faith

Eugen Liebendorfer

by

Pioneer of Medical Missions in South India

Early Life and Spiritual Awakening

Eugen Liebendorfer was born on March 16, 1852, in Württemberg, Germany. Although raised in a Christian family, his faith became truly alive after he attended a spiritual revival meeting in a German Lutheran Church in the early 1870s. That encounter changed his life, and from then on, he decided to live completely for God.

Soon afterward, Eugen joined the Basel Mission, a missionary organization based in Switzerland and Germany, and was appointed to serve in Southern India.

Arrival in India and Early Ministry

At the age of 23, Eugen arrived in Calicut (now Kozhikode) on October 1, 1875. He began his missionary work at the Tellicherry (Thalassery) mission station in Kerala. Although he was not a trained doctor, his basic medical knowledge helped him build trust and friendships with local people, giving him opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

He also started writing Malayalam articles on human anatomy to help Indian doctors understand medical science better.

A Life-Changing Experience

On July 7, 1882, tragedy struck when a bridge collapsed, killing around 60 people. Eugen did everything he could to save lives but managed to rescue only 20. The heartbreaking event deeply moved him. He realized that if he had been medically trained, he could have saved more people.

Determined to serve more effectively, Eugen returned to Germany in 1883 for medical training. Many thought he had given up his mission, but his heart remained in India.

Return as a Missionary Doctor

In 1886, after completing his medical studies, Eugen returned to Calicut—this time as a fully trained missionary doctor. He soon established a small hospital, and people began to come from far and wide for treatment.

Locals fondly called him “the wonderful German doctor” and “the great Malabar doctor.” But Eugen remained humble, always saying:

“Jesus is the master healer; I am only His helper.”

Before treating any patient, he would pray for them personally, and often people felt relief even before the medicine was given. His compassion, skill, and faith transformed lives and opened hearts to the message of Christ.

Legacy of Service

In 1898, Eugen founded the Association for Medical Mission to expand Christian medical work in India and beyond. His efforts laid the foundation for future missionary hospitals in Kerala, many of which continue to serve people today.

After a lifetime of faithful service, Eugen Liebendorfer went to be with the Lord on October 3, 1902, leaving behind a shining example of Christian love in action.

Quick Facts

  • Birth: March 16, 1852 – Württemberg, Germany
  • Death: October 3, 1902 – India
  • Mission Organization: Basel Mission
  • Mission Field: Calicut & Tellicherry, South India
  • Known For: Founder of the Association for Medical Mission; pioneer of Christian medical work in Kerala
  • Life Motto: “Jesus is the master healer; I am only His assistant.”

Ada Lee

by

Faithful Missionary

“My thoughts are not your thoughts… For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
— Isaiah 55:8; Jeremiah 29:11

These verses were beautifully fulfilled in the life of Ada Lee.

Early Life

Ada Hildegarde Jones Lee was born on March 23, 1856, in West Virginia, USA. From her youth, she loved God deeply and desired to live for Him. She raised her family in the fear of God, praying that her children would bring many people to know the Lord.

Her life was a testimony of a mother’s faith and surrender to God’s will.

Missionary Call and Work in India

At the age of 20, Ada followed God’s call and came to India to serve as a missionary among the women of Bengal. She spent five years sharing the Gospel, teaching, and caring for those in need.

In 1881, she married David Hiram Lee, an American missionary also serving in India. Together, they continued their ministry in Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Service in Calcutta

Ada and her husband built schools and training centers to prepare young men and women for Christian service. Their home became a refuge for poor children and for women trapped in social evils such as child marriage and prostitution.

Their compassion and commitment brought light and hope to many lives across Bengal.

A Time of Great Sorrow

In 1899, a terrible tragedy struck. Six of their children, who were studying in Darjeeling, lost their lives in a landslide. Their only surviving son, Wilber, told how they all faced death with strong faith in God, saying they were not afraid because they knew they were going to Heaven.

A few days later, Wilber also went to be with the Lord.

This loss broke Ada’s heart and shook her faith. She wrestled in her spirit, asking why God had allowed such pain after she had dedicated her family to Him. But in her grief, she turned again to God for comfort and strength.

Later, she learned that the story of her children’s faith had spread throughout America, inspiring many people to trust in God. Realizing that her prayers had been answered in God’s own way, she thanked Him for His perfect plan.

A Lasting Legacy

Ada and David Lee continued their missionary work in India until the end of their lives. Their faith and service produced lasting fruit — the Lee Memorial Mission in Calcutta, which continues to bless lives even today.

Ada Lee went to be with the Lord on June 11, 1948, leaving behind a legacy of faith, sacrifice, and trust in God’s higher purpose.

Quick Facts

  • Birth: March 23, 1856 – West Virginia, USA
  • Death: June 11, 1948 – India
  • Mission Field: Calcutta (Kolkata), India
  • Mission Work: Founder of Lee Memorial Mission; schools and refuge homes for women and children
  • Life Verse: Isaiah 55:8; Jeremiah 29:11