Ellen Chat Conversation

Based on our best data from the White Estate, guidance on starting a self-supporting ministry is found in several of Ellen White's writings, especially regarding medical missionary work, educational institutions, and independent ministries. The White Estate highlights several key principles: - Self-supporting ministries should work in harmony with the organized church. - They should uphold biblical principles and maintain transparency and accountability. - Ellen White encouraged such ministries when they addressed gaps in the church's outreach. - She also cautioned against fostering a spirit of independence that could lead to division or undermine church unity. For more specific counsel, the White Estate recommends reviewing "Testimonies for the Church," "Medical Ministry," and "Counsels on Health," as well as official statements on self-supporting work available through the White Estate website. If you have particular considerations or circumstances, please share them for more tailored guidance. References: - White, E. G. (1948). Testimonies for the Church (Vols. 1-9). Review and Herald. - White, E. G. (1932). Medical Ministry. Review and Herald. - White, E. G. (1923). Counsels on Health. Review and Herald. - Official statements on self-supporting work: https://whiteestate.org

Based on Ellen White’s writings, here is advice tailored to your situation as a young person starting a self-supporting ministry, run by youth, focused on preaching the Word of God in a time of widespread liberalism and false doctrine, while working with churches but receiving little support from your conference: 1. **God Can Use Young People Powerfully** Ellen White repeatedly encourages young people to engage in missionary work, even when resources are limited or support from church leadership is lacking. She writes: > “When the church officers see promising youth who are desirous of fitting themselves for usefulness in the Lord's service... they have a duty to perform in studying how to give help and encouragement... Some youth may be best fitted to engage in home missionary work. There is a wide field of usefulness in the distribution of our literature and in bringing the third angel's message to the attention of friends and neighbors.” (9T 77.3) 2. **Self-Supporting Missionaries Are Often Successful** Ellen White affirms the value of self-supporting ministries, especially when they begin humbly and rely on God: > “Self-supporting missionaries are often very successful. Beginning in a small, humble way, their work enlarges as they move forward under the guidance of the Spirit of God... Even the poverty of these devoted missionaries is a means of finding access to the people... They bear the message God gives them, and their efforts are crowned with success.” (7T 23) 3. **Work in Harmony with the Church, Even if Support is Limited** While you may not receive much support from the conference, Ellen White encourages working with the churches and not fostering a spirit of division: > “When the churches see young men possessing zeal to qualify themselves to extend their labors... the churches will be encouraged and strengthened far more than to themselves receive the labors of inexperienced young men... They need to be thrown upon their own resources, that all the gifts that are lying dormant may thus be called into active service.” (LS 205.1; 3T 204.3) 4. **Practical Steps and Encouragement** - Start small and let your work grow as God opens doors. - Use literature evangelism, Bible studies, and personal outreach as effective tools. - Seek training and education where possible (“The youth should be encouraged to attend our training schools for Christian workers... these institutions have been established by the Lord...” 8T 230.1). - Encourage each other and plan together, as “let two or more start out together in evangelistic work... let them go forward, praying, singing, teaching, living the truth.” (7T 23) - Remember, “the best help that ministers can give the members of our churches is not sermonizing, but planning work for them. Give each one something to do for others.” (6T 49.4) 5. **Trust in God’s Provision** Ellen White assures that God will sustain those who step out in faith: > “Patiently and perseveringly they labored, not relying upon human power, but upon God, and His grace sustained them... blessed results will be seen in the great hereafter.” (MH 153.4) **Summary:** You are encouraged to move forward with your ministry, even if support is limited. Work in harmony with the church, focus on practical outreach, and trust that God will bless your efforts. Your zeal and faithfulness can inspire others and bring revival. If you need more specific counsel on organization, funding, or dealing with opposition, let me know! **References:** - White, E. G. (1909). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 77. - White, E. G. (1902). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 23. - White, E. G. (1915). Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 205. - White, E. G. (1872). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 204. - White, E. G. (1904). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 230. - White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 49. - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, p. 153.

