Amy Carmichael-India's Robin Hood Needs Help

By Mary Vee

Year: January, 1921 

Amy Carmichael: 54 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary in India.

The man Indian people called "Robin Hood" had leaped out from a bush while I was walking home. He scared me at first because I didn't expect him, second he had other men with him. I honestly didn't know what would happen.

He said he needed someone to care for his children. The police searched for him everyday. He couldn't take the little ones on the run. His wife just died so she could not care for them.

I agreed to take the children in at the mission if he agreed to never use his gun. He agreed with the condition that he would use it only to protect his own life.

The bargain was made. I asked him to surrender to the police.

"You don't understand. The Indian police are corrupt. They will say a man is guilty even if he isn't Then if that man pays the police bribery money they will let him go. They are accusing me of things I have not done to get bribery money."

I saw his point. "What if you turned yourself into a British officer?"

He smiled. "You are kind, missionary lady. But I cannot trust any police officer. I am not safe."

"If you trusted in God to care for you, He would," I said.

He looked confused. "Which God?"

They have so many Hindu gods, the man did understand about the living God who would love him and help him. "Jesus Lord. The living God of the universe who created all things including you. This God loves you. Listens. Cares. Protects. He sent His Son Jesus to pay for all the sins we have done so that we could go to heaven. We only have to believe in Him."

Jambulingam, known as Robin Hood listened to everything I said. "This is very interesting. I have never heard of this living God. "Will you pray for me?"

"Yes, of course." I knelt and he knelt. We bowed our heads and prayed asking God to help him.

He and his friends left after the prayer. I walked the rest of the way to the mission thinking about him. For days I continued praying that this Robin Hood would truly believe in the living God who loved him. I asked God to give him courage to turn himself in to the police. And even more I asked God to not let the police punish him for crimes he had not committed.

In the meantime, his three children lived in the mission. They heard Bible stories, had food to eat, were loved, played with other children and found their smiles.

I received word one day that the police found Robin Hood.



Come back next week to read what happened to India's Robin Hood.



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.

Don't forget to comment! 
Let Amy hear from you!

Esther-One Year of Preparation

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Esther's Journal

My name is Hadassah. I am also called Esther. 

Shortly after I arrived in the women's quarters of the king's palace, the king's servant, Hegai, gave me seven handmaids and showed me to my room.

It was a beautiful room, large, and with exquisite decorations. The handmaids fussed about every day, giving me baths, rubbing special oils into my skin, serving delicious foods that I had never seen before, and working with my hair. 

I did all that I was told, but felt a bit awkward. I had been a helper for my uncle, caring for his needs as long as I could remember. Here in the women's quarters, I was told to rest and allow the handmaids to prepare me for my visit to the king.

Mordecai sent messages to me through the servants. He wished me well and told me he prayed everyday. I looked from my window out at the gate and saw him. He continued to care for his business while watching out for me. I am so blessed.

The year was almost at an end. I had six months of oil of myrrh treatments and six months with perfume treatments. I didn't know when I would be called to go before the king. I knew I wasn't first, though. 

Hegai stood before the crowd of women and said, "You may take whatever you wish from the women's quarters with you when you go before the king.

One by one the young women were called to go to the king. When she returned, she was taken to a different building for the women and placed under the care of Shaashgaz, a servant of the king. She would not return unless the king called her by name.

One night, Hegai came to me. He said, "Esther, the time has come for you to go before the king. What would you like to take with you?"

I looked around the room and tried to imagine how my uncle would want me to answer. My words needed to show respect and honor to God. I turned to Hegai and said, "I ask for nothing but what you, Hegai, the king's servant, the custodian of the women, advises."

The other women stopped chattering and looked at me with great respect in their eyes. Hegai did the same. Hegai chose a necklace for me. "I recommend you take this." He called one of my handmaids over to put the necklace on me. 

"Are you ready?" He asked.

"Yes." I followed him to the door. 

So, in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of the king's rein, I walked with the servants to the King's palace room. 


...come back next time to read what happened next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What preparations were given to Esther over the year?
2. Who kept an eye on Esther from a distance?
3. After visiting the king, none of the women could return unless he __________
4. What could the women take with them to the King's palace room?
5. What did Esther choose to take?

