Amy Carmichael
Biography
Amy Carmichael was a remarkable missionary who dedicated her life to serving others and spreading the message of Christianity. Born on December 16, 1867, in Millisle, County Down, Ireland, Amy was the eldest of seven children in a devout Presbyterian family.
From a young age, Amy showed a deep love for God and a strong desire to help those in need. She was deeply influenced by the stories of missionaries in distant lands and dreamed of one day following in their footsteps.
After receiving some training in Keswick, England, Amy felt called to serve as a missionary in east Asia. In 1895, she set sail for Japan, where she spent over a year learning the language and studying the culture.
However, it was in India that Amy found her true calling. In 1901, she arrived in Bangalore and soon established a mission in the small village of Dohnavur in Tamil Nadu. This mission would become the focal point of her life's work.
Amy's mission in Dohnavur was unique in that it focused on rescuing young girls from temple prostitution and providing them with a safe home and education. Over the years, the mission grew to include not only the girls but also young boys and infants in need of care.
Despite facing numerous challenges and opposition, Amy remained steadfast in her mission and continued to fight for the rights and well-being of the children under her care. She became known as "Amma," which means mother in Tamil, a title that was a testament to her deep love and dedication to the children.
Amy's work in India was not without its risks. She faced threats and dangers from those who opposed her mission, but she never wavered in her commitment to serving others. Her faith in God and her unwavering belief in the power of love guided her through even the darkest of times.
Throughout her life, Amy wrote numerous books and poems that reflected her deep spiritual convictions and her love for the children of Dohnavur. Her writings continue to inspire and uplift readers around the world, reminding them of the importance of faith, love, and compassion.
Amy Carmichael passed away on January 18, 1951, in Dohnavur, India, leaving behind a legacy of love and service that continues to impact the lives of countless children and families. Her mission in Dohnavur still exists today, carrying on her work and providing a home for those in need.
Amy Carmichael's life is a testament to the power of one individual to make a difference in the world and to show the transformative impact of love and compassion. She will always be remembered as a fearless and devoted servant of God who dedicated her life to caring for the most vulnerable in society.
Quotes
- Give me the Love that leads the wayThe Faith that nothing can dismayThe Hope no disappointments tireThe Passion that'll burn like fireLet me not sink to be a clodMake me Thy fuel, Flame of God
- You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.
- Do not fight the thing in detail: turn from it. Look ONLY at your Lord. Sing. Read. Work.