5. A Brief History About the Institute

Following different providential experiences, the Holy Spirit convicted some individuals to come together in order to do what they could to advance God's work. As a result, definite plans for forming the Gilead Institute of America were laid in the spring of 1990; and on May 17, 1990, after much prayer and careful consideration, the organization was incorporated.

From its very inception three key principles were employed by the Institute's leadership to reflect very important concepts and methods of operation:

(1) lay a firm foundation--in other words, be thorough and consistent,

(2) keep a balance--that is, avoid fanaticism or extremes, and

(3) trust and obey-- meaning to say, manifest faith and works at all times. These underlying principles are still encouraged and observed in the execution of all the Institute's plans and programs today. Throughout the first year, from 1990 to 1991, the Institute's founding members reviewed and re-educated themselves in all their beliefs in order to intelligently and effectively present the truth to others. Making Jesus Christ the center of our lives and teachings became the organization's theme.

Authorization to do business in the state of Georgia was acquired on May 28, 1991. In this same year the organization began to publish its own magazine (Arise & Shine), which was sent out monthly to both Institute members and the public.

Although the health message was considered important from the very beginning, between 1991 and 1992 it was given greater prominence. Also, missionary work and correspondence between the organization and individuals throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Africa, different Caribbean Islands, and other countries worldwide began to grow. Says Inspiration:

"In this work it is best to make small beginnings in many places and allow God's providence to indicate how rapidly facilities should be increased." Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 61.

Initially all the main gatherings of the founding members living in Georgia took place in a hotel in the city of Atlanta, but as the needs began to grow it became necessary to get a more suitable place for carrying on the expanding work. In conjunction with prayer, efforts were made to acquire the right location and facilities for conducting the administrative work of the organization.

"The Lord calls upon those who are in positions of trust, those to whom He has entrusted His precious gifts, to use their talents of intellect and means in His service. . . . They will fulfill His purpose by helping to create centers of influence in the large cities." Counsels on Health, p. 551.

With the help of God, on May 15, 1992, the staff members of the Institute finally moved into a large brick building in Tucker, Georgia, in order to carry forward the various programs conducted by the Institute. And with the passing of time the organization has gradually increased its office space as the needs arose.

During the year 1992, the Institute gave even greater emphasis to the importance of medical missionary evangelism for advancing God's latter-day work. As a result, this approach overruled all the Institute's plans and programs, and the fitness to carry forward these missionary goals became more and more a priority.

Between 1992 and 1993 many of the Institute's members began to increase their preparation for service along medical missionary lines. Some already were qualified in relevant fields, while others pursued more in-depth studies to become qualified instructors. Due to the determination and hard work of some of its founding members, the Institute's mission to advance the gospel by training medical missionary evangelists for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, was fast becoming a reality. Besides using conventional sources of education, the Institute strongly encouraged its members to also study the inspired writings of the Spirit of Prophecy on the subject of health. We were counseled:

"Let our people show that they have a living interest in medical missionary work. Let them prepare themselves for usefulness by studying the books that have been written for our instruction in these lines. These books deserve much more attention and appreciation than they have received. Much that is for the benefit of all to understand has been written for the special purpose of instruction in the principles of health. Those who study and practice these principles will be greatly blessed, both physically and spiritually. An understanding of the philosophy of health will be a safeguard against many of the evils that are continually increasing." Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 63.

Finally, in 1994, by the grace of God, the Gilead Institute of America began to offer classes in medical missionary evangelistic work. A program for training and certifying individuals as medical missionary evangelists was outlined and implemented. In this same year the organization applied for tax exemption from Federal income tax and was successful in qualifying as a non-profit tax exempt organization with 501(c)3 status.

In 1995 one of the Institute's projects was to start a health food club to provide various health products, as well as other much-appreciated information about natural remedies, preventative medicine, and alternative forms of healing. Through this means, not only Institute members but also the public were supplied with health items, literature, and other materials that are not always easily available. Thus, another avenue or entering wedge for ministering unto souls was opened up. Also, during this year Institute members made a number of out-of-state missionary trips to advance the medical missionary evangelistic work.

In 1996 the Institute began to offer a Bible correspondence course, and a number of Bible study groups were started in different cities. In addition to the on-going medical missionary evangelistic program at the Institute, a number of lectures and seminars were conducted at different churches, clubs, organizations, and other institutions that requested more enlightenment along health lines.

One major achievement in 1996, however, stands out in the minds of most of the members of the organization, and that is the formation of a mission for the promulgation of the gospel via the third angel's message. Under the inspiration and conviction of God, quite a few individuals rallied around this project at the time of its inception in April of 1996. And praise God, since that time new faces have become identified with this mission.

The Institute believes that God desires true medical missionaries to establish new missions where others can be introduced to the truth:

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt. 5:16.

"Medical missionary work should have its representative in every place in connection with the es-tablishment of our churches." Medical Ministry, p. 322.

"Our missions must be sustained; new missions must be opened. . . Houses of worship are needed, where the people may be invited to hear the truths for this time." Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 5, p. 465.

"The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort has been presented to me by One who cannot err." Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 7, p. 21.

Since the Institute began its medical missionary evangelistic program, its classes have been greatly enhanced. Subjects taught include evangelism, diet and nutrition, Bible study teaching techniques, hydrotherapy, and vegetarianism. Cooking classes and CPR & First Aid are also given. We also offer a state-approved nursing program  to those needing a marketable skill, and plans are on the way to offer more classes and career opportunities.

With the training classes and outreach programs that are already in place, the Institute now considers itself well on its way to fulfilling its aims and objectives. In the Spirit of Prophecy we read: "There should be connected with our missions, training schools for those who are about to enter the field as laborers." Evangelism, p. 107.

By utilizing all of God's appointed tools for reaching souls, especially "the entering wedge"--medical missionary evangelism--the Institute has been affecting many lives. Not only has it provided a support system for those interested in lifestyle changes but it continues to help all who desire to stand as God's faithful sentinels in these last days.

This organization is dedicated to the work of changing lives for the better, relieving the pain and suffering of many, and training others to do God's work more effectively. By offering short but thorough courses it seeks to train others to reach God's sheep in the streets and lanes of the city, as well as in the highways and byways whereby it can prepare a people to meet the Lord. Says Inspiration:

"Workers--medical missionaries--are needed now. You cannot afford to spend years in preparation. Soon doors now open to the truth will be forever closed. . . . Let little companies go forth to do the work to which Christ appointed His disciples. Let them labor as evangelists, scattering our publications and talking of the truth to those they meet. Let them pray for the sick, ministering to their needs not with drugs, but with nature's remedies, and teaching them how to regain health and avoid disease." Counsels on Health, p. 397.

This is the work of the Gilead Institute of America, and our history shows that with God's help it continues to grow. Yes, by experience we can say, "God leads His people, on step by step" (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 187).