Esther-Mordecai Paced in the Court

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Mordecai's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Mordecai. I have taken care of Hadassah as a daughter ever since her parents died. Just so you know I sometimes called her Esther as well.

Even though many Hebrews from Judah were taken here as slaves, God has blessed us. I was able to provide a nice home and food for both Esther and myself.

You may have heard that the king banished his wife, Queen Vashti, from the kingdom and is in the process of selecting a new queen. All the unmarried women were required to go to a selection where some were then chosen to go to the palace. From these women, the king would choose a new queen.

Esther cried when she told me the news. Since the order to appear before the commissioner was an edict by the king, she had to go. I saw in her eyes she really didn't want to go. The poor thing was afraid. But I knew she'd been trained in the proper and expected manners of a young woman. And, to tell the truth, she was beautiful. 

Knowing the great punishment for refusing to obey the edict, I encouraged her. I told her God would always be by her side and protect her.  She looked at me, not convinced. "Esther, you will do fine. If you are sent home then God has spoken. If you are chosen to be the new queen, then--God has spoken. You will only be happy by obeying what God asks you to do." 

I hugged her. "One instruction I will give you before you go. Don't let anyone know who your people or family are. Trust me. This is for the best. Now, you know I spend time at the city gate everyday. I will keep watch. If you need anything, send word to me."

She nodded "I will, Uncle Mordecai." 

After she left, I became concerned for her welfare. Not upset. God would care for her. But I also knew in my heart that I had been given charge of her welfare. So I prayed. "Almighty God, please protect Esther in the palace. Give her the words to say. Let her meet the right people who will not harm her. Take care of my girl."

Even with the prayer I couldn't allow myself to be irresponsible. I went to the court of women's quarters everyday and asked the maids and servants who came outside, "How is Esther. Is she well? Is she happy?"

The servants gave the same response every time  "She is well and seems happy. The man in charge of all the young women's  care, Hegai, has been very pleased with her answers and manners. He gave her the best room and the most honored maids. She has been given the most attention over all the others." Then each servant leaned close and whispered, "I can see why. She is kind and respectful. She never imposes her own way, but asks the opinion of those who have worked in the palace."

I was so happy to hear these reports. Still, I went to the court of women's quarters every day and kept checking on her. For one full year, while she completed all the required preparations, I did this everyday.

I don't know why God has allowed this situation. I am a bit curious. I am also confident whatever is to come, God will care for us.

...come back next time to read what happened next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Who is Mordecai
2. What did he encourage Esther to do? Why?
3. What special instruction did he give her?
4. After she left, what did he do?Why?

Amy Carmichael-India's Robin Hood

By Mary Vee

Year: January, 1921 

Amy Carmichael: 54 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary in India.

New buildings have been built to house rescued boys, God has blessed our crops, and now I am bringing to God our need for a hospital here at the mission.

I had a special place in the woods nearby where I frequently went to pray. We had a small building made to use as a retreat. Often I brought the older children and missionaries with me.

One day, shile feeding the children, a worker started up a conversation about an Indian man who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor.

"So he is a Robin Hood?"

"I guess you could say that. The poor people love him," she answered.

This news surprised me. The other workers joined in the conversation saying this man could leap over wells that were twenty feet across and escape from any prison. He takes what he needs. 

"What is his name?" I asked

"Hi name is Jambulingam."

An inspiration to pray for Jambulingam took over my thoughts. "Would you pray with me that I could meet Jambulingam and tell him about Jesus?"

They agreed and stopped their work to pray.

What I didn't know was Jambulingam and the men traveling with him had been watching me travel to the forest to pray and back to the mission for several days. I usually traveled with other workers and children, but one time I went alone to pray. 

On my walk back to the mission, several men leaped out from some bushes. They frightened me. Their hair was scruffy and their clothes dirty. I stopped, afraid for my life. But the men kept their distance.

"We have been waiting for you."

"Why?"

"I am known as the Red Tiger."

That must be the name used instead of Robin Hood by the Indians. "I've heard about you, and have wanted to meet you. The police are looking for you."

He nodded. "Yes, I know." He waved his arms like he was erasing the words. "The police are corrupt. They live for bribery money. If they aren't paid, they throw even innocent people in jail. Can I tell you my story?"

