Amy Carmichael-The Gift Kohila Flower

By Mary Vee

Year: September -1939

Amy Carmichael: 70 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

Everyday God's love could be seen.

I would like to get my mind off of the pain in my leg and back. Would you mind if I shared just one more story of God's blessing?

You wouldn't? Good.

Take a seat. This is a short one, but one that will touch your heart and remind you of the work God has done here at the Dohnavur Fellowship mission.

A long time ago, it has been about twenty-eight years since, a little girl came to the mission. She was adorable. Curly hair. A real cutie. 

Her name was Kohila. She had a temper and was very strong. Our soft words did not tame her rough spirit. 

Children came to the mission with anger or shy problems. All had been rescued for terrible situations. The poor little things didn't know how to live with the harsh memories from the time before they arrived.

Little Kohila was the same. She refused to share her room. She braced her arms in the doorway and held the frame tightly. Fortunately the older and stronger children understood. They had once been that way, too. The question became, would little Kohila overcome this anger?

Because she hurt other children and destroyed things, we placed her in a place on her own. To protect her as well as the other children. This seemed to start her healing process. 

She listened to the Bible stories and watched the other children work with a happy heart. Soon she wanted to be like the other kids. She offered to do chores. She sang songs with the other kids as they worked. She became a happy child. 

She stayed with us. I'm so glad she did. Her desire to learn more about Jesus grew by leaps. She studied God's Word, prayed, helped where ever needed and asked God to give her a passion for souls. What a sweet teen she became.

She chose to stay and work at the mission when she could have left. She grew into a lovely young woman with a strong desire to learn more about Christ and to live for Him. She studied nursing and became the head nurse at the hospital here at the mission.

One of her favorite duties was to decorate the room for the child celebrating her Coming Day. A while back I told about celebrating the day the child came to the mission to live. Most of the kids had no idea when there birthday was and there were no records to find out this information. Instead of celebrating a birthday we didn't know, we celebrated each child's Coming Day.

That morning, Kohila decorated the children's rooms who would be celebrating their Coming Day. One of the "kids", she was actually about the same age as Kohila, was celebrating that day. Kohila and she were best friends. 

Kohila wanted to do something special for her friend. She told the staff she was going up to the Gray Jungle where there were these gorgeous purple flowers. They were special because they grew on a high, rocky slope. To reach the flowers, one had to make the dangerous climb. But her best friend was worth it. And she had climbed rocky slopes before. She knew what she was doing. 

Kohila made her way up the rocks, grabbing carefully and finding her balance. The flowers were only a little higher. She took her time and placed her feet on firm rocks, pushing her higher. She reached, leaned farther and stretched her fingers until she had one in her hand. Kohila was so happy!

The brief distraction created a problem. She wobbled on the rock and slipped. She tried to grab onto another rock but it loosened and fell to the ground. The sky twirled above her head. She fell backwards to the earth.

When the staff looked for her, they found her with the precious flower in her hand. Sweet Kohhila lived to the age of twenty-eight and had been such a precious gift from God to us. She is with Jesus now. I will miss her giving and kind spirit. One that helped heal other children who came with the same problems.

Come back next week to read more of Amy Carmichael.



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-Hamon's Idea for The Perfect Reward

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Xerxes' Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Xerxes. I am the king of Babylon. 

Last night I couldn't sleep at all. I asked the scribe to bring the scrolls with the chronicle of events in the land to entertain me. 

He read for some time, several hours in fact, while I lay awake until he happened to mention an event about a man who had reported the plans for an assassination. 

Apparently, the man had never been rewarded. This was the kind of behavior I wanted to continue. Good. Upright. 

When I discovered he hadn't been rewarded, I was too tired to come up with a something suitable for him. It should be something big. Something that would let the entire kingdom know how much the king appreciates and honors those who are loyal to the kingdom.

There was only one man who had a mind to think of the richest rewards. He was a bit arrogant, but smart. And when the servant told me he was the only one in the court at the time I was quite pleased. 

Haman appeared at the door and I immediately gave him approval to approach. No need for ceremony. "Haman," I said. "Come here. I have a question."

