faith

Evalyn M. Gordon

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Evalyn M. Gordon

Native Place: Calcutta
Country: India
Place of Vision: India
Home Calling: 1908

Evalyn M. Gordon was born into a family with a strong missionary background. His maternal grandfather had served alongside William Carey in Serampore, one of India’s early centers of missionary work. After completing his studies at Serampore College, Gordon began working for the Bombay Guardian newspaper. There, he met Morton Adams, an American missionary, who encouraged him to join the Disciples of Christ Mission in 1892.

Ministry in India

After joining the mission, Gordon was sent to Mungeli, where he traveled to many nearby villages, preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. He also wrote a short Life of Christ in the Chhattisgarhi dialect, which deeply touched the hearts of local readers.

Through his dedicated work, Gordon led his first convert, Hira Lal, to Christ. Hira Lal’s courage to follow Jesus despite family opposition inspired many others in the community to openly confess their faith.

Partnership in Ministry

During his growing ministry, Gordon met Anna Dunn, who later became his wife in 1896. Anna was trained in medical science and became a strong partner in his mission work at Mungeli. She cared for the sick with great love and patience, and through her medical service, many people experienced the compassion of Christ.

One remarkable story tells of a young woman with a serious tumor who was treated by Anna. The young woman’s mother was so moved by Anna’s care that she too accepted Christ. Anna also trained several young women to become nurses, ensuring that the gospel was shared every morning before beginning medical work.

Legacy of Service

During a severe famine, Gordon and Anna worked tirelessly to save the lives of hundreds of children. Together, they established orphanages, leper homes, training centers, and Sunday schools. Their ministry grew rapidly, touching many lives across the region.

After years of faithful service in India, the couple retired to the United States in 1908. Even after retirement, they continued to be active in church and missionary work, remaining true servants of God until the end of their lives.

Lulu E. Garton

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Lulu E. Garton

Homeland: United States of America
Place of Vision: India

Lulu E. Garton was a missionary from the Broadway Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kansas, USA. She served in India from 1915 to 1921. Lulu was born to Christian parents, Alexander Hamilton and Mary Frances, who raised her in faith and the love of God.

As a child, Lulu enjoyed the mountains and loved nature. She once said, “I first breathed God’s air in the rare atmosphere of the Rockies, a mile or so higher than Denver, in a little mining center called Silver Plume, Colorado.” Her upbringing made her deeply spiritual, and at just thirteen years old, she decided to become a missionary. She felt that India was the place where help was most needed.

Missionary Journey

When Lulu finished high school and wanted to attend college, she had no money for her studies. She prayed and talked with her pastor, and soon a scholarship was provided. She graduated in 1907. Later, she continued studying at the University of Missouri, taught in a mountain mission school in Hazel Green, Kentucky, completed a nurse’s training course, and worked for three years as a private nurse.

To prepare for missionary work, she also attended the College of Missions for three semesters. In August 1915, Lulu sailed for India, where she spent six years joyfully serving God. She worked in Harda, Rath, Bina, Jhansi, and Kulpahar. Lulu gave her best to serve others, but the heavy workload weakened her health.

In 1921, she returned home for a break (furlough) and was unable to go back to India because of her health. Yet she continued to serve God faithfully in the United States. For eight years, she worked as secretary of the women’s missionary organizations in Southern California. Afterward, she cared for her elderly mother while staying active in her church and missionary programs.

Lulu E. Garton remained a dedicated and loving servant of God all her life, always committed to the mission she began in India.