Crosslinks former missionary Agnes Gurney |
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Mrs Agnes Gurney (1934-1953)
When Ethiopia was threatened with an invasion by Italy in the 1930s, the Emperor Haile Selasie called on God and his fellow Christians throughout the world. He sent an urgent appeal to the Keswick convention for prayer. When other countries were reluctant to step in, the missionaries proved themselves Helpers of Ethiopia. Answering to a call for medical help, Dr Ted and Mrs Gurney were based at Asbe Taferi Hospital and there were plenty of opportunities for evangelism through their work.
Their second tour was no less traumatic: In 1939 they arrived in Burma and were sent to new work in Panglong in the Shan States. Medical work was started in Langhko but the work was cut short by the Japanese invasion. Dr Gurney joined a surgical unit led by an American Baptist missionary and Agnes and the family were evacuated back to England. In 1950, they returned to the work in Panglong for three years, then returned to meet the needs of their growing family.
Mrs Gurney married a fourth-generation missionary and saw her son Robbie, with Priscilla, serve Crosslinks in East Africa. We praise God for her faithfulness in his service until her death in March 2003.
(by Gordon Fyles