He approached the throne. A smile had spread across his face. Something made him very happy. I didn't know what it was, and at this moment didn't care. I wanted his advice. "So, Haman, what should be done for the man the king delights to honor?"

The smile on Haman's face grew wider. His eyes drifted to the side and up. There was a great plan working in his mind and I couldn't wait to hear what it was. "So? What do you suggest?"

Haman bowed and said, "For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king's most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!'"

I looked at him amazed at his creativity. Only someone as pompous as Haman could think of such a reward. I liked it. I liked it a lot. He was a genius. Of course the most entrusted noble prince would have to be him. Yes. This was the perfect way to reward the one who saved my life.

I smiled, I think I even laughed. "Well done, Haman. Go at once. Get the robe and the horses and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. And be sure to not neglect anything you have recommended."


Unfortunately the story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Why did the king want to reward Mordecai?
2. Who did he ask for help to think of the best reward?
3. Who did Haman think was getting the reward?
4. Since he thought that, what reward did Haman suggest?
5. What did the king think about Haman?
6. What did the king think about Haman's idea?

Esther-The Unfinished Gallows

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. I am the second highest ranked person in the empire. The famous Babylon Empire. Yes, yes, I am very important and that is why I must tell my story.

I got up early this morning and inspected the gallows. My wife Zeresh and my friends came up with a brilliant beyond brilliant way for me to get rid of that disrespectful Mordecai. I ordered gallows built right by my house that would stand seventy-five feet tall.

I told the crew to work through the night. They needed to be finished by today. The problem was, no one could be executed in the land without the kings approval. That I planned to get when I saw the king this morning. 

Any way, I walked outside and saw the men sleeping. Really? Sleeping instead of doing the job I ordered. Didn't they know who I was?  "What are you doing?" I bellowed loud enough to wake them all. They must have been asleep for a long time based on the work that still needed to be done. "Why aren't the gallows done? I ordered you to work through the night."

"Yes, lord Haman. We're sorry." They scurried about and got back to work. 

"I want to know the second these gallows are finished." I lowered my voice threatening them, "And make sure they are sturdy. If they can't hold the weight of the man ordered to be hung, you all will be strung on better gallows."

Their eyes widened. "Yes, lord Haman." They bowed and returned to their work.

My wife walked out the door. "Haman, you could still ask the king. The gallows should be ready by the time all of that is done."

She was right. Her words made me feel much better. "Yes. That's a great idea." I climbed on my horse and road to the palace. There I left the horse at the stable and walked to the court. 

Half way across the court toward the palace entrance, one of the king's servants approached me and stopped. He bowed. "Lord Haman, the king asks me to escort you to his chambers."

Me? This was wonderful news. Already he depends on me for counsel. Maybe he wants to honor me with more. Oh, this is the perfect moment to ask his permission to hang Mordecai from the new gallows. "Yes, of course." 

I followed the servant and was allowed in the king's chambers without any question.

The king said, "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?"

I knew it. Who is there that the king would rather honor than me? I'll not only ask to hang Mordecai, but this is my chance to receive what I deserve. Yes!



Unfortunately the story has much more to tell...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Why did Haman have the gallows built on his own property?
2. Who did he want to hang?
3. Who did he have to get permission from to hang this person?
4. What were the workers doing when Haman went to check on the gallows?
5. What did Haman's wife encourage him to do?
6. What happened when Haman arrived in the court?

Amy Carmichael-God Gave Me A Sense of Value

By Mary Vee

Year: September -1939

Amy Carmichael: 70 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

The days continued to drag by. Pain had become an unwelcome companion. I could walk a few steps but that was it.

The doctor came back to check on me. It was at this examination when he found I had also hurt my back in the fall. Or maybe  I hurt it when we were thrown from the truck on the rainy road. It didn't matter. Nothing could be done to help my back. I had become a cripple. In time my left hand and arm became numb and I had trouble seeing out of one eye.

I called my room the Room of Peace. Over the years, friends had sent me books that I never had a chance to read....until now. The staff built an aviary on the veranda. That is a walk in bird habitat where finches and canaries could fly freely. Sometimes I asked her to open the door so they would fly around my room. I fed them from my hand.

