A Calling That Could Not Be Silenced
Maria Woodworth-Etter, born on July 22, 1844, in New Lisbon, Ohio, was known for her extraordinary faith and pioneering role in the Pentecostal movement. Her early life was marked by hardship; her father died when she was young, leaving the family in poverty. Despite these challenges, Maria felt a profound calling from a young age. As she recalled, 'I heard the voice of Jesus calling me to go out in the highways and hedges and gather in the lost sheep.'
Surrender to Divine Purpose
At age 13, after converting and being baptized, she experienced a vision that convinced her of her calling. However, societal norms and personal fears delayed her ministry. It wasn't until 1880, after attending a Friends revival, that she fully surrendered to this divine call at age 35. Licensed as an evangelist in 1884, she began praying for the sick, believing in healing through faith in Jesus. Her meetings attracted thousands, with many reporting miraculous healings and other supernatural phenomena.
Boldness Despite Opposition
Maria faced significant opposition, including charges of insanity and resistance due to her gender. Yet, she persevered, driven by a vision she described: 'The power of the Holy Ghost came down as a cloud... I was baptized with the Holy Ghost, and fire, and power, which has never left me.' Her ministry was marked by boldness and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit, as she famously stated, 'The power of God convinces them.'
A Legacy That Endures
Her legacy includes founding Woodworth-Etter's Tabernacle in Indianapolis and contributing to the formation of the Assemblies of God. Maria's life was a testament to the power of Jesus to transform the weak and fearful into His powerful messengers. Her story continues to inspire faith and courage across generations.
