Missionary Doctor in India
Birth: –
Home Calling: 1908
Homeland: United States of America
Place of Vision: India
Dr. C. S. Durand dedicated himself to missionary work even before completing his medical studies. After finishing his post-graduate medical training in New York, he and his wife went to India under the Disciples of Christ mission. Although their profession was medicine, they fully engaged in all aspects of the mission, serving both spiritually and physically.
Medical Ministry in India
Dr. Durand was assigned to Harda in Central India. At first, he did not know the local language, but he opened a small dispensary and began treating patients immediately while learning Hindi.
As the number of patients grew, Dr. Durand planned to build a hospital. After trying to find land with no success, he prayed for God’s guidance. The very next day, a man offered a piece of land, and Dr. Durand accepted it and began constructing a hospital. Though small and simple, the hospital became a center for missionary work.
He also worked with leprosy patients, studying remedies to help them. While another missionary, Wharton, preached the Gospel among the lepers, Dr. Durand provided medical care and comfort. He also established a leper asylum on the outskirts of town, giving them a home and care while sharing Christ’s love.
Mrs. Durand’s Ministry
Mrs. Durand managed the boys’ school, teaching for several hours each day. She particularly loved her Sunday school classes for low-caste children and adults. She also visited women and girls in their homes, teaching and encouraging them in Christian faith. When Dr. Durand was away, she sometimes managed the dispensary herself.
After years of fruitful service in India, the Durands returned to the United States, continuing their ministry until the end of their lives.