The workers and children kept the gardens outside my room filled with wonderful flowers. The scent flowed in my room. It smells so good.

One day, God gave me a great idea. I remembered the times that workers and supporters ask me to write about this mission. I had written a letter here and there, but nothing had been recorded in one book. Huh. God had blessed us more than we could have imagined with His miracles, a book should be written to glorify Him. So I did. I called the book Gold Cord.

After I finished Gold Cord I wrote several other books, one told the story of sweet Arulai and called it Ploughed Under. Arulai still lives and works here. She has been a constant blessing to me from the day she first came. 

Arulai was forty-nine years old the day I broke my ankle. I and all the other missionaries here believe God wanted her to be the one to take over the mission. Sadly, she came down with a horrible case of small pox while I was in the hospital for my fall. She recovered somewhat.

Arulai had days when she became weak, so weak she had to stay in bed. She was put in the room next to me. I had so much fun passing notes to her. We'd write Bible verses, prayer requests, and just chatted. Although I was sad to see her sick, her company was really welcomed. 

The next three years, Arulai spent more time in the room next to mine. Then the news came that I expected. Arulai went to be with Jesus in May of 1939. Her body was buried in God's garden with other children from the mission who had died in the past. Sweet, sweet Arulai is with Jesus.

Some day I will see her again. And guess what? You will be able to meet her one day! Anyone who believes in the living God. The God who loves them so very much that He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to pay for our sins and make the way for us to go to heaven. All we have to do is believe Jesus died for us and ask Him to be our Savior. God really does love you.

Come back next week to read more of Amy Carmichael.



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 Scroll With a Trigger

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From King Xerxes Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Xerxes. I am the king of the Babylonian Empire. My land spreads as far east as what you call Iran and west to what you call Turkey.

I went to bed this evening but couldn't sleep. I couldn't see any reason why. I had a great meal, prepared by my queen, good company. True the morning wasn't that great, but that was this morning. 

No matter what I tried I couldn't sleep. I ordered my servant to bring me the book of chronicles which had the record of my reign and a scribe to read it to me. 

This record had lists of facts and events. Either something will trigger my memory, let me solve the problem and get back to sleep--or the reading will bore me to sleep. Either way, I'll go back to sleep.

"Your Majesty, I have the book of chronicles." The scribe said.

"Yes. Good. Bring it here and read to me."

"Where would you like me to begin?"

"Somewhere in the middle." I didn't know how long it would take for me to get bored enough to sleep.

The scribe opened the scroll and read. It seemed he read for hours when the name Mordecai was spoken. "Wait. Read that part again."

"On this day, two of the king's officers, Bigthana and Teresh, guards for the doorway, have been found guilty of conspiracy to assassinate King Xerxes. Mordecai has been granted the credit for exposing the guards and thereby saving the life of the king."

"Is that all to that entry?"

The scribed looked at the page. He even scrolled up and down to make sure of his answer. "There is nothing else recorded, Your Majesty." 

"There is nothing that tells what honor and recognition had been given to Mordecai for his actions?" How could I have let this slip?

The scribe shook his head. "No your majesty. Nothing has been done for him."

I couldn't believe the man hadn't been rewarded for saving my life. t looked out the window and saw morning had come already. "Fine. Who is in the court?"

The attendants walked out of the room. They returned a little while later. "Haman has just arrived."

"Good bring him here." 

"Yes, Your Majesty."

I don't know how I missed rewarding Mordecai. I'm so tired I can't think of what would be best to give him. Saving my life is no small thing. This man deserves a great reward. Haman should have an idea. I'm glad he is the one who is here.



...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. What did Xerxes do when he couldn't sleep?
2. What name perked Xerxes' attention?
3. What wasn't in the book?
4. Who was in the court?
5. What is Xerxes going to ask Haman?

Esther-King Xerxes Sleepless Night

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From King Xerxes Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Xerxes. I am the king of the Babylonian Empire. My land spread as far east as what you call Iran and west to what you call Turkey.

I went to bed a few hours ago with fond memories of the day. It hadn't started out great, in fact I was convinced it would be just another boring day with people complaining and troubles popping up in the land.

