Founded in 1903 as the Missionary School of Medicine, this book gives a history of the work of the organisation over the past 100 years. Its title comes from words spoken by one of its early Presidents to students each year, as they were commissioned.

The school was established to provide a basic medical training for missionaries from a non medical background. Students were required to agree never to assume or accept the title of doctor or to practise in the UK. The threefold aims of the school were: to enable missionaries to look after their own health; to enable them to nurse and treat one another on the mission field when ill and far from medical aid; and to enable them to start dispensaries for the local people, so as to open a door for the Gospel.

Over the years, many hundreds of missionaries attended their courses. The early courses lasted nine months and were residential. Linked to the Royal Homeopathic Hospital and always including a grounding in Homeopathic Medicine, the school came in for some criticism from evangelical circles. It would seem that many of its students went on to do much more than just 'dispensary' work with some involved in cataract and other operative surgery. This is a testament, perhaps, to the practical nature of the teaching that was given and the boldness of pioneers when no alternative medical help was available.

Following the Second World War and the School's 50th Jubilee, expectations were high but student numbers began to decline. Shorter courses were introduced and in the 1970s, students were allowed to attend on a part time basis. A change of name and direction followed, and a Scholarship Fund was launched in 1993. The school finally closed its doors in 1996. MSM functions today as a continuing resource to Medical Mission. Grants are offered to Christian workers and accredited missionaries seeking further training in the area of personal health and community care.

The book is full of stories and personal anecdotes from past students and staff, in addition to details of the milestones in the organisation's history. It provides a fitting testament to those who pioneered and carried through a much needed and appreciated work in preparing missionaries for overseas assignments in the days when many were going to isolated areas where there was no doctor or other medical help available.

Reviewed by:
Peter Armon
CMF Overseas Support Secretary