Delays are not Denials: Called to India

Joyce’s Story

Mr Humphrey Vellacott was the Pastor after the 2nd world war.  He had a great missionary interest.  Those interested in mission work would gather with him in his office; some from the School of Tropical Medicine joined us. He organised a missionary week which was held in the basement.  It was “all hands on deck.” The men helped to erect stalls which different missionary societies could use.  Many of the ladies displayed knitted garments which would be sent abroad.  There would be missionary speakers and Bible teachers who spoke in the afternoon and evening; of course, there was always tea and cakes between sessions.  It was a time of blessing and confirmation that God was calling some of us to overseas work.  We are warned in the Bible that Satan is a roaring lion seeking to wreck and pull down.  There was disagreement and consequently a split in the membership.

I started nursing in 1946 when I was 18 years old, believing that God wanted me to work overseas.  My mum wasn’t very happy with this decision; Mr Vellacott encouraged me and helped my mum too.  Just at the end of nurses training I was having “cold feet”; the Lord spoke to me “He that putteth his hand to the plough and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke ch9 v 62).

Next step was Bible College.  Many years ago, Mr & Mrs Gillott had been to the Bible Training Institute in Glasgow.  Jim Tootill had just finished when I applied and was accepted.  I was encouraged by the leaders and membership of the Tab.

Finishing 2 years in Bible College I applied to go out to India with the “Regions Beyond Missionary Union” (RBMU).  I was turned down.  “Delays” we are told “are not denials.”  It made me sure of my calling; I remembered this while in India as it gave me more experience in midwifery.

Maurice Smith, missionary secretary at the time, was a great encourager.  Eventually the Lord opened the door with the RBMU to India.  In 1955 I sailed by ship from Liverpool on my birthday.  A group from the Tab came to the dockside.  The singing was led by Bill Bass, husband of Anne.  The hymn was “Til we meet again”- I felt like jumping into the Mersey then and going home! 

In 1960 I returned home, and the next few years were spent partly at home and partly in India, finally working with the NHS. “As for God, His way is perfect.”

I was grateful during those years for Christian fellowship, particularly in the Tab.