To my incredible surprise, Queen Esther showed up at the door. She was stunning. Her timing couldn't have been any better. I invited her forward to speak to me. 

Hah...I am so amazed with what she said. She wanted to invite me to a banquet. She included Haman, my second in command. Why, I don't really know, but that didn't matter. On a boring day, my queen came to my office and invited me to a banquet that she had put together.

We ate at the table she prepared. Oh did we ate. The servants brought plate after plate. My stomach is still full.

I had this feeling, though, that she wanted to tell me something but had trouble forming the words. She is so lovely and so sweet, of course I wanted to hear what she had to say. But no, she proved her graciousness by not interrupting the good food or conversation with her matter. I have such respect for her. What a complete difference from Vashti. I am truly a happy man.

I thought I'd fall asleep quickly after eating all of that food. I needed my rest for whatever events pop up tomorrow. And I did. For a very short time. 

I tried everything to go back to sleep. Counting. Laying there with my eyes closed. Walking the floor. Nothing worked. Finally I just decided to get up. I called for my servant.

"Yes, your highness?" He rubbed his eyes. 

I didn't care that he was tired. I couldn't sleep and it was his job to serve me. "Get the book of the chronicles, the record of my reign, and bring it to me."

The servant left.

I had hoped that while he was gone sleep would come. But it didn't. Restlessness ran through me. My legs needed to move. My arms needed to move. I paced not knowing what, if anything, was bothering me.

I walked through my day in my mind. Maybe I forgot something. Maybe I should have done something differently. Did I judge something wrong? 

I just could figure out the problem.


...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. How big was King Xerxes empire?
2. What kind of day did he have?
3. What changed his bad morning and afternoon?
4. What made him so happy?
5. What didn't Esther do?
6. The king went to bed feeling...
7. When the king couldn't sleep, what did he do?

Sometimes something will keep us awake. Sometimes God is reaching out to us, calling something to our attention.

Amy Carmichael-Confined to Bed

By Mary Vee

Year: September 1931

Amy Carmichael: 64 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

The doctors had kept me in the hospital for several days. I was given medicine to take the pain away, but it was a strong medicine and shouldn't be taken for very long or it could hurt me. Once I could tolerate the pain, they stopped the medicine and said I could go home.

The driver and a nurse drove me back to the mission. Me and my leg cast. The fall had broken my leg and sprained my ankle. All I could think about was all the work that needed to be done.

The doctors at the mission carried me to my room and set me in my bed. The days dragged by. I couldn't stand on my own. The pain fired up my leg. I began to think an infection set in to the injured area.

I tried to read during the day but couldn't focus. There didn't seem to be any position that was comfortable enough to rest. I couldn't sleep at night. The pain kept me awake. The days dragged by even more. 

The doctor limited my visitors to only fifteen seconds. How I longed to get back to my work. To visit with the children. To see the progress of the new clinic. To pray with the staff. 

Concern overwhelmed the other workers. They gathered together in the prayer building and prayed for me, for hours. Afterwards I was able to do a little more. Nowhere near what I wanted to do. I took one step before returning to bed. The next day I took two. In time, I could walk out to my veranda and back. And days later was able to get in the car to ride to the clinics. 

Most of my days were spent in my room resting. Healing. The missionaries brought the children to my room and sang Christmas carols. I loved hearing them sing--so much.

The worse part of this whole sitting in bed and healing process was being a burden to others. Someone had to bring me food, help me to the bathroom, help me do anything that required movement. I had prayed years ago, asking God to never let me become a burden. 

I was the one who helped others. God sent me here to be the missionary, to teach, to help, to tell others about the loving, living God. Excuse me, I need to wipe a tear. 

There. 

Can you understand how my heart aches? I wanted to serve God but couldn't from this bed. 


Come back next week to read more of Amy Carmichael.



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 Gallows- Haman's Greatest Project

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. The king promoted me to second in command for the entire Babylon Empire a short time ago. 

I had been in a really good mood after leaving the banquet Queen Esther had invited me to. At first I felt so honored to be the only person asked to attend a meal given for the king. Then I realized the queen would feel duty bound to invite me. 

