<> AN IMPOSSIBLE DREAM <>
by Ruth and Keith Skillicorn

We take pleasure in introducing you to our autobiography which first appeared in hard copy, published by Vital Publications, Melbourne, Australia, under the title "THE MAKING OF A MIRACLE" (ISBN 0 909116 30 X), back in 1982. Since then, it has been revised, retitled and released on the World-Wide-Web at the site given below. At this point, we wish to thank Dr. Frank Martin Ph.D., of Disciples of Christ, Houston, Texas, USA, for so kindly publishing our book on the World-Wide-Web gratis.

A word of appreciation also must be expressed for the encouragement given to us by our late son, Robert and his two younger brothers, Paul and Bruce, who shared with us in so many of the thrilling experiences about which you will read. Without their loyal support, our autobiography never could have been written, let alone be published. Also, without the loving support of our respective parents, Ruth's sisters, Mirrie and Irma and Keith's brother, Noel, we would not have found the strength to endure all those years in Asia.

During our 31 years career in India and Bangladesh, one of our major undertakings was to write this book or rather live out the experiences which make up its pages. The Book’s Introduction, which appears below, speaks for itself and should suffice to whet your appetite and prompt you to dip into its pages. Here and there, to preserve anonymity and prevent further persecution, the names of certain persons, places and organisations have been changed, but the facts remain true to our own personal experiences. We hope you will enjoy reading all 16 chapters. If you do, kindly inform your friends, that they, too, may share.

This is the story of two young people determined to serve others less fortunate than themselves. It is an exciting saga of how they and their three sons go back centuries in time to dwell among simple aboriginal folk in one of the most remote and backward jungles of India. It records a miracle of survival as they identified with their tribal friends to the point where, at one stage, their economic standards were lower than those of whom they served.

Readers of this book will be taken on an exciting adventure with the authors as they struggle against almost overwhelming odds to achieve their purpose., You will share their desperate endeavours to keep 32,000 people alive during a critical famine. You will feel their pain as they conduct medical, surgical and dental programs with few resources and no professional training. You will empathise with them in their treatment of leprosy, tuberculosis. smallpox and cholera. You will experience with them family life in a small thatched-roof mud hut in which they battled against torrential monsoons, snakes, wild animals and the constant threat of bandits. You will agonise with them, being opposed by powerful, jealous land-lords and money-lenders who concocted criminal charges against Keith. You will share with Keith as he endures one month in a primitive Indian prison - an experience which, following full acquittal, won him and Ruth to the heart of India and her people.

The necessary love, motivation, determination and patient endurance to achieve their purpose, are virtues which Ruth and Keith attribute to a Strength beyond their own. This is a story of achievement, in spite of almost insurmountable problems and frustrations. It is a portrayal of a life-time of service for which the authors each received one of their country’s highest awards -- MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM) - for "Service to Agriculture and the Management of Leprosy in India and Bangladesh". The book tells it all.
 
This exciting, true story and autobiography has everything - environmental concerns, travel experiences, "appropriate technology", adventure, mystery, a moral and spiritual challenge, violence, imprisonments, martyrdom, suspense, excitement, romance and miracles..
 
We can also post to you a copy on CD-ROM for US$20.oo remitted by cheque to Keith Skillicorn, Unit 4, 953 North East Road, Modbury, South Australia, AUSTRALIA, 5092.