Theodore Howard Somervell (in English)

Theodore Howard Somervell was an English surgeon. He was a man with great interest in painting. His paintings are still present at the Geological Society. Not only was he a great musician but also a song translator. He translated many Tibetan songs to English and captured the hearts of all by singing them. During the last days of his medical studies, the first world war broke out. With the injured and wounded victims of the First World War needing a doctor, he worked among them as a surgeon.

Though he was a medical surgeon, mountain climbing was another of his main interest. He desired to climb Mount Everest and started his journey by trekking the 29,000 foot high mountain. Headed by Dr. George Mallory, they set out on this mission. Unfortunately, Dr. George Mallory died due to severe blizzard(snow storm). Thus, Somervell's attempt to climb the mountain was unsuccessful. However, Somervell climbed the mountain again. This time, he was accompanied by 15 Sherpas, people who live at the foot of the Himalayas. Destruction struck again, and this time, it was in the form of an avalanche that covered everyone with snow till their waist. It killed all the Sherpas but Somervell survived. He climbed about 28,000 ft of the Mount Everest. He won the gold medal in Olympics for his achievements in mountaineering. At that time, no one was able to break this record.

He travelled across the whole of India with one question in his mind; "Why am I the only one who escaped death?" Finally, he reached the Mission Hospital at Neyyoor, in the district of Kanyakumari. He was surprised by seeing the plight of the poor and the lack of the necessary medical facilities in the hospital. He saw a long queue of about 500 cholera patients, waiting to be treated by just one doctor. Without expecting any salary or income in return, he pulled a chair towards him and began treating the patients. He realised that even the Indians needed Christ and medical facilities. He also realised that this is the purpose as to why God had given him life and rescued him from death. With this purpose in mind, he began working in the Neyyoor Mission Hospital with his full heart. He sold all his property back at England and spent it for the betterment of the Neyyoor Mission Hospital. He dedicated his whole life to serve the Indians by preaching the Good News and providing medical care. He played a vital role in the medical field by doing 8 to 16 surgeries every day. He worked for about 25 years in the Neyyoor Mission Hospital and later carried out his service till his last breath at CMC Hospital, Vellore. 

Many times the life we desire and the life that we are living seems very different. Perhaps, our dream life is not the same as our real life. However, it is best if we could discern what God wants us to do with this life.