In 1852, a group of English women were challenged to reach out to women and children in India, who were largely cut off from the rest of society. Confined to the ‘Zenanas’ or ‘women’s quarters’ of their own homes, they had little or no access to good education or healthcare. In response to this need, the ‘Zenana Bible Mission’ was formed and in 1862, eight zenanas were open to visiting teachers. Gradually this number grew and by 1867, 72 zenanas were open in Calcutta alone. In 1880 the name of the organisation was changed to the ‘Zenana Bible and Medical Mission’ (ZBMM), the work having grown to include medical missions.

The work continued to develop and expand and in 1952 men were invited to be part of that work and fellowship for the first time. The organisation became known as the 'Bible and Medical Missionary Fellowship' (BMMF) in 1957 but changed its name once again in 1986 to the ‘‘International Service Fellowship’’ or INTERSERVE, to reflect the wider geographical focus and the changing roles of our partners.

Today Interserve has over 800 partners serving in 30 countries across North Africa, the Middle East and Asia.