Christian Service

Chapter 11—Medical Missionary Work

A Work of First Importance

During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching.—The Ministry of Healing, 19. ChS 132.1

Before the true reformer, the medical missionary work will open many doors.—Testimonies for the Church 7:62. ChS 132.2

Genuine medical missionary work is the gospel practiced.—Testimonies for the Church 8:168. ChS 132.3

Medical missionary work is the pioneer work of the gospel. In the ministry of the word and in the medical missionary work the gospel is to be preached and practiced.—The Ministry of Healing, 144. ChS 132.4

The Saviour of the world devoted more time and labor to healing the afflicted of their maladies than to preaching. His last injunction to His apostles, His representatives upon the earth, was to lay hands on the sick that they might recover. When the Master shall come, He will commend those who have visited the sick and relieved the necessities of the afflicted.—Testimonies for the Church 4:225. ChS 132.5

He designs that the medical missionary work shall prepare the way for the presentation of the saving truth for this time,—the proclamation of the third angel's message. If this design is met, the message will not be eclipsed nor its progress hindered.—Testimonies for the Church 6:293. ChS 132.6

First meet the temporal necessities of the needy, and relieve their physical wants and sufferings, and you will then find an open avenue to the heart, where you may plant the good seeds of virtue and religion.—Testimonies for the Church 4:227. ChS 132.7

Nothing will give greater spiritual strength and a greater increase of earnestness and depth of feeling, than visiting and ministering to the sick and the desponding, helping them to see the light and to fasten their faith upon Jesus.—Testimonies for the Church 4:75, 76. ChS 132.8