Loma Linda Messages

8. The Training of Physicians and Nurses

Great care should be exercised in the training of young people for the medical missionary work; for the mind is molded by that which it receives and retains. Too much incomplete work has been done in the education given. The most useful education is that gained by study in connection with practical work. LLM 342.6

Our institutions are not to be so overgrown that the most important points in education do not receive the proper consideration. Instruction should be given in medical missionary work. The teachings given in medical lines should be blended with a study of the Bible. And physical training should not be neglected. LLM 343.1

Great care should be exercised in regard to the influences that prevail in the institution. The influences under which the nurses are placed will mold their character for eternity.—Unpub. MS. (MS. 115'03). LLM 343.2

In every sanitarium established, preparation must be made to train young men and young women to be medical missionaries. The Lord will open the way before them as they go forth to work for Him.—Unpub. MS. (B.128'03). LLM 343.3

We must provide educational advantages in the different conferences. All our medical workers must not receive the stamp of one man's mind. In different places, there should be sanitariums of a high order, where our young people can receive a thorough training. We are not to countenance the carrying on of sanitariums of an inferior order, in which incompetent instructors will do slipped work and call it educational work. The instructors in our medical missionary training-schools must be picked men and women of ability. LLM 343.4

(To the question, “Should such an educational center be established in every one of our Union Conferences?” Sister White gave the following reply): In one sense yes. A beginning should be made in every Conference, and these schools can gradually attain to perfection. In every Conference educational advantages should be provided for young people.”—Unpub. MS. (MS. 169'02). LLM 343.5

All our denominational colleges and training-schools should make provision to give their students the education essential for evangelists and for Christian business men. The youth and those more advanced in years who fell it their duty to fit themselves for work requiring the passing of certain legal tests should be able to secure at our Union Conference training-schools all that is essential, without having to go to Battle Creek for their preparatory education... LLM 343.6

If there are legal requirements making it necessary that medical students shall take certain preparatory course of study, let our colleges teach the required additional studies in a manner consistent with Christian education... They should arrange to carry their students to the point of literary and scientific training that is necessary. Many of these requirements have been made because so much of the preparatory work done in ordinary schools is superficial. Let all our work be thorough, faithful, and true. LLM 343.7

In our training-schools, the Bible is to be made the basis of all education. And in the required studies, it is not necessary for our teachers to bring in the objectionable books that the Lord has instructed us not to use in our schools. From light that the Lord has given me, I know that our training-schools in various parts of the field should be placed in the most favorable position possible for qualifying our youth to meet the tests specified by State Laws regarding medical students. To this end the very best teaching talent should be secured that our schools may be brought up to the required standard... LLM 343.8

Let me repeat: It is not necessary for so many of our youth to study medicine. But for those who should take medical studies our Union Conference training-schools should make ample provision in facilities for preparatory education.—“Review,” Oct. 15, 1903. LLM 344.1

A great work is to be done in a short time, and God forbids that we should encourage so many of our youth to bind themselves up for three, or four, or six years training, before engaging in active work. Men and women should gain an education by working along practical lines in different places, in accordance with the light that God has given, and under the instruction of experienced leaders.—Unpub. MS. (J. 178-1903). LLM 344.2

Let not our young men be deterred from entering the ministry. There is danger that through glowing representations some will be drawn out of the path where God bids them walk. Some have been encouraged to take a course of study in medical lines, who ought to be preparing themselves to enter the ministry. The Lord calls for more men to labor in His vineyard.—“Gen. Conf. Bulletin,” 1899, p. 129. LLM 344.3

We have a work to do in securing the best talent, and in placing these workers in positions where they can educate other workers. Then when our sanitariums call for physicians, we shall have young men who, through their experience gained by practical work, have become fitted to bear responsibilities. We have failed, decidedly failed, in allowing so much to be done in one place. Everything is not to be brought under the control of one institution.—Unpub. MS. (D. 190'03). LLM 344.4

All who desire to enter the medical missionary work, and who are worthy should be given an opportunity to learn. Giving the common treatments to the sick will accomplish much, and will give opportunity to those who administer these hygienic treatments to labor with earnestness for the spiritual recovery of their patients. Let the hearts of all who are working along these lines be softened and subdued. Let the workers learn to consult the great Physician in prayer much more than they have done. Pray, watch, wait, believe. - Unpub. MS (D. 190'03). LLM 344.5

In training workers to care for the sick, let the minds of the students be impressed with the thought that their highest aim, should always be to look after the spiritual welfare of their patients. To this end they should learn to repeat the promises of God's word, and to offer fervent prayers daily, while preparing for service. Let them realize that they are always to keep the sweetening, sanctifying influence of the great Medical Missionary before their patients. If those who are suffering can be impressed with the fact that Christ is their sympathizing, compassionate Saviour, they will have rest of mind, which is so essential to the recovery of health.—Unpub. MS. (D.190'03.) LLM 344.6