While Ellen White does not use the modern medical term "stomach ulcers," she provided extensive counsel on treating conditions she described as an "inflamed, irritated stomach," "dyspepsia," and general stomach ailments. Her advice centers on natural remedies and significant lifestyle changes. Here are the remedies she suggests for stomach-related health issues: ### The Foundation: True Remedies Ellen White identified a set of core principles for health and healing: "Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies." (MH 127) ⚠️ Reference could not be verified ### Dietary Reform A primary focus of her counsel was the removal of irritating substances and the adoption of a simple, healthful diet. * **Remove the Cause:** "When dyspepsia has resulted from abuse of the stomach, efforts should be made carefully to preserve the remaining strength of the vital forces by removing every overtaxing burden." (MH 308.1) * **Avoid Irritating Foods:** She strongly advised against condiments, saying they "irritate the stomach and make the blood feverish and impure. The inflamed condition of the drunkard's stomach is often pictured as illustrating the effect of alcoholic liquors. A similarly inflamed condition is produced by the use of irritating condiments." (MH 325) ⚠️ Reference could not be verified * **Specific Foods to Avoid:** * **Spices and Pickles:** "Do not eat largely of salt; give up spiced pickles; keep fiery food out of the stomach." (CTBH 51.3) * **Cheese:** "Cheese should never be introduced into the stomach." (2T 68.1) * **Fine-Flour Bread:** "The common use of bolted wheat bread cannot keep the system in a healthy condition... The use of fine flour aggravates the difficulties under which you are laboring." (2T 68.1) * **Saleratus (Baking Soda):** "Saleratus in any form should not be introduced into the stomach; for the effect is fearful. It eats the coatings of the stomach, causes inflammation, and frequently poisons the entire system." (HL 95) ⚠️ Reference could not be verified ### Beneficial Foods * **Olives and Olive Oil:** "When properly prepared, olives, like nuts, supply the place of butter and flesh meats. The oil, as eaten in the olive, is far preferable to animal oil or fat... It is healing to an inflamed, irritated stomach." (MH 298.2) * **Fruit with Meals:** "Eat fruit with the meals, and the irritation that calls for so much drink will cease to exist." (CTBH 51.3) ### Eating and Drinking Habits * **Give the Stomach Rest:** "The stomach becomes weary by being kept constantly at work; the remedy such require is to eat less frequently and less liberally, and be satisfied with plain, simple food, eating twice, or, at most, three times a day." (HL 169.3) * **Liquids with Meals:** She advised against drinking with meals. "The more liquid there is taken into the stomach with the meals, the more difficult it is for the food to digest; for the liquid must first be absorbed." (CTBH 51.3) * **Drinks to Avoid:** "Never take tea, coffee, beer, wine, or any spirituous liquor." (CTBH 51.3) Hot drinks are also described as "debilitating to the stomach." (2T 68.1) * **Proper Hydration:** "If anything is needed to quench thirst, pure water, drunk some little time before or after a meal, is all that nature requires." (HL 90.1) ### Lifestyle and Other Remedies * **Exercise:** "Exercise will aid the work of digestion... The diseased stomach will find relief by exercise." (HL 169) ⚠️ Reference could not be verified * **Regularity:** "The stomach must have its regular periods for labor and rest... With regular habits and proper food, the stomach will gradually recover." (HL 169) ⚠️ Reference could not be verified In summary, Ellen White's approach to healing an inflamed or diseased stomach was holistic, focusing on removing the causes of irritation, adopting a simple and nourishing diet, and embracing natural remedies like rest, exercise, and pure water.

The concept of Jesus as the "firstborn from the dead" is deeply rooted in the ancient sanctuary services, specifically the presentation of the wave sheaf. Just as the first heads of ripened grain were gathered and presented to God as a thank offering before the rest of the harvest could be reaped, Christ’s resurrection serves as the spiritual "first fruits" (1SM 305.2). This ceremony, performed for over a millennium, signified that the entire harvest belonged to God; similarly, Christ’s emergence from the grave represents the vast spiritual harvest of the redeemed that will eventually be gathered into His kingdom (DA 785.4). This title also highlights Christ's unique authority and divinity. While all created beings depend on God for life, Christ possessed the inherent power to lay down His life and take it up again (DA 785.4).

