The idea of a hospital exclusively for women and children was mooted way back in 1915 when, seeing the need, the women’s council of the Assam Baptist Convention unanimously adopted a resolution to set up such a hospital. This resolution was forwarded to the American Baptist Mission who accepted it in principle, but it took almost a decade for the hospital to materialize mostly on account of two reasons: that a suitable location could not be decided upon and that no lady doctors were available. Considering the location, one group thought that this hospital should be in Jorhat which would consolidate the existing medical work already started there by Dr. Kirby in 1919. The other group however opined that the need of such a hospital exclusively for women and children was greater in lower Assam where people were more conservative and would have their women examined only by a woman doctor. The second school of thought won the day and it was finally decided that this hospital should be located in Gauhati, now updated Guwahati.

The initial Hospital Building 1924	Miss M. Marvin with four of 1st batch of Nurse 1926

The others nag that there were no lady doctors still lurked. Miss. Milli Marvin a Missionary Nurse, who was assigned by the WABFMS in 1921 for Guwahati started the work without waiting for a missionary lady doctor. Thus the hospital indeed was started by a nurse Miss. Marvin, with a handful of girls who joined as nurses and started taking care of women and children patients in a small thatched house. Thus a beginning was made by way of a nursing school on 26th, October 1926 to be exact. The first five (5) nurses enrolled were:

            1) Leah Momin (Garo)
            2) Kane Rongpi (Mikir/Karbi)
            3) Akangla Ao (Naga)
            4) Batase Sangma (Garo) and
            5) Monmojini D. Shira (Garo)

Hospital 1928	Nurse's Home 1928

The main job was, however, to look after the orphans. Of the many orphans, Prabhat Singh whom some of us knew but who is no more was one. Among some of the early patients were Dahani Sangma who was treated for Typhoid and Mrs. Shanti Maya Sinha whose last child was delivered. Late Shanti Maya Sinha was the mother of our dear Miss. Lydia Sinha.

Mon Bahadur Work Supervisor 1928	First Permanent Nurse Miss Chuba and Kathamo 1929

Even though a 25 bed hospital was sanctioned by the WFBMS as early as 1921, the work of construction of the hospital started much later. In 1927, the foundation of the hospital was laid by Miss. Milli Marvin. The students from the school, members of the local church and a few workers of the hospital participated in this great event. Late Levi Farwell was the then Pastor of the Guwahati Baptist Church. Dr. Victor Sword and Dr. A. Tutle were missionaries. After a short devotion with Bible reading, hymns and a short speech from the Pastor, Miss. Milli Marvin took the spade, dug the soil and formally laid the foundation. The present old wing of the hospital was the original site where the construction was started. There were no builders or local carpenters at that time. So Chinese carpenters were brought from elsewhere to start the construction. The funds were provided through the Jubilee gift from the Women’s Council of the Central Districts of the U.S.A.

Dr. lahori Bhuyan, Dr. Dorothy Kinny, Dr. Alice Randell, Miss M. Marvin & Miss Edna Stever with group of Nurses & a first operated patient 1930	Nursing Staff 1934

Though there was no proper building yet, the nursing classes both theoretical and practical were conducted regularly and the nurses were taught well. There was no regular lady doctor as yet. However, one Dr. Esther Closson arrived in 1924 but she had to leave soon after on account of ill-health. Dr. Closson was relieved by Dr. Martha Jane Gifford  M.D. who was studying tropical medicine at Calcutta at the time. However, she returned to Burma, now updated Myanmar, her original place of work in 1928. Then in November 1928, Dr. Dorothy Kenny, M.D. arrived as the first full time missionary doctor, to the joy of all. In the meantime two Assamese girls, Miss. Lahori Bhuyan and Miss. Alice Grace Mark were sent to Ludhiana to train as doctors. Of the five Nurses, three namely, Kave, Batase and Monmojin  left on personal grounds with only two, Leah Momin and Akangla left to finish the training. They graduated in 1929 and had their diplomas. Leah Momin later left for Tura to work with Miss. Blackley in the hospital there. The hospital staff looked fortified now and patients were on competent and dedicated hands with trained nurses and a full time missionary doctor. Miss. Edna Stever who joined in March 1927 took charge as the hospital Superintendent while Miss. Milli Marvin continued as the Nursing Superintendent.

