A Brave Medical Missionary to India
Fanny Jane Butler was a courageous woman from England who dedicated her life to serving God and helping people through medical missions in India. She was born on October 5, 1850, in London, England. From a very young age, she had a strong love for God and a deep desire to serve Him.
Early Life and Calling
Fanny gave her heart to Jesus when she was just 13 years old. By the age of 14, she was already teaching Sunday school. As she grew, her passion for missions became stronger. Listening to stories from missionaries who had worked in China inspired her greatly and increased her desire to serve in foreign lands.
She soon understood that there was a great need for women doctors, especially in countries like India where many women could not be treated by male doctors. With this burden in her heart, she made a firm decision to become a medical missionary.
Medical Training and Mission to India
Fanny joined the London School of Medicine to study medicine. After completing her medical training, she graduated in 1880. Soon after, she was sent to India as a missionary by the Indian Female Normal Society.
Ministry Work in India
Her missionary journey in India began in Jabalpur, and later she moved to Bhagalpur. She opened several medical clinics and treated thousands of patients every year. While caring for the sick, she also shared the love of Christ and the message of the Gospel, especially with women.
At that time, Christians were not allowed to live inside the city. So, she rented a small house and turned it into a hospital. Every day, she traveled about four miles by pony or boat to reach her patients in the city. Her dedication never stopped.
Work in Kashmir and Hospital Construction
After a short visit to England in 1887, Fanny returned to India and moved to Kashmir to continue her medical mission. In just seven months, she treated more than 8,000 outpatients and performed around 500 surgeries.
Seeing her hard work and the great need for medical care, Isabella Bird Bishop supported her vision to build a hospital. Together, they raised funds and built the John Bishop Memorial Hospital, which became the first fully equipped hospital in Srinagar.
Her Faith and Final Days
Fanny strongly believed in what she called the “double cure”—the healing of both the body and the soul. Through her medical service and her faith, many people received not only physical healing but also spiritual salvation.
Even when she became seriously ill in 1889, she did not stop serving. She continued to care for women and children until her final day. Fanny Jane Butler went to be with the Lord on October 26, 1889.
Legacy
Fanny Jane Butler’s life is a powerful example of faith, sacrifice, and service. Because of her pioneering work, countless Indian women received medical care that was once beyond their reach. Her story continues to inspire many to serve God with compassion and courage.