Returning to God’s Plan: Part 5 of the Dunamis Series

Welcome back to Part 5 of our Dunamis Series. In previous parts of this series, we have explored God’s original plan for the Seventh-day Adventist integrated gospel and health work and how we, as a denomination, have deviated from this plan. In part 6 of this series, we will define the various elements of God’s original plan and we’ll survey insights from the Spirit of Prophecy that illuminate the path back to God’s intended plan.

God’s Purpose for His People

As we dive into today’s discussion, we reflect on several key quotations that illuminate God’s prophetic vision for our work:

• Counsels on Health, p. 215: God has equipped His people to enlighten the world and establish facilities like sanitariums and schools globally.
• Pamphlet 49, p. 10: Prophetic insight into the fact that a time would come when other denominations would envy the influence of Seventh-day Adventists in medical missionary work.
• Councils on Health, p. 393: A foretelling of God’s purpose to bring drugless healing methods to prominence through our medical institutions.

These insights lead us to a crucial question: Why don’t we have a prominent global presence in effective drugless healing today?

Answering the Question

The answer lies in our deviation from God’s plan. Through various decisions, we have lost sight of both our scientific mission—advancing physiologic therapeutics—and our spiritual mission—sharing the Three Angels’ Messages.

Hope for Restoration

Despite our current situation, we find hope in the words of Fundamentals of Christian Education, Page 290:

“Our institutions of learning may swing into worldly conformity… but they are prisoners of hope, and God will correct and enlighten them.”

This assures us that while we may have strayed, God desires to help us return to His original design.

Key Features of God’s Specified Plan

To align ourselves with God’s vision, we must understand the features of His specified plan:

1. Scientific Mission: Advance physiologic therapeutics and promote drugless healing.
2. Evangelistic Nature: All work should be linked to the Three Angels’ Messages and preparing souls for the investigative judgment.
3. Health Message: Utilize the health message to open hearts to the truth.
4. Comprehensive Education: Students should gain knowledge in the Bible, basic sciences, and practical skills.
5. Integration of Agriculture: Integrate mental effort with physical labor, emphasizing agricultural education.
6. Business Training: Equip students with entrepreneurial skills to support their missionary endeavors.

The Importance of Unity

As we explore the key players in this plan, we recognize that unity is essential:

• Educational, Ministerial, and Medical Workers: Workers in educational, ministerial, and medical lines must collaborate for effective outreach.
• The Missing Class of Workers: In addition to well-trained nurses and physicians, we need individuals trained to labor as gospel medical missionary evangelists who have been trained “with the ability of physicians” in order to fulfill our mission.

The Beehive Vision

Sister White’s vision of the Beehive in San Francisco exemplifies the diverse efforts of our community work. Here are some of the activities she observed:

• Visiting the sick and destitute
• Finding homes for orphans
• Conducting health classes and distributing literature

These efforts were not just about providing physical aid; they were rooted in the mission of sharing the gospel.

Health-Related Facilities in God’s Plan

In our discussion, we also uncovered the types of health-related facilities that play a vital role in God’s specified plan:

1. Sanitariums

• Location: Secluded, rural areas for inpatient care.
• Focus: Addressing physical, mental, and spiritual needs while emphasizing health education.

2. Restaurants and Health Food Stores

• Purpose: Provide plant-based meals and health foods in city locations.
• Role: Serve as outreach centers for evangelism and health education, directing individuals to sanitariums.

3. Treatment Rooms

• Description: Facilities in urban areas offering outpatient care, urgent care, and rehabilitation services.
• Function: Act as feeder institutions to sanitariums, sometimes providing overnight lodging.

4. Rehabilitation Centers

• Target Group: Individuals struggling with substance use disorders and other addictions.
• Services: Offer healthy food, clean clothing, and supportive environments for recovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, returning to God’s original plan requires humility, study, surrender, and a willingness to be guided by His grace. God desires to help us embrace the features of His specified plan and establish the right facilities, so He can restore our mission and broaden our influence in the world. Let us commit to being humble, teachable, and ready to engage in the work God has ordained for each of us. Together, we can make a significant impact on the health and spiritual well-being of our communities, fulfilling our divine purpose.