wfn.org | The Presbyterian Church in Asia

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28-October-1997 
 
 
 
    The Presbyterian Church in Asia: 
    the Moderator Goes to India and Nepal 
 
    by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
    Fifty years ago, a partnership between Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 
missionaries and Christians in southern India gave birth to the Church of 
South India.  In September of this year, General Assembly moderator 
Patricia G. Brown traveled to Madras for the Golden Jubilee Celebration of 
the Church of South India. 
 
    As in most countries in the region, Presbyterian mission activities 
have historically focused on education, health care, agricultural and 
community development and the training of leaders for our partner churches. 
 
    And though the number of missionaries has declined, the legacy of 
Presbyterian mission work in India and neighboring Nepal, much of it now 
conducted by Indian and Nepalese Presbyterians, is rich and full. 
 
    During her two-week visit, Brown traveled throughout India and Nepal, 
bringing greetings from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and assuring our 
sisters and brothers in those countries of our continuing prayers and 
support as they seek to witness to the saving love of Jesus Christ in often 
very difficult circumstances. 
 
    Presbyterian people in mission in India include Brooks Anderson, an 
agricultural consultant; Dr. Beverly Booth, a public health consultant; 
Sarah Jane Cummings, a Christian educational foundation executive; Anne 
Dayanandam, a Christian college administrator; Kathryn Anne Hoffman, a 
teacher; Paul Love, a college professor; Gerald and Roxanna Nichol, school 
administrators; Rachel Rao, director of a rural development program and 
study/retreat center; the Rev. John Webster, a historian for the Church of 
South India; the Rev. Richard Wechter, a teacher; and Carol Wilson, a 
teacher. 
 
    Presbyterian as well as most international Christian mission work in 
Nepal is carried out through the United Mission to Nepal, an organization 
of 39 Christian agencies representing many denominations in 18 countries 
around the world.  Since 1954, it has been ministering to the needs of the 
people of Nepal in the areas of health promotion, education, rural 
development, forestry and economic development. 
 
    Presbyterian people in mission in Nepal include Dr. Sarah Acland, a 
physician- psychiatrist; Dr. Mona Bomgaars, a hospital director; Dr. Martha 
Carlough, a physician; Andrew Collins, a communications consultant; Ellen 
H. Collins, a women's and health ministries worker; Teri Conard, a nurse 
educator; Dr. Bruce Gilmore, a surgeon; Jane Gilmore, a home minister; Dr. 
Richard Harding, a physician; Suzanne Harding, a teacher; Karen and Stephen 
Knisely, community development workers; Jay H. Mashburn, a civil engineer; 
Dr. Rebecca Mashburn, a family physician; Nancy McGaughey, a nurse; Jeffrey 
Rollins, a community development engineer; Dr. John Rollins, a hospital 
administrator; Maxine Rollins, a nurse; Suzanne Rollins, a teacher; Melanie 
Smith, a home minister; Scott Smith, a project director; Linda Stringer, a 
home minister; and Dr. Ronald Stringer, a community health dentist. 

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