Amy Carmichael was born on December 16, 1867, in Millisle, Northern Ireland. From a young age, she displayed an unwavering commitment to her faith, which only grew after she accepted Christ at the age of 13. Inspired by Hudson Taylor's call to missions, Amy felt called to serve abroad, a calling that would lead her to India.
Discovering India's Temple Tragedy
In November 1895, Amy arrived in Tinnevelly, South India. It was here that she encountered the heart-wrenching practice of dedicating young girls to temples, where they were forced into prostitution. Witnessing the plight of these children, Amy was moved to action. When a young girl named Preena escaped from temple service and sought refuge, Amy's mission became clear: to rescue and provide sanctuary for these vulnerable children.
Founding the Dohnavur Fellowship
In 1901, Amy founded the Dohnavur Fellowship, a haven for those she saved. Though she faced fierce opposition and cultural barriers, Amy's unwavering faith and commitment to Jesus sustained her. She adopted Indian customs, even dyeing her skin with coffee, to blend in and carry out her mission. Her efforts were not in vain. By 1913, the Fellowship had grown to serve 130 girls, eventually housing over 1,000 children.
God Provides Through Prayer Alone
Amy never solicited funds, relying solely on prayer for provision. She believed that God guided her through His Word, the Spirit, and circumstances. "If the voice is God's all three will agree," she said. Her faith was evident in the miraculous ways God intervened, from providing for the Fellowship's needs to protecting Amy from imprisonment.
Legacy of Transformed Lives
Despite suffering from chronic neuralgia and later becoming bedridden, Amy continued her ministry through writing. She authored 14 of her 35 books during her time as an invalid, sharing her experiences and the lessons God taught her. Amy's legacy is profound. Her work contributed to the cultural and legal reform in India, with temple prostitution being outlawed in 1948.
Amy Carmichael's life was a testament to her declaration, "Missionary life is simply a chance to die." Her unwavering dedication to Jesus and the children she served has left an indelible mark on the world, inspiring others to live a life of faith and service.
