Faith with Fortitude

Faith with Fortitude

Memoirs of Mama Ketshi

When I left Sydney in 1946 as an idealistic 25 year-old with fresh nursing and midwifery qualifications, heading for the mission field in Belgian Congo, little did I know what lay before me. Perhaps it was just as well! But as I now look back after some 18 separate visits spread over 60 years, I can only thank my Lord for all that he has brought me through.

There were some uneasy, even dangerous, periods during and after the struggle for independence, as the modern Derriocratic Republic of Congo was born. Many were the frustrations and many tears were shed. Thanks to the Lord's goodness, I was away in Australia on furlough during some of the worst years.

In my experience in the Congo I came across several women with the nickname Mama Ketshi (Mother of Mercy), and I count it a privilege to belong to this group. Like all the rest, I was filled with a deep concern for both the spiritual and the physical welfare of others. Many of my experiences are included in this book of memoirs, but there were countless others — some amazing, some painful and sad.

I commend it to you not as an example of great missionary endeavour, but as a reflection on the goodness of God who called me into special service in my youth, prevented me from "turning back", and in the words of the Apostle Paul, allowed me to "finish my course with joy"