In new places where schools are being set in operation, arrange to have a treatment-room or rooms connected with the school. Let this place be outside the main school building, so that the sick will be where it is quiet. Let those who are qualifying to teach, give lessons on treating the sick. Soon much permanent fruit will be gathered, in physical improvement and in spiritual advancement, which, combined will be of great advantage.—Unpub. MS. (D. 190'03). LLM 345.1

Over the medical missionary department, as well as over every other department of the school, there should be a head instructor to teach those under him. The beginning may be small. There may be only a few patients, but as the head instructor gives treatment to those, quite a number of students can look on to see how he does this work, and they can help him in many ways. Thus they will learn to do this kind of work themselves.—Unpub. MS (D.190'03). LLM 345.2

We must certainly arouse from our passive position along these lines. Much may be learned by visiting the hospitals. In these hospitals not a few of our young people should be learning to be successful medical missionaries in caring for the sick intelligently. Observation, and the practice of that which has been learned, will result in consecrated youth becoming active, efficient medical missionary workers. But the surgical work must be done by faithful, skillful physicians.—Unpub. MS. (D. 190'03). LLM 345.3

Those who expect to become medical missionary workers must be thoroughly educated in Bible lines. They should have the very best spiritual advantages, in order that they may be fitted to teach and train others.—Unpub. MS. (J. 178'03). See also, Testimonies for the Church 3:163-166. LLM 345.4

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Sanitarium, Cal.,

Feb. 11, 1908. B.72-'08. Feb. 6, 1908.

Elders Reaser and Burden, 257 So. Hill St., Los Angeles, Calif.:

Dear Brethren,

I was very glad to receive your letter telling of your experience in Los Angeles. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and praise His holy name. This is a good work, and one which the Lord would have go forward in every conference. I am more thankful than I can express that Elder Reaser is coming out of the perilous darkness into the light. LLM 347.1

There is a special work to be done in clearing away the malarial atmosphere that has been coming into our churches. There is only one way in which this work can be accomplished, and that is by leading the believers fully into the light. Let special meetings be held in the churches that shall be seasons of humbling the heart before God, and of confession and cleansing of the soul. I pray that the believers in Southern California may improve this opportunity, and open the door of the heart to the Holy Spirit, that He may work through them without let or hindrance. If they will draw nigh to God, He will draw nigh to them. LLM 347.2

I am so thankful that this work has begun. Let it not cease until the whole conference shall feel the converting power of God. The Lord is waiting to be gracious to all who will take up the work of clearing the King's highway. It is a work which should have been done in Oakland, but which a man ruling power has prevented from being accomplished. LLM 347.3

I pray, Brother Reaser, that you may find an open door, that this may be made a pentecostal season in the churches. Encourage one another to put from the soul everything that would hinder the exercise of the grace of Christ. This precious privilege is now being presented that all may receive the assurance of the grace and love of Christ. The Lord will be the hope and strength of His commandment keeping people. Look for that grace that the Lord has in abundance for all who trust in him. Believe, and receive the special assurances of His grace. The blessing of God is more precious than silver and gold. LLM 347.4

It was the unbelief of Israel, revealed in their repeated murmurings, that led Moses to plead with God, “Show my thy glory.” And in response the Lord set his servant in the cleft of a rock, and caused all His glory to pass before Him. LLM 347.5

“And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one that sought the Lord went out into the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp. And it came to pass, when Moses went out into the tabernacle, that every man rose up, and stood at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door; and all the people rose up and worshiped, every man in his tent door. And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again unto the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. LLM 347.6

“And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people, and thou hast not let me know whom Thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in My sight. Now therefore, I pray Thee, If I have found grace in They sight, show my now Thy way, that I may know Thee, that I may find grace in Thy sight; and consider that this nation is Thy people. And He said, “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. And he said unto Him, If Thy presence go not with me, carry me not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in Thy sight? Is it not in that Thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and Thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. LLM 348.1

“And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in My sight and I know thee by name. And he said, I beseech Thee, shew my thy glory. And He said, I will make all My goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee, and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy to whom I will show mercy. And he said, Thou canst not see My face; for there shall no man see My face and live. And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by Me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock; and it shall come to pass while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of a rock and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by.” LLM 348.2

There is need for professing Christians to act like Christians if they would maintain their connection with God. I ask you to study also the thirty-fourth chapter of Exodus. LLM 348.3

(Note by copyist, erp, 1960: The text of Exodus 34:1-14, included on photoprint copy of original, I have deleted here, as follows:) LLM 348.4

