[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S5647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. MARTHA MYERS

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I rise today to remember a 
selfless American, Dr. Martha Myers. Many know Dr. Myers as one of the 
two Southern Baptist missionaries recently murdered by extremists in 
Yemen. She represents the bests in missionary service. She was, by her 
aid to those in need, a demonstrated friend of the people of Yemen and 
in the end, she laid down her life for them. Greater love hath no one 
than this. Her death has touched me deeply as it has touched many 
worldwide. It has also, unfortunately, heightened our concern for 
Christian missionaries throughout the world.
  Dr. Myers was educated in my home State of Alabama where she earned 
degrees from both Samford University and University of Alabama Medical 
School. The daughter of the State of Alabama's long time health 
officer, Dr. Ira Myers, she was educated and trained as an 
obstetrician. Instead of seeking monetary gain, like a modern day 
Nehemiah she dedicated the rest of her life in selfless service to the 
indigent families of Yemen. She spent 24 years as a medical missionary 
in Yemen ministering by example. Her colleagues have stated that she 
often slept in her office cubicle to save money to give to poor 
families in communities surrounding the hospital.
  I find it particularly telling that it was her choice to be buried on 
the grounds of the hospital in Yemen. I find this important because it 
shows a total and complete devotion to the difficult and selfless work 
she felt called to do. It demonstrated her total commitment without 
thought of turning back. Former professors and college friends say that 
her sense of calling to the field of missions was ``crystal clear.'' 
They also said it was evident to everyone around her that this clear 
call to serve others empowered and motivated her even as a college 
freshman in 1963.
  Dr. Martha Myers' ability to rise above personal interest in service 
of others goes far beyond what most people can conceive. Dr. Mike 
Howell, her former biology professor, summarized her life and 
commitment well in saying ``There aren't many people willing to 
dedicate their life to people. That is the greatest calling of a 
Christian.''
  While the world has lost a selfless servant, We may hope that the 
life of Martha Myers will serve as an inspiration for others. It 
demonstrates that religious faith can be the basis for a life dedicated 
to others, even if those served have a different religion. Dr. Myers 
did not limit her patients to Christians. She served all in need, and 
she never forced her views on anyone.
  In these days of terrorism and the prospect of war, our world should 
think deeply about the well lived life of Dr. Martha Myers. In such 
loving humility can come the seeds of a more peaceful world.
  Some may say that this senseless murder proves that radicalism rules 
the day and that such acts can only be dealt with by war. But, perhaps 
not. Certainly, some radicalized terrorist, someone with a twisted view 
of their faith, can end a lifetime of work. Still, such evil acts 
cannot erase the good she has done. And, maybe, just maybe, the 
thousands of poor, sick, and dying that she treated and comforted will 
have a different view of the United States, a different view of the 
West, and a different view of freedom and faith as a result of her life 
well lived. In that we can all take comfort.

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