Dr. Rebekah Naylor

The effigy hanging over the hospital gate bore a true resemblance to me, the administrator of the Bangalore Baptist Hospital in southern India. A small group of employees shouted slogans. The union had convinced the government that the hospital was a factory resulting in criminal charges against me for violating the Factories Act. Strike was threatened repeatedly. But the hospital functioned normally, patient load was maintained, charges were dismissed, no violence occurred, and the goal of staff reduction was achieved.

One day the lawyer said, “There must be a divine Presence in your hospital.” Indeed there is. And experiencing this same divine Presence in my own life day by day is what being a Christian means to me.

I was a small child when I first realized my sin and my disobedience to God. I understood in simple terms that God loved me as a person and made possible forgiveness of sin by the death of Jesus on the cross. Thus began a growing joy in knowing the reality of that Presence in my life. I still remember the excitement and desire to tell others what had happened.

In the years that followed, I understood that God had a special plan and appointment for me in medical missions in a far corner of the world. As I trusted Him and obeyed this direction, He led me to excellent educational opportunities with accompanying personal and church relationships that prepared me for future service.

Since 1974 I have worked as a surgeon in India. When I arrived, the hospital was new, small, and staffed mainly by missionaries. Today its bed strength has doubled. I have been the only missionary on the staff for over 15 years. Multiple educational programs have been started including a nursing school. In addition to patient care, my roles include administration and teaching. So often I have faced tasks and demands for which I felt so unprepared. But always the presence of Jesus Christ provided competence, confidence, and direction.

On a personal level, there have been challenges. Living as a single woman, far from home, in a culture alien to may own, has produced loneliness. Illness and death in my family back in the States when I was so far separated produced grief and stress. Uncertainties and even refusal of visas and medical license applications produced insecurity for the future. But the Presence of Jesus, His unchanging nature, His love, and His care answered each and every difficulty.

Though the future is unknown, it is in no way insecure or threatening.
I can say with the Psalmist that there is nowhere I can go outside His presence. Even on the far side of the sea, His hand leads me and His right hand holds me fast.