Amy Carmichael-Living Where The Indians Live

By Mary Vee

Year: December, 1896 

Amy Carmichael: 29 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy - Woman wearing a sari

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary in Bangalore, India. Technically speaking.

I have spent time in Bangalore as a missionary, yet I haven't had a chance to tell any Indians about God's love. The idea of being a missionary here is nothing like what I thought. It seems to me, no one is telling the Indians about Jesus. 

I feel very uncomfortable and want to do something to start my missionary work. I went to a Keswick meeting where Thomas Walker spoke. He has such a passion for missions and can speak the local language really well.

After the meeting I went to him. "I serve with the missionaries in Bangalore. I want to witness to the Indian people but I am struggling with opportunities. I'm trying to learn the language. Wouldn't you think it would be easier if I lived with an Indian family?"

He looked at me then shook his head. "No. You are clearly a sickly person. If you lived with Indians you would catch terrible diseases and end up dying. What good would that be?"

I was so hurt and offended by his words. I stood there and didn't say anything.

Photo Courtesy- Photo modified for this use

He folded his arms then said. "But, if you would like to live with my wife and me, we would help you and you could have opportunities to tell Indian people about God's love for them."

I didn't expect him to say that. "Really? You would?"

He smiled. "Yes. In fact, I'll write your mission board and arrange everything. You only need to pack your things and bring them to our mission in Palamcottah, the area of Tinnevelly.

It took a little time to receive permission, but in December 1896 I arrived in Tinevelly. What a great way to celebrate one year of living in India. 

Several months went by. Mr. Walker became a great help, like an older brother. He helped me learn the grammar of the language. 

I felt comfortable enough to ask the big question that had been on my heart. "Mr Walker, when I lived in Japan I found wearing Japanese clothes help the ministry. I think wearing the Indian clothing here in India will help the native people not be suspicious of me. I see none of the other missionary women wearing saris, though. What do you think?"

He tipped his head. "This of course needs to have prayer, but the idea seems filled with wisdom."

"Really?" I wanted to jump and twirl around like a little girl. I did pray, and even though the Walkers were the only ones who stood up for my idea, I still felt in my heart this is what God wanted me to do.


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photo labeled permission for reuse.
Resources used for this series:
Benge, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 1998. Print.
Davis, Rebecca Henry. With Daring Faith: A Biography of Amy Carmichael. Greenville, SC: Bob Jones UP, 1987. Print.
Dick, Lois Hoadley. Amy Carmichael: Let the Children Come. Chicago: Moody, 1984. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Amy Carmichael: Rescuing the Children. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 2002. Print.
Wellman, Sam. Amy Carmichael: A Life Abandoned to God. Uhrichville, OH: Barbour Pub., 1998. Print.

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