Ion Keith-Falconer: Missionary of Arabia

Ion Keith-Falconer’s Legacy

In this Keith-Falconer audiobook James Robson closes his account of Ion Keith-Falconer’s life with these words: “He died at just Henry Martyn’s age, in his 31st year, and like him, devoted his life to winning the Muslims.” The work that Keith-Falconer began at Sheikh Othman, where he sacrificed his life, was taken up by dedicated hands. Even after his death, his legacy speaks volumes, and his influence endures.

The Medical Work of the Mission

In early 1921, the mission’s medical work restarted and has since continued with great energy. People from Aden, Sheikh Othman, nearby villages, and even distant regions visit the hospital for treatment. The patients represent various races and tribes, including Somali, Indian, Parsi, Jew, and several Arab groups from Yemen, Muscat, and Mecca. Some days, the doctor treats more than a hundred new cases, along with follow-ups and in-patients. Many come with eye problems, and stone and hernia surgeries are common. The hospital has also recently begun treating lepers in a separate hut. Truly, the blind see, the lame walk, and the Gospel is preached to the poor.

Religious Teaching and Outreach

Religious instruction plays a crucial role in the mission’s activities. Every morning, the school begins with a Bible lesson. Both out-patients and in-patients who are able to move are gathered for a short service before seeing the doctor. This congregation, composed of people from different religions and with varying levels of understanding, listens to the story of Jesus—the healer of all diseases—who said, “Him that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out.” After the service, patients waiting for treatment can purchase Scripture portions at nominal prices. While many cannot read, they still buy the books for family members who can. Scriptures have been sold in multiple languages, including Arabic, Hebrew, Gujarati, and English, with some carried far inland by buyers.

One particularly interesting instance involved a young Jew who spent all his money on New Testament portions, intending to resell them at a profit in Yemen. Though this was not discouraged, it became a way to distribute the Gospel in places where missionaries were not allowed. On occasion, Scriptures have also been successfully sold on the streets of Sheikh Othman, providing opportunities for one-on-one conversations about faith.

Impact of the Mission and Challenges

Over the years, the mission has seen only a few conversions, but there have been some. Reaching Muslims is difficult because they are deeply satisfied with their religion and consider it superior. Despite the challenges, the work continues in hopes of winning souls for Christ.

All of this work stems directly from the selfless efforts of Ion Keith-Falconer, whose name lives on in the “Keith-Falconer Mission” and the “Keith-Falconer Memorial Church.” Older members of the community still remember him, recalling how he would give them sweets as children. His greatest legacy, however, is the ongoing effort to bring the Gospel to South Arabia—a cause for which he gave his life.

A Hope for the Future

One day, the Crescent of Mohammad will disappear, giving way to the Cross of Christ. On that day, Ion Keith-Falconer, the young scholar whose life was cut short in the Arabian sands, will be counted among those who helped bring about this joyful fulfillment.

We encourage to listen to this Keith-Falconer audiobook to learn more about missions to Yemen.