Dr. Clarice Phan, Dr. Alice Randell, Dr. Alice Mark 1944	Sister Nodil Marak teaching bandaging 1947	New Dispensary Building 1947-48

Dr. Gifford, with the help of Dr. Lahori Bhuyan and the nurses admitted patients for the first time. Thus Dr. Bhuyan was the first national doctor in this hospital.

Dr. Mary Kirby, Sister Mehoni Marak in rural health service 1947-1948	The Hospital Staff of 1952

Even so, those pioneers of this hospital worked under difficult conditions which modern day doctors, nurses and other hospital workers may find difficult to visualize. The hospital building took the final shape with two large rooms on either side of an operation theatre in the centre. The two rooms were meant for women and children patients respectively. The hospital was barely furnished. There were six (6) heavy angled iron-black beds with rice straw filled mattresses. The beds were only 12” inches from the floor. In the children’s ward there were four (4) small wobbly cribs. However five (5) more enamel cribs were added later on. The Operation Theatre was equipped with a small army-field type folding operating table, a handful of old instruments and a stool. A small room away from the operation theatre was used as a sterilizing room equipped with an autoclave and a water sterilizer. At the end of the two wards were two rooms one used as a kitchen with two ordinary tables and the other a bathroom.

Dr. & Mrs. Lau with group ready for evengelistic visit 1953	The Hospital Staff of 1953

There was no running water. All water needed had to be hand drawn from a well. There was no electricity either, Kerosene lanterns were used.

Dr. A. Mundhenk, Dr. Alice Marak, Dr. Tarap Ao, Dr. L. Zimik 1962	The Hospital Staff of 1976

The year 1929 appears to be a millstone in the development of the hospital. As it is already mentioned, Leah Momin and Akangla Ao graduated and became the first ever nurses to be graduated from this hospital. Four more nurses joined. Suprava Bhuyan, sister of Dr. Lahori Bhuyan joined as a staff nurse and helped in teaching and took charge of the nurses. Dr. Alice Randal, M.D. arrived and joined late in November. She was the second Missionary doctor.

The Hospital Staff of 1984

The first hospital car, a gift from the friends in the U.S.A. arrived in May. This was a great boon since previously most of the transport was done by bullock carts and hand pushed in carts. Electricity was installed, another milestone that helped in work a great deal. It was already mentioned that there was no electricity in the hospital, may be in the whole town. As soon as some talk of installing electricity in the town was heard, the hospital authorities were quick to grab the opportunity and contract was given for installation of the same. A 75 watt bulb was put in the CR. Subsequently by October power lines were laid and the whole compound along with the bungalows were electrified and there were sight-seers in the compound just to see the lights in the evening.

With electricity installed other electrically operated facilities were brought in A power driven well was installed, the estimate for which was called and received from Calcutta, now updated Kolkata, addressed to “The Mother Superior of Gauhati Hospital”. An over-head tank was built and running water was made available much to the convenience of the hospital. Improvement of the toilet facilities were also brought in, the claypipes which are prone to the earthquake damage were replaced by iron pipes. The septic tanks were enlarged.

The following year saw more progress, both physical as well as service-wise. Ten (10) beds with regular prescribed heights added to the women’s ward. An exhaust fan was installed in the sterilizing room. A centrifuge a gift from one Professor of the Medical College, Calcutta University was received gratefully.

The nurses moved to their own quarters, as more nurses joined in, the number being increased to twenty (20).

Dr. Kenny began preparation of a hand book in obstetrics in Assamese for the nurses, a very farsighted effort. The book was published in later.  1931 saw the arrival of proper operating table which made work very convenient. Funds were received to construct a small morgue. Funds were also received to convert the space under the bungalow into guestrooms that catered to the guest of patients, mostly American and English.

An earthquake in July did some damage requiring some repairing expenditure. Dr. Alice Grace Mark, the first Indian (Assamese) doctor who qualified from Ludhiana joined in 1931.

The great recession of 1932 also hit the hospital as the funds for women’s society in America were cut and correspondingly there was a cut in salary by 7-8% here. However, there was still some progress. A 16-gallon hot water heater was received. A second microscope was received. The nurses dining room was enlarged.

