The Story of our Health Message

Given a Higher Rating

The next year, through a series of remarkable providences, the College of Medical Evangelists was given a higher rating by the American Medical Association, that of B grade. Today it enjoys an A rating, the highest obtainable.¹ Its graduates have carried its good reputation all over the world. Since 1915 other crises in the experience of the institution have arisen that have called for tireless labor, unwavering faith, and heavy investments; but there has been not a shadow of turning back on the part of its constituency. SHM 401.1

Soon after this council in the fall of 1915, Elder F. M. Burg, instructor in Bible in the college, in a special thanks-giving service, expressed his sentiments thus: SHM 401.2

“This council has also given us reasons for rejoicing and thanksgiving, by clearing the atmosphere surrounding the Loma Linda Medical College of the depressing element of uncertainty that has been a real trial of faith to both the teachers and the students. ... This fiery trial that has tried us is not a strange thing. We should appreciate the magnitude of the problem which presents itself to those who are responsible for the financial obligations that are involved in maintaining and providing our school with the equipment necessary to assure its success. SHM 401.3

“Reflection on our part will help us to understand the reasons for their conservative and careful deliberation while counseling together as to the policy that should be adopted and followed. However, man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. So, at the opportune time, light came to the servants of God from that source which has in all the history of our work given clear vision to men of faith. The Testimonies of the Spirit of God pointed the way for us to go. Our brethren said, ‘We will follow the light that has come concerning this school, and go forward in obedience to all that the Lord has said.’ ... SHM 401.4

“What has been done—the decision to follow God and go forward—together with the great financial problem involved in it, demands, in connection with our expression of gratitude today, a new and deeper consecration to God, that we may share with our brethren in the burdens that the maintenance and the building up of the institution involve; and also, and above everything else, that the one object in the planting of the school may be fully realized—the going out from its halls to the beckoning mission fields, of many young men and young women prepared by consecration and by the training they may receive here, to bring relief to the sick and suffering, and to point them to the Saviour of men and prepare them for His soon coming. SHM 402.1

“This added responsibility comes alike to both students and teachers: more diligence, more praying, more hard work for the teachers; the same, with earnest co-operation, for the students. Thus working together here, with the active co-operation of our brethren who have been here in council, and with the blessing of God, we shall see good days for the Loma Linda College, and a large place for it in the closing work of God. And beyond all the struggles, the toil, and the patient waiting, we shall share the joys of Christ when He sees the travail of His soul, and, with Him, we shall be satisfied. Our joy will be complete then, and our expression of praise and thanksgiving will have no end.”—F. M. Burg, in The Review and Herald, December 23, 1915. SHM 402.2

These words are worthy of repetition, and their sentiments, we are assured, are still cherished by the many teachers, students, and alumni of Loma Linda University. SHM 402.3