The Story of our Health Message

To Train Medical Missionary Evangelists

“Be very careful not to do anything that would restrict the work at Loma Linda. It is in the order of God that this property has been secured, and He has given instruction that a school should be connected with the sanitarium. A special work is to be done there in qualifying young men and young women to be efficient medical missionary workers. They are to be taught how to treat the sick without the use of drugs. Such an education requires an experience in practical work. SHM 368.3

“The work at Loma Linda demands immediate consideration. Preparations must be made for the school to be opened as soon as possible. Our young men and young women are to find in Loma Linda a school where they can receive a medical missionary training, and where they will not be brought under the influence of some who are seeking to undermine the truth. The students are to unite faithfully in the medical work, keeping their physical powers in the most perfect condition possible, and laboring under the instruction of the great Medical Missionary. The healing of the sick and the ministry of the Word are to go hand in hand. ... SHM 368.4

“The work at Loma Linda is not yet perfected. More money must be raised in order to make this place a center for the training of medical missionary evangelists.”—E. G. White Letter 274, 1906. SHM 369.1

In the calendar for the new school, issued in the summer of 1906, four courses were offered—“Evangelistic-Medical, Collegiate, Nurses’, and Gospel Workers.” Of the three-year Evangelistic-Medical Course, it was said: SHM 369.2

“This course is designed especially for graduate nurses and others who have completed the preparatory subjects, ... and who wish to take advanced medical studies as a better preparation for evangelistic work, but who desire to take these studies under conditions favorable to spiritual growth, to confidence in the fundamental truths of the third angel’s message, and to the development of the genuine missionary spirit in actual service.” SHM 369.3

Provision was made for the teaching of chemistry, physiological therapeutics, children’s diseases, physiology, obstetrics, gynecology, anatomy, and general diseases. Among the instructors were four doctors—G. K. and Cora Abbott, Julia A. White, and R. O. Ross. That there might be opportunity for thorough instruction in Bible doctrines and in field evangelism. Elder and Mrs. S. N. Haskell, who for a few months earlier in the year had conducted a training school in evangelism in San Bernardino, were listed on the faculty. SHM 369.4

“The purpose in establishing the College of Evangelists at Loma Linda”—so reads the foreword to the calendar—“is to develop and train evangelists. The world needs evangelizing, and the work must be done speedily.” At the foot of each page, in italics, is found the phrase, “To preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” SHM 369.5