I didn't even have to think. He deserved to be heard. "Of course you can."

"A man accused me of a crime I did not do. The police saw this as an opportunity to get money from me. If I had paid what they asked, I would have been set free. But I didn't have the money. I ran away. Soon others began to tell lies about me, saying I had done this and that crime--when I wasn't even in the area! I ran to the mountains to hide. In truth, I don't think I could ever have a fair trial."

He looked at the ground and shuffled his feat in the dirt. "I had a wife and three children. I just received word my wife died." He looked up at my eyes. "There is no one to care for my children. I can't bring them to the mountains where we would have to hide. That is no life for them."

I agreed. The children needed a loving, stable home. He didn't have to say the next words. I knew what he was asking. "You want me to take the children to the mission, don't you?"

He nodded and lowered his head. Maybe afraid of my answer.

I wanted to help the children, but I also wanted to help this Robin Hood. "If you will agree to my condition, I will."

He tipped his head. "All right. If I can do what you ask, I will."

"Good. I want you to never use your gun."

The men with him laughed. The Robin Hood held his hand up to silence them. "I will promise to never use my gun except when I need to protect my own life."

This seemed a reasonable request. "All right. You may bring your children to the mission."

He smiled. "You are good, missionary lady."

"So, Robin Hood, will you surrender to the police and end this chase?"



Come back next week to read more about our Robin Hood.



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.

Don't forget to comment! 
Let Amy hear from you!

Esther-Hegai Meets Esther

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Hegai's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Hegai. I am in the service of the king and am the appointed one in charge of the young women arriving from the empire and who will appear before King Xerxes.

The first group of women arrive not long ago. Not surprising, these women were from our province of Susa, right outside the palace. What noise! These women chatter and giggle so. I can't imagine the sound when all the other women arrive. 

Very few of these ladies have had occasion to come inside the palace before. Clearly, very few have learned how to behave in the king's palace. I see I have my work cut out for me.

To give their enthusiasm some direction I led them to the wardrobe room and freed them to explore. I may have been mistaken about this soothing their excitement. The young women raced to the dresses, scarves, jewels, belts, sashes, shoes oogling over everything they touched.

One young woman did manage to stand out to me. She didn't act silly like the others and had a beauty that would please the king. She stood back with a grace I might have seen in Vashti a long time ago. I did like Vashti as queen. She was beautiful and had the blend of leadership for her duties along with an understanding of her place under the king's rule. That is, until the banquet the other night. I'm going to miss her.

Ah, well. As I was saying, this new young woman caught my eye. I walked to her and asked, "What is your name?"

She gave a small curtsy. "Hadassah, although some call me Esther."

A good answer. Simple. To the point. And with grace. This young woman might be the one. I decided then to help her in any way I could.

"Would you come with me?" She didn't think twice, but followed my instructions. Not with her head hung as if shy and not with her nose held high as if pompous or vain. She walked as if she'd been schooled. 

I led her down the corridor to a room that would be given to her. Along the way I commanded seven handmaids that I selected just for her to join us. Esther walked into the room. Her eyes widened. "These handmaids will see you receive the finest foods in the palace, beauty treatments, and any clothing you need."

She bowed. "You have been very kind to me and I appreciate all you have done. I am confident your choice in dress and anything else I need will be what is best."

Her words stunned yet pleased me. I honestly didn't believe any of the young women from the other room would have given up their opportunity to dictate a choice in dress or other provisions. "I leave you to your handmaids for now, Esther."

She bowed.

As I closed the door I was confident I had made the right choice to give Esther of Susa the best of all the rooms, the most qualified handmaids, and will offer her the best of anything else she will need. 


...come back next time to read what happened next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version  

1. Who is Hegai and what is his job?
2. What did Hegai think of Esther?
3. What did he give Esther?
4. Why did he want to help Esther so much?

Esther-The Kindness That Impressed

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Hadassah. I lived with my uncle Mordecai, until yesterday. We had a nice little home in a place called Susa. He'd taken care of me ever since my parents died. We are Jews and slaves in a land not our home.

I miss my home and Mordecai already. 

The commissioner chose me and other girls then took us to the palace. The other girls laughed and mocked those not chosen. I couldn't join them. Their words were so cruel.