Dr. Dorothy Kinney Chambers First American Missionery Doctor in Satribari Christian Hospital	Dr. Lahori Bhuyan First Assamese Lady Doctor in Satribari Christian Hospital

The year 1933 saw the second batch of nurses graduated. They were Deme, Kika and Kathwnua. A verandah measuring six feet wide was constructed along the entire length of the living quarters. Also two 12’X14’ rooms were added to one end of the existing quarter so as to make more rooms, specially for the staff nurses.

An ether machine, a gift from the members of Miss. Stever’s Church in U.S.A. was received thankfully.

Dr. Randell fell ill with a serious heart condition. But God had sustained her and she was soon well enough to carry on the work. She left for furlough in 1935 when Dr. Kenny, already on furlough returned.

The X-Ray plant arrived in July and with the dark room ready, they could advance with the work.

For the first time a boy of 16, a typhoid patient was admitted in the hospital, opening the way perhaps to the hospital’s future as a general hospital.

By 1936, the hospital had a firm footing with adequate qualified staff, equipment and other medical facilities rendering fine medical service to the people so much so that the govt., recognized the women and children’s hospital of Guwahati as AN OUTSTANDING INSTITUTION. People accorded full co-operation and participated in the hospital programme. Both Indians and Europeans who availed themselves of the services of the hospital spoke of it in highest of merits. The women and children hospital of Guwahati had come to stay.

Nurses of Satribari Christian Hospital 2001	Hospital Chapel

A stock taking at this stage will not be out of place. From the meager record available the number of patients treated, annually rose from 247 in 1929 to around 717 by 1936 covering the area of general treatment, surgical both  minor and major and obstretical and gynecological service. The service, one should not forget is only to women and children and hence the figure appears small. But considering the reluctance on the part of women to avail medical services of themselves, it was quite an achievement. The more important aspect is the loving care given to these patients which is deeply reflected from the lips of a small women, an ex-patient of the hospital who while persuading a sick woman to go to the hospital for treatment said “There is no night in the hospital”. And the light continued to shine.

The work of the hospital would not have been successful with out the help and co-operation of the non-medical supporting staff. The services of Monbahadur Rana, the work supervisor may specially be mentioned in this regard. What about the outreach programme? The hospital did not confine its services within the four-walls of the hospital alone. The many in medical need were reached through its outreach programmes. This programme was initiated by way of a visiting nurse type programme in 1932, visiting patients in the town and a prenatal clinic was started. Village dispensary work was started in Boko, Jungle Kuli and Rampur and its vicinity. Some 1200 patients were attended to upto 1936.

The hospital had regular evangelical programme too. The day started with a short devotion, a tradition still adhered to. The Bible women were by the side of the patients in bed, comforting them through the word of God. Special instruction in Christianity, distribution of new trestments, tracts were part of the evangelical programme. Some were won to Christ through these programme’s, but most of all, the loving care they received in the hospital bore a greater witness of Christ, the Great Healer.

The third batch of nurses namely Thierasori, Sukurmoni and Horoni graduated in 1935. In 1936 Dr. Kenny was married to R. Fred Chambers, one of the Board Missionaries at Jorhat. She continued to stay on till the return of Dr. Randal.

During Dr. Randall’s time, the hospital progressed both in its physical amenities as well as in its services & more nurses graduated. In its outreach service, everyday a group went out to visit the patients who had been recently discharged as well as visit homes and advice to get medical care where ever necessary. A gospel woman would also accompany the group to tell about Jesus. They were received warmly in these homes.

School of Nursing Bus Satribari Christian hospital	View of Hospital 2001

In 1940, the hospital was made the Kala-azar Centre for treating such patients.

The heat of the second world war had also touched this part of the world and during this time strenuous demands were made on the hospital. Hundreds of refugees fled Myanmar who took shelter in the hospital, as most of them were sick and dying. During the final phase of the war, the evacuees as well as the refugees had to be taken care of. In addition, the retreating American army had to be taken care of. Three American nurses and one surgeon, Dr. Rosene were sent to help. A temporary thatched construction was erected, on the site now occupied by the private wards. When the army left, the bed equipment etc were purchased by the hospital. Life saving drugs were made available that saved many lives.

