Natalie Loredo, RN, BSN
This Little Light
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
I started canvassing when I was 16. Around that time people started asking me, “What do you want to be someday?”
I would always say, “A nurse!” because I always dreamed of becoming a nurse in order to do medical missionary work.
Upon completing my nurses’ training I began working at a Loma Linda area hospital. I felt convicted that I should pass out litera-ture to each patient. Nursing provides many opportunities to share because we get to spend a lot of time with our patients and gain their trust.
In Loma Linda, the University Church’s literature ministry team has placed literature racks in doctors offices and lobbies all over campus. This has made it very easy for me to stay supplied with literature to share with my patients.
One day I saw a canvasser walking down the street with a book bag over her shoulder. It brought back memories of when I used to canvas door to door. I stopped her and bought several books to share with my patients, including a health book, the Great Controversy, and Lessons of Love (Christ’s Object Lessons) in English and Spanish.
My favorite book to share is Steps to Christ because it has made such an impact on my life, and people are so happy to receive it. I also talk to them about the health message and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
I’ve been surprised by how many people are willing for me to pray with them and accept literature. As I go about my work throughout the day, I try to get everything done so I’ll have time to visit with my patients and invite them to pray with me before my shift is over.
Many times I’ll think, this person won’t want prayer, but surprisingly, they do! So far I haven’t had a single patient refuse prayer or the literature I’ve offered; in fact, they seem very open and thankful to receive it.
I remember one patient who was in very poor health. At the end of the day I asked him, “Do you like to read?”
“Oh yes,” he said, “I love to read . . . and only religious material!”
I said, “Well I have a book for you called Bible Readings for the Home,” and I gave it to him. He was very excited and expressed a desire to read the Bible more.
Some of my coworkers have probably heard me praying with patients. Most of them do not share my faith, so I am praying for opportunities to share with them over the long term.
I had another patient two days in a row. We became really good friends. Her background was Muslim. I asked, “What kind of books do you like to read?” That opened the door for me to give her a Great Controversy which she started reading that night. The next day she told me she was really enjoying it.
Doctors are in a different role and don’t have the time to spend with patients that I do, but I still encourage doctors to pray. The patients really respect the doctors, and it means a lot to them when the doctor prays. I think doctors would be surprised to know how many would say yes to prayer if asked.
I feel so blessed to be living my dream of being a medical missionary nurse. This is what I trained for, and I pray many will be drawn to Jesus.
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