Examples of commitment
by Thomas Ray
Edward Scott and Anna Kay had never met, but they had something in common — both had broken their marriage engagements when their prospective mates because they refused to go to the mission field.
A friend informed Scott about Anna Kay’s determination to become a missionary. He wrote Anna a letter asking if she would consider going with him as his wife to Assam, a northeastern state in India. He closed his letter by asking permission to visit her if his proposal was possible. Anna agreed to Scott’s visit and ultimately agreed to marry E. P. Scott, missionary appointee to Assam. Their marriage took place April 30, 1861.
Due to the Civil War they were forced to delay their departure for 14 months. Their journey, which proved to be extremely hazardous, began on June 20, 1862. The Scotts barely survived two hurricanes and severe cold weather. They arrived in India in the fall of 1862 and immediately began studying the language and assisting in the churches that had previously been established.
After seven years of diligent and faithful service, Scott became convinced God had called him to take the gospel to the unevangelized Naga tribes. The Naga were brutal and cruel headhunters. Before a young man was allowed to marry he had to kill at least 30 of his enemies, after which he would shrink their heads and wear them around his neck as a token of his bravery. Only after accomplishing this feat would he be considered brave enough to defend a wife.
The British military commander, upon hearing of Scott’s plans, warned him that any attempt to enter the Naga territory would certainly cost him his life. Scott was undeterred. Armed with only his Bible and violin and prayer for the success of his mission, he entered Naga territory. Suddenly he was surrounded by 12 savage warrior chiefs; their spears were raised and death seemed imminent. Scott demonstrated no fear, placed his violin on his shoulder, and began to play and sing “Am I a Soldier of the Cross.” The Naga, mesmerized by the beautiful music, slowly lowered their spears. Scott, sensing he had gained their attention, explained he had come to tell them about the one true God. He asked the chiefs for their permission to live among them. They agreed to his request but only if he would bring his violin.
Scott’s ministry among the Naga produced amazing results. In fact, the Naga would become one of the most evangelized people groups in India. Tragically, in 1869, Asiatic cholera struck the Naga and thousands died from this dreaded disease, including missionary Edward Scott. The last words he spoke were in response to his wife’s question, “Do you have peace?” He responded, “Yes, perfect peace.”
Anna Scott remained four additional years, but in 1873 she and her three children returned to America. She enrolled in medical school, graduating in 1878. In 1889, with her children now grown, 50-years-old Anna Scott requested the mission board send her back to Assam. The board informed her that the Naga mission was being well served, but there was a pressing need for her medical talents in China. Disappointed but believing it was God’s will, she agreed. She arrived in China November 15, 1889.
At first the Chinese were reluctant to allow a woman to treat their illnesses, but her exceptional talents as a physician earned her the reputation as the woman who could raise the dead. Her labors were extensive, training native nurses and supervising the building of medical facilities. Her normal day began at 4 a.m. and ended at 10 p.m. She often treated as many as 200 patients a day. Her untiring physical labors for the Chinese people eventually undermined her health. However, Dr. Scott remained at her post until she was 75 years old. She was finally replaced in 1914 by Dr. Mildred Scott, the granddaughter of Dr. Anna Kay Scott.