By rising as the "first-born among many brethren," He became the antitype of the wave sheaf, fulfilling the symbolic requirements of the Passover season. His victory over the tomb was not merely a personal triumph but a representative act that paved the way for all who believe in Him to experience a similar transformation (1SM 305.2). Furthermore, Christ’s resurrection provided a tangible pledge and evidence of the final resurrection of the righteous. When He came forth from the tomb, He did not come alone; He called a multitude of captives from their graves to serve as witnesses of His power (6Red 11.2). These individuals, chosen from every age since creation, were raised glorified and served as a direct testimony against those who sought to deny the resurrection (SR 233).

This event settled the long-standing dispute regarding the future life of the pious dead, proving that Christ’s resurrection is the type and guarantee of the resurrection of all who sleep in Him (3SP 192.2). Ultimately, being the firstborn from the dead means that Christ is the "Prince of life" and the source of immortality for His people. Just as the harvest could not be gathered until the first sheaf was dedicated to God, the "immortal harvest of redeemed ones" depends entirely on Christ’s initial victory (Hvn 20.2). His resurrection provides the light and hope necessary for believers to look forward to the second coming, knowing that because He lives, they shall live also (DA 785.4).

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The primary counsel regarding working contracts emphasizes that believers should avoid binding themselves to human institutions or associations in a way that supersedes their commitment to God. This is particularly relevant for those in medical or missionary service, as such legal agreements can hinder a worker's ability to follow the direct leading of the Holy Spirit (SpM 307.4). Instead of being bound to men for a set number of years, workers are encouraged to remain free to move as the Lord directs, maintaining their primary pledge to His service (8MR 298). Furthermore, there is a strong warning against entering into confederacies or contracts that originate from a lack of understanding regarding true sanctification. When workers are united in love and looking to Christ as their Master, they will not feel the need to exercise authority over one another through rigid legal instruments (SpM 250).

All arrangements made within God's service are to be treated as sacred transactions, where workers are respected as individuals with their own voice rather than being treated as inanimate objects (PCL 257.5). The writings also address the dangers of labor unions and worldly confederacies, which are described as a form of bondage that is not part of God's plan (3TT 115.1). Joining these unions can lead to a disregard for the Decalogue and place the believer under the control of powers that should not be acknowledged (MTC 38.3).

Such organizations often create turmoil and confusion in cities, which can prove to be a significant hindrance to the progress of the gospel work (7T 84.2).

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The total amount required of the ancient Hebrews for religious and charitable purposes was significant, reaching fully one-fourth of their entire income (PH148 7.2). This included various systems of benevolence, such as a special tithe raised every third year specifically for the benefit of the poor (PK 646.3). Additionally, the law required the suspension of all agricultural labor every seventh year, allowing the land to lie fallow so that its spontaneous products could be gathered by those in need (PK 646.3).

While such a heavy tax on resources might appear to reduce a nation to poverty, the result was actually the opposite (PP 527.1). Faithful observance of these regulations was a primary condition for their national prosperity, as God promised to rebuke the "devourer" and ensure the fruitfulness of their land in exchange for their obedience (PP 527.1). When the people acknowledged God's ownership and complied with His requirements, they found their barns filled with plenty; conversely, when they withheld these offerings, they limited their own blessings (T24 95.1).

These requirements were never intended to be a burden to a heart that loved God, but were designed to eradicate selfishness and develop a noble character (T24 95.2). Believers are encouraged to study these Old Testament directions to understand their own obligations regarding property (MYP 307.2). Rather than robbing God of the portion due to Him, individuals should be willing to face personal inconvenience or even financial straits, trusting that God will not forsake them in times of suffering or testing (Ev 240.4).

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