All these took a heavy toll on Dr. Randall’s already frail health and she had to leave on furlough. A little about this lady who laid the foundation of the hospital strong.  English born, Dr. Alice Randall later shifted to the U.S.A. and became its citizen since 1955. She was a brilliant student and graduated from the medical college, Virginia in 1928 and came out to India in 1929. She served the women and children’s hospital as head since then till 1945. She was awarded the Silver Jubilee Medal by king George V in 1935, the silver coronation Medal in 1937 when George VI was crowned and Kaiser-I-Hind Medal in 1943, all for her distinguished service in India.

It was Dr. Randall who first suggested the change of name of the hospital from Women and Children’s hospital on account of two reasons. First, the first name no longer held truth as the hospital no longer confined its treatment to women and children alone but had opened up treatment to all including men. Secondly, the nurses would not be allowed to take provincial examination, if their treatment is confined to treatment to women and children alone as the name where they are trained is cited as such. So, in order to get the nursing school registered, it had to be a general hospital, treating all woman, children and men, This suggestion had been given weight age and the name of the hospital had been changed to American Baptist Mission Hospital in the year 1944.

Born of Missionary Parents, Dr. Herbert William Kirby and Mary Ella Kirby, Dr. Mary Ella Kirby joined this hospital in 1945 at the age of 28 and took full charge of the same. In 1948, Mary had to operate on her father and thereafter she had to take him to the States for further treatment. While there Mary got married to Earl Berry and returned as Mary Berry and continued to serve this hospital. In 1952, Dr. Kerby Sr. retired and handed over the hospital for Leprosy patients in Borbheta, Jorhat to Mary. She joined there as the Director of the leprosy work.

Mary was a person who completely surrendered her life and work to God, she was loved and much sought after a physician who was not spared even on her holidays and on trips to places on other assignments and responded without any grudge or complaint. To her A DOCTOR IS ALWAYS A DOCTOR. This wonderful life was cut short prematurely. She died in 1957 at the age of 41 at Jorhat Mission Hospital.

One of the much loved doctors that ever served this hospital was Dr. Alvin Robert Mundhenk. Appointed by the ABFMS in January 1950, Dr. Mundhenk first joined the Jorhat Mission Hospital for one year and then shifted to this hospital and served here for fifteen long years. They left in 1966 for other assignments in South India.

Inauguration of OPD Extension 1996	Nursing School Extension 1981

Dr. Mundhenk’s contribution to this hospital was immense. People loved him and some even worshipped him as a God His selfless service and action was reflected from a small incident when an ex-patient gratefully presented him with some fountain pens. He called four trainee nurses and requested the ex-patient to gift the pens to them, as he said they are in greater need than he and that it was only God who cured him.

The present wing of the hospital housing the maternity section alongwith the doctor’s and nursing superintendent’s office was added during his time.

Miss. Alice Townsand arrived in 1950 to take charge from Miss. Marvin. In her own words, “It was moment of fulfillment, a life’s desire to be a missionary nurse”. She served from 1050-1952. Mary Suderman took over as Nursing Superintendent and served for a long period of thirty-two years, retiring in 1982.

Dr. Gladys Allen born of missionary parents too had her early childhood in Assam. In this environment, missionary service was always in her mind. After her medical training, she came and served in this hospital in 1953 and relieved Dr. Mundhenk for his much needed vacation in two years.

In 1948, the Gauhati University, the first University in this part of our country was established. A Medical College in Gauhati was established in 1960 and brought under the academic preview of the University. The Medical School of Dibrugarh was upgraded to a Medical College in 1947. A large number of meritorious students could now enroll themselves in these two medical colleges and qualified as M.B.B.S. doctors. Some of them served in this hospital. Mention could be made of Doctors – Rose Mary Ropmay, Temsu Ao, M.L. Nath, Ruthuama, P.L. Das, Lallowma (MS), Lallowma, Blah, Syiemlieh, Rangad,  Alengla Ao, Alice Hmar, V. Hoping and others.

Doctors passing from other Universities who served for a shorter or longer period during the time were Dr. (Ms.) Webster, Dr. Marchand, Dr. Utika, Dr. Ezikel, Dr. Wear, Dr. A. Basumatary and Dr Lao Thimpho who came from Myanmar and served during 1952-1953.

The hospital grew both in its physical amenities and in its service to the people. From a shell 25 bedded hospital, it became 75 bedded in 1943 and 100 bedded in 1958. At present the hospital is a 155 bedded one. Miss. Ruth Meivan served for a period of eight years from 1956-1964 while Miss. Ruth Guida was here during 1961-1962 as Nursing Superintendent.

