Several months ago, Dr. Mike Miller spoke to a group of med students at a seminar sponsored by the Christian Medical and Dental Society. As he broached the subject of achieving excellence in school, he mentioned that his relationship with Christ had provided strength and peace through the frenetic, pressure-filled years of medical training.

Following the meeting, a shy Vietnamese student named Quok stood alone outside a knot of students chatting with Miller. When the other students filed away, Quok approached cautiously. In broken English, he explained how his course work as an M.D. and Ph.D. combined major, compounded by language problems, created overwhelming stress. After several oblique questions, Quok got to the point: He was curious about Miller's comment regarding strength. He had heard about Jesus but was confused by Miller's reference to a relationship with Him.

"I don't think I would've made it through med school without a source of power to undergird me," Miller told him. "You must be under an extra-heavy load with your double major, but there is strength available, a source of stability to carry you through the tough times."

Quok asked how he could have that strength, and Miller Outlined the plan of salvation. After thinking it over for a few days, Quok committed his life to the Lord. Now, after several months of growth and nurturing, Quok plans Lo return to Vietnam as a missionary.

Creating Opportunities

Miller, who is currently finishing his micro vascular and reconstructive surgical fellowship at Tulane University, is quick to point out that most evangelistic opportunities are not so easy. In fact, he says it's rare for someone to ask about his beliefs. So instead of waiting for opportunities Lo arise, he creates them.

"I try to take a practice approach," he said. "I look for openings in conversation when I can interject questions that lead to a discussion of spiritual things. Patients often come to me through circumstances that force them Lo think about spiritual issues. God may have placed me in their lives at these moments to present the gospel when they are unusually receptive."

Miller recalls a patient named Bill, an epileptic who burned his hand severely when he laid it on a hot stove during a seizure. Bill dragged himself in for treatment twice a week looking disheveled and slovenly. During each treatment, Miller asked questions about his life and eventually won his trust. After several weeks, Bill confided that he used drugs, drank heavily and couldn't keep a job because of his epilepsy. Recognizing his patient's openness, Miller made a transition.

"I don't know what I would do if I were in your shoes," he told Bill, "but it would be hard to get through some days without knowing Christ was helping me."

Bill looked puzzled. "What do you mean?" he asked.

Miller shared how the Lord had changed his life and how fie could do the same for Bill. There in the office, Miller led his patient in a prayer for salvation.

Although Miller has shared his faith with scores of patients like Bill, he says he understands why doctors are reluctant to take such a bold step.

"I remember the first time I was asked to share the gospel on campus in college," he recalls. "I said, 'No way! I don't want to do it and I don't think it's right.' Most of my hesitation was based on fear and intimidation. Deep down I wanted to tell others about my faith, but I was afraid of what they would think." After considerable coaxing from friends and fervent prayer sessions, he mustered his courage and approached a classmate with the Good News.

According to Miller, his hesitation and fear diminished as he gained experience and developed confidence in his abilities. One way to bolster courage and promote effectiveness, he said, is to outline strategies before opportunities arise.

"As Christians, we have the misconception that just because we're sincere we're going Lobe effective," he said. "But bringing people to the Lord doesn't occur by happenstance. As doctors, we wouldn't approach anything else that way. Just because you're sincere and want to be a good doctor doesn't mean it will happen without education and training. It's no different with evangelism. We must equip ourselves with effective spiritual procedures just as we do medical ones. Unfortunately, many physicians spend all their time training in medicine but don't give proper attention to their spiritual training."

Develop A Strategy

Miller sees three steps Lo sharing the faith with patients: looking for an opening to ask probing questions, making a transition to spiritual discussion and explaining the gospel itself.

In the course of conversation, Miller looks for a door he can open. That door often comes in the form of a question he poses to the patient. He then monitors the patient's response to see if he should proceed.

"I view a conversation like a stairway leading downward," he said. "I try to ask questions that will take our conversation from shallow to deep issues. But if a patient doesn't feel comfortable, I don't push it."

The second step, Miller says, is where most physicians get tripped up. Making a transition to spiritual matters without appearing harsh or judgmental requires a soft hand. To avoid putting patients on the spot, Miller often shares his own spiritual experience and background.

"No one can argue when I tell how Christ has changed my life," he said. "And that's the most powerful message I can give. I'm simply telling my story, and that keeps pressure off the patient.

"At this step, discernment and caution are Vital, said Miller. He moves ahead only when he is stir his patients are open and responsive; he never risks offending them.

For, gospel presentations, Miller often uses the Four Spiritual Laws track because it's simple and concise. Other times he shares his testimony and outlines his beliefs. Miller suggests physicians use whatever form is familiar and comfortable.

"I haven't had any patient get upset when I've tried to share the gospel," he stated. "I've had some disagree with me or say they didn't want to talk about it, but even those weren't angry. Far and away, the response is appreciation. Patients see it as an act of concern; I'm not just treating them as a medical problem. Very few pray to receive Christ, but that's God's concern, not mine. My job is to present the gospel in a clear, positive, nonthreatening manner and give them the opportunity to respond."

Miller recalls a 17-year-old car accident victim name Robert who was rushed to Ohio State Medical Center With a cerebral contusion and severe facial fractures. Robert had slammed his Toyota pickup into a telephone pole on his way home from a beer bash. In the emergency room, Miller sutured the lacerations on Robert's face and talked with him briefly. While Robert was recovering from his head injury and reconstructive surgery in following weeks, Miller examined him and established a friendly relationship. On the day Robert prepared for his discharge from the hospital, Miller stopped by his room chat.

"Robert, you've been through a lot in the past few weeks, but tomorrow you get to go home," Miller told him. "You know, you could have been killed in this accident or come out a vegetable."

Robert looked thoughtful. "Yeah, I know," he replied. His face was still swollen and discolored. "I'm beginning to realize how bad my accident was. I guess I was lucky."

After a moment, Miller said, "I've seen a lot of accident victims come into the hospital in bad shape. It makes me realize how uncertain life can be. Have you ever thought about what lies beyond this life?" With that question, Robert grew quiet. "I try not to think about it," he said softly. He wore a pensive expression. "It's so confusing-and scary."

Miller then proceeded: "I think most people feel that way. In my work I'm forced to think about it often, since many people in accidents don't come out as well as you. After I became a Christian, I developed a different perspective about life and death. Now I have confidence about where I'm going when I die. Do you know where you would be if you hadn't survived the accident?"

Robert confessed that he wasn't sure but said he'd like to be. For the next few minutes, he listened as Miller explained the plan of salvation. While Robert did not accept the Lord that day, he left the hospital with a clear understanding of the gospel.

"Our daily contact with people in the hospital, office, or school involves more than just patients," he said. "Beneath the placid faces of those we work with - colleagues, nurses, salesmen, students - lie tremendous struggles waiting to be shared. If we as physicians will take the time - and the risks - to dig deeper into their lives, we can show the way to real healing and life."