Mediko
The Life and Legacy of Dr. Raphael Thomas, Medical Missionary to the Philippines
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Dr. Raphael C. Thomas was a man standing astride two centuries. His life was lived through a period of great spiritual and religious ferment, industrial and technological advance, world-wide conflict, and incredible opportunity. He grew up in a pastor’s home yet went to the best of schools. He was a man who knew the Lord and His Word and chose to use his medicine not for fame and wealth in the world, but for a means to serve people and lead them to the Lord. He served the people of the Philippines with two mission boards: in one case as an appointed missionary, and in the other as a founder. He lost family members in the Philippines, but gained the hearts of the people, and a reputation as a man of principle and a man of God.
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About the Book
In this book, the remarkable story of Raphael Thomas is brought to life in the historical contexts of the 19th and 20th centuries. Thomas was trained in theology and medicine in the finest schools in New England, but his one goal was to serve as a medical missionary in Asia. He served with two mission agencies, and with many unique and colorful characters from America and the Philippines. His sense of humor, and his sense of honor, are frequently seen here, as are the personal losses he experienced. He was convinced that medicine, education, and training should always be in service to evangelism and the establishment of churches. In his later years, “Raph” attempted to bring evangelicals in the Northern Baptist Convention together. Whether his convictions, his breath of vision, his tenacity, or his tenderness is in view, Raphael Thomas proves to be a man of God we ought to know.
About the Author
Jim Ruff writes out of years of experience in Asia. He was a missionary to Japan for 20 years. He taught and trained missionaries for 14 years at the headquarters of ABWE. His ministry trips in Asia included two to the Philippines. Jim’s degree from Cal State, Hayward, was in East Asian Studies. He has an earned doctorate from Baptist Bible Seminary, Clarks Summit, PA, where he has taught as an adjunct professor for the last eight years. Jim has been married for 53 years and delights in his children and grandchildren.