A Deep Calling
Amy Carmichael, born in 1867 in Northern Ireland, felt a deep calling toward missionary work from a young age. Her journey began with a Bible class for impoverished mill girls in Belfast, and it was there that her compassion for the marginalized blossomed. Despite facing rejection from the China Inland Mission due to health issues, Amy's resolve remained unshaken. Inspired by a divine encounter where she sensed God speaking to her about the true value of one's work, she committed herself to a life of service, wholly surrendered to God's will.
Mission to India
In 1895, Amy embarked on a transformative mission to India, where she would spend 55 years without returning home. Her heart was drawn to the plight of children trapped in temple prostitution. In 1901, she founded the Dohnavur Fellowship in Tamil Nadu, which became a refuge for those children seeking safety and a new beginning. The Fellowship flourished under her leadership, growing into a self-sufficient community providing education, healthcare, and spiritual nurturing.
God's Provision
Throughout her life, Amy experienced God's provision in miraculous ways. She never asked directly for funds, yet the needs of the Fellowship were met time and again through unexpected gifts. Her deep relationship with God was evident in her writings, where she expressed sentiments like, 'God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.'
An Enduring Legacy
Amy's impact was profound, not just within the Fellowship but also in societal change—her efforts contributed to the outlawing of temple prostitution in India. Even after she became bedridden in 1931, she continued to write and inspire others with her faith and dedication. Amy Carmichael passed away in 1951, but her legacy endures as the Dohnavur Fellowship continues to serve, and her writings remain a source of encouragement and challenge to many.