The selected girls rode in the king's chariot to the gate. The magnificent door opened. I hardly knew what to say. Never in my life had I seen such wealth.

This gate was a meeting place for the wise and wealthy men of the city. Although my uncle Mordecai was not wealthy, he was very wise. He sat with these men and discussed many topics. 

I leaned forward, searching the faces for him. He stood and smiled. The very gesture I needed to comfort me. I smiled back.

The carriage took us to the palace entrance. One of many, I later learned. This entrance led to the rooms where we would live. We followed our guide up stairs and down a corridor. The doors opened.

A large room stocked with beautiful dresses, scarves, jewelry, shoes, makeup, anything I imagined a princess would want. 

A man named Hegai introduced himself to us. "You are one group of girls who will be presented to the king. Young women from the rest of King Xerxes empire will be arriving shortly. For now, look around and become familiar with what is available for you."

The girls broke into smaller groups. They ran like starved animals to the wardrobe and pawed at the dresses. 

I wasn't shy or lonely. God had soothed my aching heart to return home. But, I didn't want to be like the other girls. In a way, I felt sorry for he king. I felt sorry for Mordecai having to live without my help. The only way I could show my desire to help and my gratefulness to Mordecai was to have a strong yet gracious spirit while here at the palace.

As I stood watching the girls, Hegai walked close to me. "What is your name?" 

I gave a small curtsey and said, "Some call me Hadassah and some call me Esther. Whichever pleases you."

He smiled. "You have answered well. Would you like to look at what is available to you?"

"Everything here is lovely. I wouldn't know which would please the king the most and would appreciate your counsel."

"Another wise answer. Come with me. I will show you your maids."

The other girls were so busy holding dresses up to themselves and laughing they hadn't notice we left the room.


...come back next time to read what happened next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version  

1. Where was Esther taken?
2. Who all went with her?
3. Who did she see at the gate?
4. Who was put in charge of these young women?
5. What did Esther do that impressed Hegai?

Amy Carmichael-The Heat that Brought a Swarm of Hungry Caterpillars

By Mary Vee

Year: January, 1918 

Amy Carmichael: 50 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary in India.

I had prayed for a way to rescue the little boys and God answered my prayer. 

The other workers saw God's blessings and learned to pray and trust God even more. 

We worked hard to be good stewards of the money we received. We chose to plant our own rice crop on the mission property. The harvest would be the food for all the children and workers for the next year. So you can see how important a good crop was to us.

Never knowing what the weather would bring, we prayed before planting time, during the growing season, and every day we ate the rice. Year round, God heard our prayers of need and thanks for supply. 

Rain is not the only important need for a good crop. Temperatures are important as well. Rice needs hot at certain times and cold at other. 

One year, the weather grew unexpectedly hot when it should have been cold. Caterpillars in their cocoons became confused and hatched. They had not yet matured into butterflies.

Photo Courtesy

Starving and needing food to grow they devoured rice seedlings in the surrounding villages and in the mission's crops.

If this continued, the entire crop for next year would be lost. We wouldn't have food for the children. 

In all the surrounding areas, men and women prayed to their idols. They offered sacrifices. They tried everything they could think of--hoping their idols would help.

I called all the missionary workers together, even the children. We got on our knees and prayed to the Lord, "Please, Father, save the rice crops. Save ours and the villagers too, if it pleases you." We prayed all day and into the night after putting the children to bed.

Two days later, one of the little girls looked out the window and cried, "Come and see! Hurry! Come and see!"

We all crowded around the window and watched hundreds of big, white birds eating the caterpillars. The workers moved back and let taller children squeeze in to see the sight. 

The birds feasted, screeching and flapping their wings. They soared up to the air and dove back down to eat more. 

The children cheered. "Oh, God, thank you! Thank you!!" We sang and prayed and danced and laughed with tears in our eyes. What a blessing this was for all of us to see. 

The living God cared for the rice plants so they would grow strong and feed the children.




Come back next week to read about our Robin Hood.



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.

Don't forget to comment! 
Let Amy hear from you!

Esther- The Commissioner's Selection

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Hadassah. I lived with my uncle Mordecai, until yesterday. We had a nice little home in a place called Susa. He'd taken care of me ever since my parents died. We are Jews and slaves in a land not our home.