“.......... Ellen G. White

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Sanitarium, Calif.,

B.-82-'08. Feb. 20, 1908

To the Physicians and Manager at Loma Linda, Calif.:

Dear Brethren,

My rest has been broken during the past night. I find myself considering the best course to be pursued toward our sanitariums and schools. LLM 353.1

I have no clear light in regard to where Elder Owen should labor. There are so many places where educational talent is needed, that I would not dare to specify his duty unless God should give me special light concerning it. LLM 353.2

We feel encouraged to believe that Elder Reaser has placed himself in right relation to the work, determined to labor harmoniously with his brethren. There are in Southern Calif. a goodly number of men of experience. But more, you have assurance from the highest Authority: “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is; for he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, that spreadeth out her roots by the river; and shall not see when heat cometh; but her leaf shall be green, and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” The whole of the seventeenth chapter of Jeremiah, which records, this precious promise, is worthy of your special study... LLM 353.3

I dare not advise you in such large plans as you propose; you need to make the Lord your wisdom in these matters. I do not feel that you should plan for such large outlay of means without you have some certainty that you can meet your obligations. I would caution you against gathering a large load of indebtedness. There is the food factory to be completed and set in operation. I call your attention to this enterprise that you may not lay more plans than you can well carry out. LLM 354.1

You are men of varied talents, and you are right on the ground. The Lord will be your instructor in all matters if you will seek His counsel in faith. Study every step, and pray that the Lord may lead you. If He gives you light in this matter, then you can move with assurance. Now is the time for you to ask of the Lord wisdom, and to submit your plans to Him. It is an excellent opportunity for you to receive an individual experience. Plan wisely; move guardedly; and the Lord will certainly be your helper. LLM 354.2

I feel the deepest interest in the work at Loma Linda. The plans you suggest seem to be essential; but you need to assure yourselves that they can be safely carried. You should not make hasty moves that will involve heavy indebtedness. LLM 354.3

The work which you propose will require wise business men and efficient physicians. If you had the talent and means to carry such responsibilities, we would be glad to see your plans carry. But the sanitarium must be your first consideration. May the Lord give you wisdom and grace to bear these responsibilities as He would have you. This institution must have all the talent that is needed to make it a success. LLM 354.4

Clear light has been given that our educational institution should be connected with our sanitariums wherever this is possible. The work of the two institutions is to blend. I am thankful that we have a school at Loma Linda. The educational talent of competent physicians is a necessity to the school where medical missionary evangelists are to be trained for service. The students in the school are to be taught to be strict health reformers. The instructions given in regard to disease and its causes, and how to prevent disease, and the training given in the treatment of the sick, will prove an invaluable education, and one that the students in all our schools should have. LLM 354.5

The blending of our schools and sanitariums will prove an advantage in many ways. Through the instruction given by the sanitarium, students will learn how to avoid forming careless, intemperate habits in eating. Let the instruction be given in simple words. We have no need to use the many expressions used by worldly physicians which are so difficult to understand that they must be interpreted by the physicians. These long names are often used to conceal the character of the drugs being used to combat disease. We do not need these. LLM 355.1

Nature's simple remedies will aid in recovery without leaving the deadly aftereffects so often felt by those who use poisonous drugs. They destroy the power of the patient to help himself. This power the patients are to be taught to exercise by learning to eat simple healthful foods, by refusing to overload the stomach with a variety of foods at one meal. All these things should come into the education of the sick. Talks should be given showing how to preserve health, how to shun sickness, how to rest when rest is needed. LLM 355.2

There are many inventions which cost large sums of money which it is just as well should not come into our work. They are not what our students need. Let the education given be simple in its nature. In giving us His Son, the Father gave the most costly gift that heaven could bestow. This gift it is our privilege to use in our ministration to the sick. Let Christ be your dependence. Commit every case to the great Healer; let Him guide in every operation. The prayer offered in sincerity and in faith will be heard. This will give confidence to the physicians and courage to the sufferer. LLM 355.3

I have been instructed that we should lead the sick in our institutions to expect large things because of the faith of the physician in the great Healer, who, in the years of His earthly ministry, went through the towns and villages of the land and healed all who came to Him. None were turned away; He healed them all. Let the sick realize that, although unseen, Christ is present to bring relief and healing. LLM 355.4

After His resurrection, Christ met with His disciples, and for forty days instructed them concerning their future work. On the day of His ascension, He met with the disciples in a mountain in Galilee, where He had appointed them. And He said to them, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth; go ye therefore, and teach all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” It is the privilege of every physician and every sufferer to believe this promise; it is life to all who believe. LLM 355.5

Ellen G. White

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