Interserve, South Africa, was officially formed in Cape Town in August 1996. We opened a Johannesburg Regional office in 2002. These offices and their workers are under the South African National Committee.
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Interserve dates way back to 1852 when two women from England went out to India and became part of the Zenana Mission. Their aim was to help women in India, particularly with regard to medical help. In 1880 the Zenana Mission became the Zenana Bible and Medical Mission. A number of years after that it became known as the Bible and Medical Missionary Fellowship. (BMMF). |
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For the first 100 years of it's existence there were only women in the mission. But in 1952, the doors were opened for men to join. Around 1986 the name was again changed - this time to Interserve. This name incorporates what we believe and it also reflected the changing scene. We are no longer only involved in medical missions but cover a broad spectrum of services and tent-making possibilities throughout the 10/40 window countries.
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Our name is significant, because we are:
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We began in India. We are excited that former 'receiving' countries are now also 'sending' countries. We have been in and out and back again in Afghanistan. We have nine full Council members - UK, Scotland, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United States and Korea. We also have a few national committees who are working towards becoming full Council members. South Africa is one of them. We have many partners in what was once called the Soviet Union. Throughout the wars and turmoil of those areas Interserve has quietly continued to minister to people, reaching out to people who need Christ. We are a family of people, serving other people in the name of Christ. Right now, we have nearly 600 long-term partners serving with Interserve, and many who are doing short-term trips.