Likewise, the hospital’s service to people and community has also enlarged. From serving to a few hundreds of people, it has grown some averagely speaking to some thousands annually. It should be noted that prior to the establishment of the Guwahati Medical College, the Civil Hospital run by the State Government and this hospital were the only two places where medical treatment and nursing care were made available.

Nurses Hostel	Laparoscopic Surgery

Of the last missionary doctors, who left a deep mark in the history of this hospital were Dr. Lawrence Norton and Dr. Frank Curry. Though served for a comparatively brief period (1964-1969), Dr. Norton was much sought after a surgeon and many owed their lines to him. The important and most lovable aspect of Dr. Norton was and is that both Mrs. and Dr. Norton took a deep interest in the development of this hospital and visit here whenever opportunity arose. The Laparoscope to this hospital as well as to the Jorhat Medical Centre were his gifts.

Dr. Frank Curry was here for a longer period (1969-1979) and was invaluable to the hospital. This quiet and much loved doctor was equally sought after and respected by people.

Time soon came that the national doctors assume full responsibility in running the hospital and they were fully prepared to take up the challenge. In the annals of the history of this hospital we find as medical superintendents Dr. Tarep Ao (1965 – 1966), Dr. Georgiana Farwell (1967 – 1969), Dr. Zimiknao (1970 – 1972), Dr. William K. Marak (1972 - 1975), Dr. F. Goldsmith (1973), Dr. Parimal Goldsmith (1975) Dr. C. Momin (1975 – 1979) and Dr. Ananta Baruah (1979 – 2002).  Dr. (Mrs.) Delphine G. Momin (2002 – 2006) Dr. (Mrs.) T.I. Syiemlieh (Lyngdoh) 2006 – present).                              

The hospital has the unique distinction of starting a nursing programme from its inception. It is mentioned already that five nurses enrolled themselves out of which two graduated in 1929. From this small beginning the nurses training school has grown, with the out-turn of graduates regularly annually. To-day the hospital can boast of 78 Nurses both staff and trainees included annually.

As the hospital grew, the work became heavy and responsibility greater. In time, Miss. Mary Suderman and Miss. Milli Marvin retired. So did the old guards like Leah Momin, Kusum Das and others. The old order changeth yielding place to new. They started to move. New hands must step in. While preparing for their responsibilities at their posts, nurses were also trained for higher responsibilities. Miss. Nodil Marak was sent for ward management course in 1952 while others were sent for upgrading courses. Mrs. Mridushila Saha became Associate Nursing Superintendent and assigned to Jorhat Mission Hospital. Miss. Remi K. Marak joned Tura Mission Hospital as Matron. Five tutors received their certificates Miss. Mukta Guria received her B.Sc Degree in Nursing, Karuna Dey was promoted as Associate Nursing Superintendent and put in charge of the Nursing School and so the story goes on preparing others to step in as the seniors retire.

New X-Ray Machine	Rev. P.K. Nanda pastor Guwahati Baptist Church inaugurates the Exhibition cum sale

One of the important aspects about the Nurses to note here is that the management had broadened its outlook in life. In order to foster self-development and personal enrichment, the nurses were encouraged to continue their general education. Many have crossed their High School Leaving Certificate (H.S.L.C.) Examination and some have attained even degrees studying in their spare time. Education broadens one’s knowledge and knowledge helps in understanding problems and in decision making. Thus the nurses were prepared to cope with life and work.

Miss. Suderman retired in 1984. Miss. Townsend preceded her. Now our able sisters are in full command and running the nursing side with credit. Miss Faircina Diengdoh took over as the Nursing Superintendent and held the charge ably for more than a decade from 1984-1998. Miss. Mukta Guria succeeded her and retired in the year 2004. Ms. N. Lilabati Devi succeeded her as In-charge till half way of 2007 and left for further studies. Ms. Magdali Kerketta has continues as In-charge at present. 

As mentioned earlier the help and co-operation of the supporting staff both in the office as well as in the administration of the hospital were indispensable in shapping up the hospital. Of the many hands that helped, mention could be made of Late Naba Das who served in the office for 30 long years. Mr. Oses Sangma helped with the account while Late Prabhat Singh tackled the administration angle for almost an equal period of time. Late James Basumatary, Mr. John Rozario, Mr. Bapukon Bora and many others, mention of which in these limited pages is not possible, but whose contribution is no way small in the development of this hospital.

