Page 79 - Neglected Arabia (1916-1920)

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Further, the medical departments can follow lines of assistance with
the in-patients. A systematic method can be employed by which every
in-patient shall hear a little scripture reading, a few words of comment
every day. In this way no one is omitted ami no one is burdened
or bored with too much religion, which is often the case when the
work is done promiscuously.
This method was followed quite successfully in Bahrein two years
ago. Each one felt himself responsible for the patients assigned to
him for spiritual instruction. Xo one felt that a day could pass by
without seeing and speaking to his spiritual subject. It was inter­
esting to compare notes, to see that the same need was quite universal
and die ignorance equally dense. Even though a harvest was not forth­
coming, there was consolation that seed was sown broadcast. It
gave impetus to personal work which often seems so hard. It stimu­
lated Bible study, and was a means toward spiritual growth.
Finally, what service can be rendered outside of the hospital?
First, as to friendly visits among the Arabs, the medical and the
evangelistic can go together, showing that socially we are all one as well
as religiously. Certain evenings a week can be set apart tor this
purpose. And if the doctor has special invitations extended to him
because he is “hakeem’' and not a "Kiis”—he will help the evangelist
by trying to get an invitation for him also. If it is plain that the
minister is not wanted because he is a minister, the medical man will, of
course, show* that he hates to come without him. The mutauwas among
the Muslims are greatly honored. And some sheikhs are never seen
without their “Mutauwas.*' The Arab naturally tries to impress his
idea upon you that their religious teachers are worthy of more
honor than ours. This idea we must combat. We must show that
our ministers are representatives of God. and thus looked upon with
honor and esteem among us.
Secondly at outcalls. the evangelistic department is often glad to
go with the medical, for it cultivates friendships and makes new
friends. It opens doors inaccessably closed before. The doctor can
often at such occasions wedge in a little of the gospel, so as to start
the minister on his message of comfort possibly, and good news. If
it is not practical to take the minister, then the medical man can see
where there is workable material for the preacher. He can inform
• •: the preacher, or urge the patient to come and call on the minister.
The medical department can be the scouting party for the evangelistic.
Thirdly on tours, the medical profession can render unmeasured
service. The people can soon be impressed with the fact that clinic
preaching and dispensing medicine are inseparable. This was strik­
ingly illustrated in Kateef last year. The Ameer knew, after he failed
to stop the clinic preaching, that admitting the doctor with his medicine
meant permission to preach in clinic. It was a victory not for the
doctor and the mission, but for Christ and the Church. The way once
having been paved by the doctor it seemed no risk for the evangelist
m bazaar and the houses to talk of Christianity. &

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