked with us.
We never had time or opportunity to take a medical course, but we
had success as we moved out in the fear of God and sought Him for
wisdom at every step. This gave us courage in the Lord.
Thus we combined prayer and labor. We used the simple water
treatments, and then tried to fasten the eyes of the patients on the Great
Healer. We told them what He could do for them. If we can inspire
the patients with hope, this is greatly to their advantage. We want all
that have any part to act in our sanitariums to have a firm grasp on the
power of the Infinite. We believe in Him and in the power of His word.
When we do our best for the recovery of the sick, we may then look for
Him to be with us, that we may see of His salvation. We put too little
confidence in the power of the hand that rules the world.—
Manuscript
49, 1908
.
In House-to House Ministry—Before our sanitarium there was
established my husband and I went from house to house to give treat-
ment. Under God’s blessing we saved the lives of many who were
suffering.—
Letter 45, 1903
.
Interest in a Needy Widow—In regard to Nellie L., you know
she is a widow with the care of three children, and she is struggling
to obtain knowledge that she may engage in the kindergarten work,
where she can keep her children with her. Let us not see the poor soul
struggle for her life and sacrifice her health to do this. I have thought
of the liberal donations that have been made to individuals who have
married at Oakland. Would that these friends might use their means
and express their sympathies to bless the widow and the fatherless that
are deserving of their attention and substantial sympathy. Have not
such cases claims upon us?
I will help Nellie one hundred dollars if you will do the same. Two
hundred dollars would be a great blessing to her just now. Will you do
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this for Christ’s sake? Will you encourage others to help her to get a
start in life? It would be far better to do this than to wait and let Nellie