Para-medicos who helped in the laboratories and who dispensed with medicines were equally important. We specially note the services of Mr. Sudhir Sangma & Mrs. A. Gupta in the wings of X-Ray and Pharmacy department respectably.

The hospital saw also to the spiritual need of both the healers and the healed. As already mentioned the day starts with prayer at seven in the morning, a tradition still adhered to. The Bible men and women were appointed from time to time, whose comforting words from the Scripture meant much to the sick. We have had late Jogen Das, Khargeswas Basumatary, late Rev. Edward Sinha, Rev. Giridhar Bora, Ms. Beryl Curry and others. Since the late seventies, a regular hospital Chaplain was appointed and the hospital had the valuable service of Ms. Theresa Ao as the first hospital Chaplain. During her time, each room was directly connected with the hospital Chapel over network system for the benefit of the hospital. The same is now being remodeled under the current hospital Chaplain Mr. B. Marak. Patients were mentally comforted while their physical illness were attended to. So were the innumerable visitors and attendants. This is reflected through two poems composed by one Ratan Chandra Das (Published in the Souvenir) an attendent of his wife. They all came to our Lord’s invitation “Come unto me all you heavy and burdened and I will give you rest”.

The history of the hospital will not be complete without a word about the help and support given by the wives of the doctors. In this connection, the help given by the wives of missionary doctors was note-worthy. Apart from the support at home, they were also deeply involved in other hospital programmes, both religious and social. The hospital participated in chapel programme, the special days like Christmas, New Year, Easter programmes picnics and other social events. They took active part in the Gauhati Baptist Mahila Samity, and other Youth programmes. Mrs. Dorothy Mundbank. Mrs. Berryl Curry and Mrs. Ann Norton were wounderful Sunday School Teachers and many of our present day men and women have had the priviledge of being taught by them in Sunday School.

So the Satribari Christian Hospital sails on through to the 21st century, having completed its Eighty First year and heading towards the completion of a century of its own, the able guidance of the loving and the most tolerant Dr. (Mrs.) T.I. Syiemlieh (Lyngdoh), the present Medical Superintendent of the hospital, no doubt playing a council role on its development this. Equipped with modern technology like computers, ultra-sound, computer, Laparoscopy, Blood Bank facilities etc and specializations in various branches like medicine, surgery, ENT, gynecology etc, the hospital has come up to any modern day standard. Very recently we have opened a Casualty and 4 (four) bedded Critical Care Unit (CCU). We have made a proposed plan with 1st phase three (03) storied building with new Out Patient Department, Casualty, Blood Bank, ICU, Neonatal ICU, Maternity floor with Labour Room & Hospital Furniture which costing around Rs. 28520240/- (US Dollar 75,000. With the mushroom growth of nursing homes in the city however perhaps new strategy has to be adopted. This is food for thought. But one must not forget that it is always the loving care of nursing which counts and perhaps, triumph over all, reflecting the love of Jesus Christ.

Community Health Centre at Barbituli, Sonapur

            Sources  :

1. Personal diary of Leah Momin.
2. Annual reports of Medical Superintendents.
3. Annual repots of Nursing Superintendents.
4. Field reports of Past Missionaries.
5. Article published by various writers from time to time.
6. Personal letters.

Satribari Christian Hospital has specific Vision, Mission, Objectives and Belief and these are as under :

VISION

“Transformed community in and around Guwahati”

MISSION

“Satribari Christian Hospital is a team of healthcare professionals that exist to Provide holistic healthcare at affordable cost (irrespective of caste, creed, religion and culture) to the people of the whole North – East India”.

OBJECTIVES

a). To run the Institution and it’s related programmes on a non-profit basis and charity for poor patients.

b). To provide holistic healthcare and treatment of those with physical, mental, psychological and spiritual need.

c). To provide training and experience in medical, nursing and allied health care service.

d). To provide programme for teaching health and hygiene on both individual and community basis.

e). To counsel and provide necessary awareness and support for the people affected with HIV/AIDS.

BELIEF

In God’s love we Serve  -   We believe health care is more than a business or profession. Lord Jesus moved with compassion towards multitude and healed the sick. It is this indwelling Life of Christ in action and a personal witness of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour we pledge to uphold.