In June 1843, while engaged in the practice of medicine in Philadelphia, he received a message from the Board of Foreign Missions of the Church that he was needed to go to China as a pioneer and medical missionary. After consulting with members of his family, he agreed to go.
In June 1843, while practicing medicine in Philadelphia, he was called by the Board of Foreign Missions of the Church to travel to China as a pioneer and medical missionary. After consulting with his family, he agreed to go.