Ida Scudder: Reluctant Missionary, Part 2
Medication to the people
Ida examined the large open sore on the boy's leg. "Why didn't you bring
your son in sooner?" she asked his mother. Ida was thrilled that the women
were finally trusting her enough and coming to the clinic, but why did
they sometimes wait too long?
 Today
the Vellore Hospital in India continues the work begun by Ida Scudder
over 100 years ago.
"I thought it was the image of a god growing there," replied the mother.
"Everyone told me I would anger the gods if I even touched it. Can you
help him?"
Ida sadly sent the mother away. It was too late for her to help the poor
suffering boy. The superstitions the people believed were keeping them
from coming to her in time. She had to think of a way to resolve this
problem.
Ida's "Roadsides" were the answer. With an ox and wagon full of medical
supplies, Ida traveled to remote villages to treat the people where they
lived. She would always pray with those she visited, and ask them if they
had any questions about Jesus or Christianity.
Training Indian Women
Ida set her mind to train Indian women as nurses and doctors so they could
help themselves. Though no one believed the women would be able to pass
the final doctor's exam, Ida pressed on. When the scores were finally
tallied, all fourteen of her students had passed! Ida's dreams of teaching
the Indian women to help themselves were becoming a reality.
 Ida
helped start the Vellore Christian Medical College and Hospital, which
is today known around the world for excellent research, healthcare, and
disease prevention. There, Bible classes are held in nine different languages,
and chaplains pray with patients. Dr. Ida Scudder, who once promised never
to work in India, left a legacy that continues to touch millions of lives
each year.
Make It Real! Questions to make you dig a little deeper
and think a little harder.
- Why didn't Ida want to go back to India after living in America?
- What lead her to change her mind about being a missionary?
- Ida was a "medical missionary." What do you think that means?
- Look up Luke 9:23Æ24 in the Bible. What is Jesus asking his followers
to do? How did Ida follow Jesus' instructions?
- Are there ways that you can follow Jesus' command in your own life
today?
- Suggested reading:
- Ida Scudder: Healing Bodies, Touching Hearts by Janet and
Geoff Benge (Christian Heroes Then and Now series,YWAM)
- Ten Girls Who Made History by Irene Howat (Christian Focus
Publications)
- Websites:
- Related adult Glimpses issue: #113 on Ida Scudder. Call 1-800-468-0458
or go to www.chinstitute.org/glimpses.
- cmch-vellore.edu/Photo_Album/photos.html (pictures of the
Vellore Christian Medical College and Hospital in India)
- www.vellorecmc.org (the Vellore Christian Medical College
Board in USA)
- Activities:
Back to part one of this Ida Scudder "Glimpses
for Kids" children's worship bulletin insert.
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