David’s Fulfilled Promise

by Anna Galeniece

David Paulson was born in Wisconsin in 1868. His family moved to the Dakota Territory when he was about 6. He enjoyed growing up in a farmhouse surrounded by vast Dakota plains, although he had to work hard to help the family. David’s task was to herd cattle. At times cows wandered to places they should not go. David had to direct them to safe pastures. He had no sandals during summertime. His feet hurt from stepping on sharp rocks and thorns. But when he came home at night, he forgot the pain and scratches and played with his brothers and friends. 

David’s loving parents taught him and his siblings, from early childhood, to love the Lord. When David was 10 years old, he decided to get baptized. The happy day of his life came during a camp meeting in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in July 1879. James and Ellen White attended that camp meeting and were among the main speakers.

About five years later, tragedies started to visit David’s family. It began with the death of his mother and then a brother. It was devastating. Then David became severely sick. Thinking he would die, David promised God, “If You heal me, I will dedicate my life to You.”

David’s health was restored, but death did not leave the family. David’s father died less than a year later, leaving the children orphans. David’s oldest brother took responsibility for helping his siblings grow and become educated.  

After many hard years of schooling and working, David became a medical doctor eager to share God’s love with everyone. He met and married a godly young woman, Mary Anna Wild. She was also a medical doctor. The couple started serving God by healing the sick and teaching medical students. 

The Paulsons earnestly prayed that God would reveal where they could serve Him more effectively. They had some ideas, but no finances to pursue them. The Lord heard their prayers and miraculously made an arrangement. 

“I heard that you want to open a sanitarium,” said a wealthy patient.

“We have been dreaming and praying about it, but we don’t have the means to purchase land and start the sanitarium,” David responded. 

“I can lend you money while you do the work God called you for.”

With the help of that wealthy patient, the Paulsons purchased land in Hinsdale, Illinois. They established the Hinsdale Sanitarium, now called AdventHealth Hinsdale, one of the best hospitals in the Chicago area today. 

Despite this significant achievement, David still remembered his childhood poverty and his promise to God. “The Lord helped us build the sanitarium. He wants us to extend the blessing further. We must not neglect the poor,” said David.

This led the Paulsons to open the Life Boat Rescue Home in Chicago. It received women referred by social workers and probation officers. Some women had small children. Many of them changed their lives for good and accepted Christ while staying at the rescue home.  

David Paulson fulfilled his promise by finding his inspiration and purpose in serving God in medical-missionary work.