"Struck down, but not destroyed"
By Berit Kjos

Born in 1867, Amy Carmichael determined early to follow God -- no matter the cost. She brought His love to hundreds of women in the slums of Ireland then shared the gospel in Japan until her health broke down. Finally God led her to southern India, where she taught a small team of faithful Indian women. Riding in a bumpy oxcart, they braved unthinkable dangers as they told about Jesus in village after village.

One hot, humid day a terrified little girl ran toward Amy and flung herself into her arms. She had been given to the local Hindu temple as a "bride" to the Hindu gods -- a well-guarded temple prostitute taught to serve the demands of male worshippers. Her escape was truly a miracle!

From that day on, Amy knew her God-given mission. She saved hundreds of girls from similar horrors, and through decades, she would be Amma (mother) to almost a thousand children. As they grew into adulthood, many continued to serve and teach the little ones with their Amma. Whenever they needed food, clothes, protection, and space for more nurseries and schools, Amy's growing "family" would pray. And God would provide in amazing ways!

In her prayers one morning in 1931, Amy asked, "Do anything, Lord, that will fit me to serve Thee and help my beloveds (her precious 'children')." That same day, as Amy was checking on some much-needed property God was adding to their expanding home, she fell into a hole, broke her leg, and twisted her spine. Medical care was minimal in those days, and for the next twenty years -- until her death -- she was a bedridden invalid in almost constant pain.

But, oh, what a joy she was to those who loved her! Her "children" of all ages now had continual access to their beloved Amma. What's more, God gave her time to write books and poems that have encouraged His people around the world! Here is one of my favorites:

Hast thou no scar?
No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?
I hear thee sung as mighty in the land;
I hear them hail thy bright, ascendant star.

Hast thou no scar?
No wound? No scar?
Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,
And piercèd are the feet that follow Me.
But thine are whole; can he have followed far
Who hast no wound or scar?