John Shin, MD
Twenty-first century medical ministry
I once gave a talk about the principles of effective spiritual care to a group of fourth year medical students at Loma Linda University. During my talk there was one student who seemed very engaged, but his body language and facial expression indicated that he was not satisfied with what I was saying. I tried to anticipate all of the questions and objections one could raise about the practice of spiritual care and medical ministry, but try as I might I felt I was not getting through to this student. When I ended my talk, he was the first to come up to me. He thanked me for my talk and then asked, “Dr. Shin, what does spiritual care look like? I have heard many people talk about it, but I have never seen it practiced. What I really need is an example.”
I will never forget my student’s question because it demonstrates to me the importance of modern-day examples. Head knowledge only goes so far; at some point, we need an example. Ellen White called medical ministry the “right arm of the gospel.” However, our world today looks very different from Ellen White’s horse and buggy era. What does the right arm of the gospel look like when it is effectively implemented today in the 21st century both in the United States and abroad? We attempt to answer this question through the stories found in this issue which highlight the experiences of people with diverse backgrounds including overseas missionaries, medical students, physical therapists, and those who run lifestyle centers. These stories illustrate how God effectively uses medical ministry in many different contexts today.
Although the way medical ministry is implemented will vary as it is adapted to the times, there are principles that never change. One such principle is that of self-sacrificial service. In the book Prophets and Kings, Ellen White writes on p. 74, “The conflict before us calls for the exercise of a spirit of self-denial, for distrust of self and for dependence on God alone, for the wise use of every opportunity for the saving of souls. The Lord’s blessing will attend His church as they advance unitedly, revealing to a world lying in the darkness of error the beauty of holiness as manifested in a Christlike spirit of self-sacrifice, in an exaltation of the divine rather than the human, and in loving and untiring service for those so much in need of the blessings of the gospel.” Only when we put the needs of others first and minister to them with self-sacrificial love can they see the love of Christ in us. This love is what breaks down barriers and makes people receptive to the gospel message.
Another timeless principle of effective medical ministry is that of complete reliance on God. In the medical profession, our training is designed to make us self-reliant, and our education and experience tend to give us an outsized sense of our own abilities. However, Jesus says in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” Every example of effective medical ministry is a demonstration of what God can do when people are willing to be used by Him. As you read the stories in this journal, you will see that the secret to success is to abide in Jesus. The branch does not bear fruit through superior effort or talent, but rather, fruit is simply the natural byproduct of being connected to the vine. When we humbly lay our time, talents, and training at Jesus’ feet, He will enable us to use these gifts to make an impact for Him.
Medical ministry is the most intimate form of ministry because it requires us to draw close and treat people as individuals, and it was Jesus’ preferred means of breaking down barriers to the gospel message. It is a modality that will always retain its efficacy and will remain timeless in its relevance. As AMEN celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, despite the many changes brought on by the last two decades, our core mission remains the same: AMEN exists to inspire people to continue Jesus’ work of healing the soul by ministering to the body. As you read the stories in these pages, my prayer is that you will glimpse the Master Physician at work in the lives of modern-day people, that you will learn His principles, and that you will be inspired to follow His example of bringing healing to not just the body, but also the soul.