After breakfast, all of the unmarried girls of Xerxes empire were to meet with the commissioner in charge of their city.

I really didn't want to go, but Uncle Mordecai told me I had to obey the edict. So, there I stood with about a hundred other girls and young women at the center of the city. 

The commissioner began his walk through the crowd of girls. If he pointed at a girl, he wanted her to go with him to the palace. If he didn't, she was to go home.

I looked toward the ground and kept to the back of the group. Other girls were excited to be noticed. They raised a hands to call the commissioner over to them. They giggled and did their best to get his attention.

The commissioner didn't seem impressed by these things. I hoped looking toward the ground would get him to overlook me. The girls in the front of the crowd had been categorized. Those who stayed and those who went to the palace. He moved closer to me.

My heart pounded. Please pass me by. Please let me go home. 

I saw his sandals move closer to me. He didn't say a word to the girls, but I heard their responses. "Oh, please just give me a chance. I'll do whatever it takes. I'll change my hair, wear a different dress. Please!"

He ignored their pleadings. 

Then he stopped in front of me. He set his hand under my chin and raised my head. He smiled. "You're going to the palace."

Why the Almighty wanted me to go, I don't know. Uncle Mordecai depended on me to make his meals and keep his house clean. I swallowed and nodded. The commissioner pointed to where he wanted me to stand then he finished his work.

When he reached the end of the line he announced, "If I have not chosen you to go to the palace you are to return to your homes."

The girls standing around me huddled and laughed. Joy and pride beamed from their hearts. They had been selected. I stood to the side and looked at the flowers. So beautiful. So graceful and soft. I touched the petals and smelled their scents. This is how I wanted to please the Almighty. Even if it meant going to the palace.

...come back next time to read what happened next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version  

1. Why did the girls gather in the center of the city?
2. Why did the commissioner choose some girls and not others?
3. Why did Hadassah stay in the back of the line?
4. What did the commissioner say to her?
5. Did Hadassah tell the commissioner that she was a Hebrew?

Esther-The Meeting in the Center of Town

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Hadassah. I live with my uncle Mordecai in a place called Susa and have ever since my parents died. We are Jews and slaves in a land not our home.

King Xerxes issued an edict calling for all young unmarried girls to come to the castle.

The herald told us to meet in the center of town by the flowers the next morning.

Of course everyone heard the news. At dinner time I called my uncle to the table and served the food.

"Uncle, I really don't want to go. Couldn't I just hide here in the house?"

"Hadassah. You are such a lovely girl. You know why the king has made this edict, right?"

I sat at the table with him. "Everyone has heard what Queen Vashti did."

"Yes. The king was very embarrassed. He showed his strength and power to his guests by banishing her after she refused to obey his order."

"But why do all the unmarried girls have to go? What if we dreamed of having a husband one day?"

He put his hand on mine. "Hadassah, the Almighty is in control. Nothing will happen that doesn't have His approval. I want you to be at the meeting place tomorrow as the edict ordered."

I looked down at my plate. I would never disobey my uncle. He has been a good father for me. "All right, Uncle. I'll go as you asked."

The  next morning the sun rose and the chickens squawked. I suddenly remembered the meeting. After getting dressed and making breakfast, I grabbed my shaw. 

"Hadassah." Uncle Mordecai walked to me with his arms open wide and gave me a hug. "Remember, my daughter, the Almighty is watching over you. Do as you are instructed to honor the king. This will please the Almighty."

"I will." I looked at my home once again, not sure when or if I would be able to come back. "Good bye." I opened the door and looked back at Uncle Mordecai once again. He smiled. That was the picture of him I would hold close in my mind whenever I felt lonely.

As I stepped out to the road, several other girls walked in a group toward the center of the city. I let most of them pass to be in the back of the crowd.

A circle of flowers surrounded by benches formed the very center. The commissioner stood  on one side and motioned the girls to gather close by.

I really hoped that by standing in the back, I would not be chosen.


...come back next time to read what happened next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version  

1. What did Mordecai ask Hadassah to do?
2. Who was she suppose to meet?
3. Who all was invited?
4. Why were they suppose to go to the meeting?
5. Would all the girls go?