Christians fervently believe that when Jesus walked this Earth, He went about healing all manner of illness, including mental illness. Some of us are personal witnesses to the fact that He continues to heal the sick and afflicted today. I was just thinking what a privilege it is to be associated with an organization totally committed to extending the healing ministry of Christ.

Adventist Midwest Health is such an organization. It is headquartered in Hinsdale, Illinois, and is comprised of four free-standing hospitals, a clinic, and several ancillary and allied medical operations. I have been chairman of its planning committee, vice chairman of the board, and was recently elected chairman of the board for Adventist Health System, the parent corporation headquartered in Orlando, Florida.

Being so closely affiliated, I have witnessed extraordinary growth and success. Last year, Adventist Midwest Health broke ground for a new patient care center at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, and just this spring, ground was broken for the new Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, which will serve its community with 138 beds.

We can all appreciate the fact that our hospitals walk a fine line between serving the community and properly representing the principles upon which the Adventist faith is based. I am very pleased with some of the innovative changes Ernie Sadau has implemented and the direction he and his team are taking our medical work. Ernie is president and chief executive officer of Adventist Midwest Health, and a member of the Lake Union Conference executive committee. His responsibilities require him to interact with governing bodies, medical institutions, and employees. He and his staff are men and women of prayer, and that is comforting to an old orthodox Adventist like me.

I would make a sincere request of the members of the Lake Union territory: When you talk to our heavenly Father, please ask for continued blessings on our healthcare institutions. It will please you to drive past these very representative hospitals. The intentionality cannot be missed. Instead of including the name Adventist somewhere down in the title, all Chicago-area Adventist Midwest Health hospitals begin their names with the word “Adventist.” So, you have Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Adventist Bolingbrook Medical Center, and Adventist GlenOaks Hospital. And that makes me feel good.