Amy Carmichael of Dohnavur

THIS BOOK WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND WAS EXACTLY AS THE SELLER DESCRIBED IT...WOULD DEFINITELY BUY FROM THIS SELLER AGAIN...

If you only have time to read one biography of Amy Carmichael, don't miss this one. It's the best one available. A close second is The Wild Bird Child: A Life of Amy Carmichael by Derik Bingham.

Amy Carmichael is regarded as one of the great missionaries of the early 20th Century. One of her greatest legacies was her loving work in rescuing girls from the Hindu temples (the practice is now illegal). One wonders where biographer Bishop Houghton ever found this much information. If I had been Amy Carmichael, I might rather be dead than see this much revealed about me. However, the book is written compassionately, so that one has the impression: "She was a honey". In fact, this is a precious biography, for the reason that it reveals so much about the inner life of one so greatly used by God. Bishop Houghton, rather than setting up Amy Carmichael as a saint -- or even as a sinner -- sought to "present her as she was", yet as "God's chosen instrument . . . amazingly fitted for His purpose". He was attracted to her first, he writes, "because, in contrast to so many authors, she steadily refrained from including a picture of herself in any of her books." Amy Carmichael is known for her pioneering approach to cross-cultural missions. This came about through a seemingly insignificant incident in Japan in 1893, which I thought worth reproducing here, in her own words: "We went to see an old lady who was very ill. She had not heard the Gospel before, but was willing and eager to listen. So I spoke and Misaki San translated, and our hearts prayed most earnestly. `Lord Jesus, help her. O help her to understand and open her heart to Thee now.' She seemed to be just about to turn to Him in faith when she suddenly noticed my hands. It was cold weather and I had on fur gloves. `What are these?' she asked, stretching out her hand and touching mine. She was old and ill and easily distracted. I cannot remember whether or not we were able to recall her to what mattered so much more than gloves. But this I do remember. I went home, took off my English clothes, put on my Japanese kimono, and never again, I trust, risked so very much for the sake of so little." This is a monumental work, with nearly 400 pages densely, meticulously, and lovingly written. It is not the easiest read -- but it surely would be worthwhile.

This biography of an amazing woman of God is truly food for the soul. In contrast the Elizabeth Elliot biography "A chance to die" seems to have an unconscious negative slant which detracts from this servant of God. This woman was surrendered to the Lord more than anyone else we know of in the 20th century except perhaps Oswald Chambers. We should ask God that we might be used by Him to just a fraction that "Amma" was. The work of Dohnavur still continues to this day.

This book was my first introduction to Amy Carmichael many years ago. More of her books are in print today, but when I read this book I became acquainted with "Amma's" life of dedication. I also was amazed with the depth of her talent in prose and poetry. Amy Carmichael left the British Isles to be a missionary in India. She never came home. Dohnavur became her home and the people of India became her people. Her quiet life of service (for many years an invalid) still shines brightly. I can say that this book about Amy Carmichael changed my life.I highly recommend it as well as other books by her and about her.