Loma Linda Messages

Our Duty Toward This Enterprise

After carefully reading and comparing the foregoing brief history of this enterprise with what has been said about it by the servant of the Lord, it must be apparent to every unprejudiced mind that it has been, and still is, the mind of the Lord to have [built] up at Loma Linda an institution that would stand as one of His fortresses in this revolted world. LLM 556.2

The enemy, seeing the strategic point and the strength and power it would give to the Lord's work if successful, has planned for its defeat; and as in all of his other plans that have been revealed to us, he is endeavoring to use God's people in the accomplishment of his purpose. Unbelief and criticism have been the agencies employed. When he saw that a few persons had sufficient faith in the undertaking to go ahead and follow the light and instruction given, then he started a spirit of criticism against these people, hoping thereby to destroy whatever influence they had, hedge up every avenue of obtaining means, and thus they would (918) become disheartened and abandon the project. LLM 556.3

But the Lord has encouraged the faithful few to hold on, and Himself has opened avenues of obtaining means so that the work might go forward and demonstrate to the unbelieving the importance of the place and the work He designed to have done. LLM 556.4

In every one of the world's great battles that have decided the destiny of nations there have been special strategic points that were the key to the whole situation, and around which the battle raged with strength and fury. At such times it was expected that every soldier would do his duty even if he knew it meant death to himself; for victory for his country and king was to the loyal soldier of more value than his individual life. LLM 556.5

In the struggle for the possession of Loma Linda, the “Hill Beautiful,” the enemy has thus far been defeated, but he has not given up the struggle. The battle is still on, and there is opportunity yet for every Seventh-day Adventist to show his loyalty to the King of kings and His cause. It matters not what position we have taken in the past from lack of knowledge, or thru the influence of other's unbelief or criticism; loyalty now will be recognized and we be privileged to share in the joys of triumph here, and in the rewards when they shall be meted out when the final victory shall be obtained. LLM 557.1

But some one receiving and reading this leaflet may say, “I want to be loyal to God's cause, but what can I do? I am not on the ground where the conflict is going on, I am miles away; how can I help? Just tell me and I will prove my loyalty.” There are a number of ways in which you can be a help to the enterprise. First, by exercising faith in it yourself, and then by talking faith and courage to others. Second, by obtaining the names of the men and women composing the faculty and those connected with (919) the business management of the institution, and remembering them in prayer at the family altar that they remain loyal to the principles of truth upon which the work is founded, and that grace and wisdom may be given to enable each to discharge his duty in that way and manner that will bring glory to God and honor to His work. Third, we can help by persuading young men and women of sufficient age and education, who possess a good moral character, to enter either the Medical or the Medical Missionary Course to receive a training, fitting them to take an active part in some branch of the Lord's work. Fourth, you can help by donating of your means to assist in the erection of proper dormitories for the young men and women connected with the institution as medical students and nurses, in the erection and equipage of a proper laboratory, and a small but well-equipped hospital. LLM 557.2

All of these improvements were planned for and sanctioned by the council spoken of in the fore part of this leaflet, and they are positively essential to the success and prosperity of the work, and each should be erected and equipped at the very earliest possible date. The dormitories are especially needed. The patronage of the institution has so increased of late that all the available room in both the main building and cottages will be needed for patients when the fall and winter trade comes on. Work is going forward on the young women's dormitory, but from lack of means to purchase all the material and employ a sufficient number of workmen, the work is progressing slowly. If these necessary buildings could be erected and equipped in the near future, the success of the enterprise would be assured, and years of annoyance and taxing labors upon the part of those in charge of the work would be avoided. LLM 557.3

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I would appeal to the brethren and sisters into whose hands this leaflet may come, to think seriously and pray over the matter. The light has come, the situation and need is before you, and may it not be that the Lord has prospered you in your business and given you means for just such a need. May we not hope that someone will be moved upon by God's spirit to donate a sum sufficient for the erection of the laboratory $8,000.00; or for the erection of the hospital $10,000.00; and thus have a permanent memorial in your name of your interest in this work. LLM 558.1

Please bear in mind while considering your duty at this time that we are all stewards of our Lord's goods, and that it is required of stewards that a man be found faithful. It is the Lord's cause that is at stake and not man's. Time is very short and what we do must be done quickly. May the Lord grant each one of us grace and wisdom to so act in a time like this that when the final separation takes place we shall have the “well done” said unto us and we have an abundant entrance into the kingdom, is the prayer of your fellow servant. LLM 558.2

G. A. Irwin, President of the
Board of Directors of the Loma
Linda College of Medical Evangelists.

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