God uses our efforts to relieve physical suffering as a way to reach hearts
Many will be saved as a result of this kind of ministry, patterned after Jesus (below)
The Gospel is the only true anecdote for sin and suffering
A goal of health ministry is to develop relationships with people, so that we may win their trust and then gently introduce them to the Savior, as they are ready. b. Use of health ministry to reach unentered fields/territories:
Medical ministry is the "Pioneer of the Gospel"
Medical ministry is the right hand of the Gospel- which opens the door to allow Christ to come into people's hearts (below)
All ministers should know a little something about how to minister to people's health (in order to follow Jesus' example). c. The use of health ministry to help people find true healing;
Drug medications do not produce true healing (they cover up symptoms)*
Our goal is to teach true healing
Health comes through keeping the laws of nature, which are a reflection of the Law of God
Health ministry is needed now more than ever d. The role of Health Ministry in personal character development:
The great goal of reforming our health is character development
Caring for our bodies and learning to live healthfully with self-control is closely tied to character development.
True health reform in body, mind and spirit can only take place by the power of God (the same power which created the world!), through having a saving faith relationship with Christ. "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6 * Please note, we are not advocating that no medications should ever be used. There may be a time and place in which medications are necessary (such as in emergency situations or for uncontrolled conditions which have not responded to other measures), but whenever possible it is certainly best to seek natural means of healing through lifestyle practices (healthful diet, exercise, drinking water, etc.) as well as simple, natural remedies (such as massage, hydrotherapy, plants/simple herbs, charcoal, etc.) Ellen White Quotes: Many Will Be Rescued The Lord has presented before me that many, many will be rescued from physical, mental, and moral degeneracy through the practical influence of health reform. Health talks will be given, publications will be multiplied. The principles of health reform will be received with favor, and many will be enlightened. The influences that are associated with health reform will commend it to the judgment of all who want light, and they will advance step by step to receive the special truths for this time. --6T 378, 379. {MM 271.2} No Other Work So Successful In new fields no work is so successful as medical missionary work. If our ministers would work earnestly to obtain an education in medical missionary lines, they would be far better fitted to do the work Christ did as a medical missionary. By diligent study and practice they can become so well acquainted with the principles of health reform that wherever they go they will be great blessing to the people they meet. {MM 239.1} The Body--the Arm--the Head The medical missionary work has never been presented to me in any other way than as bearing the same relation to the work as a whole as the arm does to the body. The gospel ministry is an organization for the proclamation of the truth and the carrying forward of the work for sick and well. This is the body, the medical missionary work is the arm, and Christ is the head over all. Thus the matter has been presented to me. {MM 237.4}