This week in Christian history: Mount Holyoke Female Seminary founded; Amy Carmichael arrives in India
Amy Carmichael arrives in India – Nov. 9, 1895
This week marks the anniversary of when Amy Carmichael, an Irish missionary known for her extensive efforts to care for exploited children in Southeast Asia, arrived in India.
Raised by devout Presbyterians, Carmichael did philanthropic work in Belfast, Northern Ireland before eventually committing to overseas mission work, first in Japan and then in India.
While serving in India, Carmichael became best known for rescuing children from Hindu temple prostitution, including founding the Dohnavur Fellowship.
In a 2021 op-ed published by The Christian Post, John Stonestreet and Glenn Sunshine called her “[o]ne of the great missionary heroes of Church history” and noted that “largely because of Amy’s work, child prostitution was outlawed in India.”
“Throughout her life, Amy Carmichael took in over 1,000 children, giving each one a new home, renewed hope, and even a new name,” they wrote.
“Carmichael didn’t think that standing for children would be an impediment to telling people about the love of God. On the contrary, she believed it was an essential part of serving Christ in that pagan culture.”
