Weimar University sponsored medical missionary students working in Decatur, Arkansas. These students partnered with ASI, a local lifestyle center, and the local church conference.
Historically, Seventh-day Adventist have looked at Christ’s ministry as a holistic one in which people were ministered to physically, mentally, and spiritually. “During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching. His miracles testified to the truth of His words, that He came not to destroy, but to save. Wherever He went, the tidings of His mercy preceded Him.” MH 19.4
Isaiah prophesied of Christ’s ministry on earth:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed; (Luke 4:18)
Recently, Weimar University students took up the call to use their summer to minister in Decatur, Arkansas. Inspired by Christ’s example, Isaiah 58, Ellen White’s writings (such as Ministry of Healing and Evangelism), and the historical examples of the John Tindall, these students worked to follow ‘Christ’s method alone’: “The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me'” (Ministry of Healing, p. 143.2).
One large focus of the summer program was the effort to blend a variety of different talents and gifts into a single program, as opposed to focusing solely on one line of work.
“The Lord desires His chosen servants to learn how to unite together in harmonious effort. It may seem to some that the contrast between their gifts and the gifts of a fellow laborer is too great to allow them to unite in harmonious effort; but when they remember that there are varied minds to be reached, and that some will reject the truth as it is presented by one laborer, only to open their hearts to God’s truth as it is presented in a different manner by another laborer, they will hopefully endeavor to labor together in unity. Their talents, however diverse, may all be under the control of the same Spirit. In every word and act, kindness and love will be revealed; and as each worker fills his appointed place faithfully, the prayer of Christ for the unity of His followers will be answered, and the world will know that these are His disciples . . .” (Evangelism, p. 99.4).
During their time, they ran a variety of outreach programs: Community service, health lectures, health coaching, cooking demonstrations, natural remedies, hydrotherapy, music concerts, as well as Bible studies and Bible seminars, to minister to people’s needs whatever they happened to be.
Though their efforts did not immediately result in baptisms, there were many community members that were reached through various programs. Many chose to make lifestyle changes, choosing better diets and surrendering vices such as smoking and alcohol. Some began attending the local SDA church and having Bible studies in their homes. The local Decatur SDA church also began a renewed effort to use their own talents in reaching those around them.
“Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 69.1). Christ is waiting to see perfect self-sacrifice in His people. It is by serving the needs of others—physically, mentally, and spiritually—that Weimar students develop this character. It is this character that will one day light the whole world with God’s glory (Revelation 18:1). Weimar University seeks to train and support these kinds of missionaries.
Are you interested in becoming part of a mission-driven community that blends education with service? At Weimar University you’ll receive the training and experience needed to follow in Christ’s footsteps, ministering to the whole person—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Apply today to join our programs and be equipped to make a lasting impact through holistic ministry.