Missionary Nurse Ministry in Thailand
Minka Hanskamp, a Dutch missionary nurse, spent sixteen years in southern Thailand, dedicating her life to serving those afflicted with leprosy. Raised in Java as the daughter of missionaries, Minka was called to follow in their footsteps. Alongside her close friend and colleague, Margaret Morgan from Wales, Minka worked tirelessly through the Overseas Missionary Fellowship, addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of leprosy patients.
Healing Body and Soul
In the town of Pujud, every two weeks, Minka and Margaret held clinics where they tended to the most challenging of cases. They cut away decaying flesh, treated ulcerated sores, and washed the feet of those suffering from leprosy. Their work was not just about physical healing. One Thai Christian, who spoke at their funeral, shared how Minka brought him to know God, saying, "I was very sick, not just with leprosy, but sick in my mind and in my heart as well... Minka was able to bring me help and healing too."
Minka's influence extended beyond physical treatment. Many, like a former bandit who became a believer after experiencing her care, found spiritual healing through Jesus Christ. "My heart was cleansed by the Lord Jesus Christ," the man testified, acknowledging Minka's role in his transformation.
Faith Through Suffering Testimony
In April 1974, a tragic turn of events saw Minka and Margaret kidnapped by armed guerrillas, during a time when Thailand was fraught with political instability. Despite their circumstances, they remained steadfast in their faith. In a letter from captivity, they wrote they were "still praising" God. Sadly, their lives were cut short, as their bodies were discovered almost a year later, having been executed months earlier.
Legacy of Martyrdom
Their deaths, however, were not in vain. At their funeral, a diverse gathering of hundreds, including Christians, Buddhists, and Muslims, came to pay their respects. Their martyrdom sparked an increased interest in Christianity, with local pastors and missionaries reporting more inquiries about the faith than ever before.
Minka's legacy of compassion and unwavering faith continues to inspire. Her life exemplifies dedication to serving others through Christ, and her story serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness amidst trials.