I was the king's closest advisor and worthy of this privilege. I went home and told my family and friends about my successes after the meal.

And then...

I remembered the disrespectful Mordecai. I told everyone in my home what he had done. They completely understood why I would be upset. The problem was, my anger prevented me from constructing an appropriate punishment for Mordecai.

"That Jew Mordecai sits at the king's gate," I said. "He refuses to stand as I approach then bow in my presence. I deserve to have respect by all people in Babylon."

My wife, Zeresh, paced a few steps. She had a mind for great ideas. My friends sat and talked among themselves. "I know," Zeresh said. "Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high. In the morning, ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it. Tomorrow, you'll get his permission easily because the king listens to your advice. You'll hang Mordecai then go to the dinner with the king and queen and be happy." 

My friends talked among themselves then shook their heads. "This is a great idea."

It was a good idea. I called my head servant and said, "Build a gallows seventy-five feet tall. I need this done by morning. Stop every project, and put every man on it. Have it built by my house."

"Yes, my lord." The servant left.

I must admit, hearing the hammers and wood brought me great pleasure. At last, Mordecai would receive his punishment, right here in my own yard.

As the sun set, the workers stopped. I went out to inspect the work. The gallows would not be completed soon enough. "I said the gallows needed to be finished by morning."

"Yes, my lord. They will be."

"It doesn't look like it to me." The head worker stood by me looking at the project. He waited for my word. I said, "Set up crews to work through the night. This project needs to be done quickly." 

"Yes, my lord," he said.

Even thought the hammers banged close to the house, I fell asleep with absolutely no problems. I would win this battle.


...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Why was Haman so happy?
2. What made him angry?
3. What terrible plan did Haman's wife say?
4. Did Haman agree? Why?
5. Describe what Haman had built
6. Did the project come together as fast as Haman wanted?
7. What did Haman order the crew to do?
8. How did Haman sleep that night?

Do you think Haman will win?

Esther-Haman's Hunger for Revenge

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. The king promoted me to second in command for the entire Babylon Empire a short time ago. 

As the king has shown by this act, I am very important, and wanted to make sure you realized just how important I am. 

There are those in the empire that stir my anger. Now that I have this position, I have the power to punish them.

Mordecai is my biggest irritation. Can you imagine, he refuses to bow down to me. Me? I went home quite upset over the whole matter. As soon as I dismounted my horse I called my wife and all my friends to meet at my house. At least I could boast about all the good things that have happened. Maybe I'll feel better then.

My wife served refreshments in the gathering room then I stood. "I have great news to share." I raised my chin to help them understand my importance. "First, as you know I have accumulated vast wealth. Look about you at all I have. And I have plans to enlarge our home and assets."

Zeresh, my wife pressed her hands together on her face. Her eyes leaped wide. "Oh, Haman. A bigger home? This is wonderful."

Of course it was. Important people must show others their wealth and not hide it. "You also know I have many sons."

My friends nodded. And so they should. Having many sons is a sign of wealth and prosperity. "And now, the king has honored me in so many ways." I couldn't help but grin. "Yes, he has elevated me above the other nobles and officials. I have the great power--only second to the king himself."

My friends had a look of pleasure. And why not? They should feel honored to be in my presence. "Something else happened today." I waited for them to lean forward to hear the next great news. When they did, I said, "I am the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to a banquet she gave today. And are you ready for this?"

My friends and wife nodded.

"She was so pleased with how the banquet went that she invited me, along with the king, to another banquet tomorrow."

My friends leaped to their feet and congratulated me. Zeresh hugged me.

Then I remembered that disrespectful Mordecai and my face warmed with anger.

"What's wrong, Haman? You've had nothing but good news. What could possibly upset you?" Zeresh stepped back giving me room to speak to everyone.

"That Jew Mordecai sits at the king's gate. He refuses to stand when I approach then bow in my presence. I deserve to have respect by all people in Babylon. Including Mordecai."

I turned away from them.

...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Why was Haman so happy?
2. What did he want to do and have?
3. Haman decided to go home after the meal, who did he see on the way?
4. What did that person not do?
5. Why did this bother Haman?
6. What did Haman plan to do?
7. Why did Haman feel he could do that?