A Heart for Those in Need
Born on December 16, 1867, in Millisle, County Down, Northern Ireland, Amy Carmichael grew up in a devout Presbyterian family. Her faith journey began at a young age, and by 1883, she had put her trust in Jesus during a mission at a girls' boarding school in Harrogate, Yorkshire. By the mid-1880s, Amy was already serving the mill girls in Belfast, showing a heart for those in need.
Called to India
In 1895, Amy arrived in India, answering a call she sensed at a Keswick Convention. Her life took a transformative turn when she met Preena, a young girl escaping temple prostitution. Amy sheltered Preena, and this act of love marked the beginning of her lifelong mission to rescue children from similar fates.
Mother to Hundreds
In 1901, Amy founded the Dohnavur Fellowship in Tamil Nadu. By 1913, it had become a haven for 130 children, all of whom called her 'Amma,' meaning Mother. Amy's dedication to blending in with the local community was so profound that she even dyed her skin with coffee to better serve and protect those she loved.
Unwavering Faith Through Suffering
Despite facing health challenges and remaining bedridden for the last 20 years of her life after a serious fall in 1931, Amy's faith never wavered. She continued to write and lead the Dohnavur Fellowship, showing that her strength came from God. Her work contributed to the abolition of temple prostitution in India by 1948, a testament to the impact of her mission.
Amy Carmichael passed away in Dohnavur on January 18, 1951, at the age of 83. She left a legacy of compassion and faith that continues to inspire. Her life was a beacon of God's love, transforming countless lives through her unwavering commitment to justice and care for the vulnerable.