HOW AIMS BEGAN


By
Carl Bauer, MD


The concept of an Adventist International Society was formed in the medical evangelism council of the LLU School of Medicine Alumni Association in 1976 and 1977. The need for such an organization now seems obvious, but it was not always so.

While serving in Japan in the late 1960s I became acquainted with a number of SDA physicians who did not work for the church and often expressed the idea that they felt isolated, detached, and out of touch with the "mainstream" of the family of Adventist physicians. These highly educated and talented people, if mobilized, could make a major contribution to the church. This situation is not only true in Third World countries, but also true in the western world.

For a variety of reasons, more and more SDA church members are obtaining their education in public schools, and in many countries of the world where SDA institutions of higher learning, especially medical schools, are not available, they have no other choice. There exists, then, a great need for a fraternal organization to bring these people together for fellowship, understanding, mutual support, encouragement, and growth in Christian love and commitment.

It has been the purpose of AIMS to provide such a vehicle and to serve such a function.

In some places we have succeeded; in other places little has been accomplished. The worldwide membership of AIMS is unknown, but it is at least in the thousands. Active local chapters now function in many parts of the world. I have just reread some of the AIMS JOURNALS. These attempts at communication and motivation are inspiring to read and show what has been accomplished.

I'd like to mention a few of the projects and goals accomplished: health evangelism materials sent to Latin America; radio evangelism materials made available and now in use in several European countries; educational equipment sent to Montemorelos University School of Medicine; medical congresses conducted in various parts of the world; continuing education programs provided for SDA physicians overseas; medical equipment gathered and shipped to mission facilities around the world; lecturing on missions at LLUSM and at Montemorelos; a major AIDs conference held in Africa. These are a few of the completed projects.

The Adventist Medical Study Guide, a self-study syllabus, was written to present the distinctive Adventist philosophy of health and healing. Many of our health professionals have not had the benefit of an education in an Adventist school and are not acquainted with the unique approach to health practiced by many SDA health professionals. This study guide makes it possible for individuals or members of AIMS chapters to study and discuss the distinctive Adventist approach to medical evangelism.

Much more remains to be done, and much more could have been done if money and personnel were available to carry out the original plans and hopes.

AIMS was formed out of a desire to reach out to health professionals around the world -- to bring them all into a common fellowship. AIMS has the potential for playing an important function in the world today. We exist to lift up healing, health, and salvation to a sick and dying world. As Adventist Christians we are constantly aware of the wonder of forgiving grace that is our gift from God. Because of that gift we are motivated to bring healing, health, and the good news of salvation to all mankind.

Working together as health workers: dentists, physical therapists, counsellors, psychologists, nurses, medical technicians, health administrators, and physicians, may our one supreme goal ever be to lift up Jesus and Him crucified as the source for all our healing efforts. It is my sincere hope that the next decade of AIMS' history will be cut short by the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.


Carl L Bauer MD graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1961. A gastroenterologist, he practices at the St Helena Hospital in St Helena, California.