missionary

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Life Story

Full Name: Samuel Rutherford
Parents: William Rutherford and family
Birthplace: Nisbet, Scotland
Year of Birth: 1600
Date of Death: March 30, 1661
Contribution: Served as a church pastor, theology professor at a Bible college, and author of the famous book The Law, The King.

Early Life and Personal Background:

Samuel Rutherford was born in 1600 in Nisbet, Scotland, to William Rutherford and his wife. Little is known about his childhood or family life. Some say his father was a farmer or worked in a mill. In 1627, Rutherford earned his M.A. from Edinburgh College and was appointed as a professor of Humanity at the same institution. Later, he became the pastor of a church in Anwoth.

Rutherford was known for his dedication, honesty, and love for the people he served. He worked tirelessly for the church, teaching, guiding, and caring for the congregation. People described him as someone who prayed constantly, preached whenever possible, visited the sick, wrote books, and read extensively. He was known to rise as early as 3 a.m. for prayer and study.

Trials and Service:

Rutherford’s early years in Anwoth were marked by sorrow. His wife suffered from illness for several years and eventually passed away, and his two children also died. Despite these personal tragedies, he continued to serve God with a devoted heart.

His teachings were unique and impactful, helping people see their spiritual errors and leading them toward repentance. One elderly listener remarked, “Through his words, he revealed the condition of my heart to me.”

In 1636, Rutherford published a book defending the principles of grace, which sharply criticized the doctrines of the Church of England. This led to charges of sedition, and he was brought before the court. As a result, he was exiled and imprisoned in Aberdeen. Even while separated from his congregation, Rutherford continued to write letters encouraging and guiding his church members. These letters became widely influential.

Later Life and Legacy:

In 1638, amid political conflicts between the English Parliament, the King, and the reformers, Rutherford gradually returned to his beloved Anwoth. The Scottish Presbyterian Church recognized his service and appointed him as a theology professor at St. Andrews College. During his time, he authored the well-known book The Law, The King. This work later caused him legal troubles, including accusations of treason, but he remained steadfast in his faith, famously responding that he was accountable first to God’s judgment.

Samuel Rutherford passed away on March 30, 1661, leaving behind a legacy of faith, courage, and theological scholarship that continues to inspire Christians worldwide.

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Life Story

Full Name: Ida Sophia Scudder
Parents: John Scudder and family
Birthplace: Ranipet, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India
Date of Birth: December 9, 1870
Date of Death: May 23, 1960
Contribution: Devoted her life to God as a Christian medical missionary, established hospitals and medical colleges in India, and became a renowned doctor.

Personal Life and Early Years:

Ida Scudder was born on December 9, 1870, in Ranipet, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, to missionary doctor John Scudder and his wife. She was born into a family of American missionaries who had come to South India to serve the people. Her grandfather, John Scudder, had arrived in India at the age of 26 with his wife to work as a medical missionary. Ida grew up witnessing poverty and suffering in the villages around her.

When she was eight years old, her family returned to the United States. While in America, Ida met a teacher named D.L. Moody, whose teachings inspired her to accept Jesus Christ as her savior. Despite living a comfortable life in America, she felt drawn to help the poor and serve God.

A turning point in her life occurred when her parents fell seriously ill in India. She immediately returned to India to care for them. While helping her father in his medical work, she witnessed a tragic event that changed her destiny:

One night, three women came to her father asking for help with childbirth. Ida, not knowing medicine herself, suggested calling her father. The men accompanying the women refused to allow her father’s assistance. Tragically, by morning, all three women had died. Deeply moved and heartbroken, Ida realized her calling: she needed to become a doctor to save lives, especially of women in India.

Education and Career:

Ida returned to the United States to study medicine. She devoted herself fully to medical education and also raised funds to establish medical facilities in India. By the age of 30, she returned to India as a qualified doctor.

With ten thousand dollars she had collected, and with the help of a friend, she started a small clinic by the roadside. Later, with additional support from friends in the U.S. and a donation from Robert Sewell in memory of his wife, she established a hospital for women and children. This facility eventually grew into the famous Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore. Ida also founded a medical college specifically for training female doctors.

Legacy:

Ida Scudder spent her life treating patients with compassion and excellence, always reflecting her Christian faith through her service. She saved countless lives, trained generations of doctors, and left a lasting impact on healthcare in India. She passed away on May 23, 1960, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of medical service and dedication to God.