Amy Carmichael-India's Robin Hood-The Gun Fight

By Mary Vee

Year: January, 1923 

Amy Carmichael: 56 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" escaped from prison. He and his friend fled to the mountains. Friends of mine knew where he was.

I had found a way to meet him in the woods. "I know now I should not have escaped and I am sorry," he said.

"You must give yourself up to the police to end this nightmare for yourself," I pleaded

His eyes grew sad. "It's too late. The police will kill me when they see me. Too many robbers steal and kill then claim they are me. The police say I have done all these things. The truth will never be told." He lowered his head.

"Make me a promise," I said.

"I won't go to the police."

"I understand. But promise me you won't use your weapon, not even to save your own life. That will be your statement to the world that you did not commit those crimes."

He didn't answer me. I sat on a rock and invited him to sit by me. "Help me say Scripture verses." I chose ones I thought he would know. He said the words with me. I helped him when he couldn't remember a word. We sang songs and prayed. A peaceful spirit came over his face.

He stood and helped me stand. "You better go before someone sees us."

"Will you remember what I said?"

"I will remember." He walked away with his gang of men.

Yes, he would remember, but would he follow through and not use his weapon?

September 20, 1923 came. I remember the day so well. The temperatures were cooler and the sky clear. A messenger came to the compound and asked to speak to me. "Yes? What is the message?"

"The police found Jambulingam in the mountains near Caruniapuram. He is dead."

"No!" I sat on the nearest chair and wept. His life didn't have to end this way. "What happened?"

"The police captured him. In their anger they beat him and shot him."

It happened just the way he said it would. Oh how my heart ached for him. He could have served his time then started his life over. "Tell me, did he defend himself? Was there a weapon in his hand?"

"He had a gun but he didn't use it," one woman said. "He ran up a hill holding his gun. They say he turned, dropped the gun, and raised his hands toward heaven. That was when the police stormed him."

Such a sad story of a life. But, his decision to not use his gun was proof to me that Jambulingam, known as India's Robin Hood, listened to my words, meant what he said about believing in God, and will be in heaven. 

I visited the police several times requesting they clear Jambulingam's name of the charges. They refused.

So I wrote a book telling his story. Copies of the story went throughout India. Many men and women decided to ask Jesus in their heart after reading about Jambulingam, the man accused of many crimes he didn't commit, some he did, but turned his life over to the Almighty God, the God who loves us.


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 Death Edict

By Mary Vee
Esther 3

From King Xerxe's Chronicle

Photo Courtesy

My name is King Xerxes, my palace is in Susa.  

I recently promoted a promising young man. His name is Haman. I've heard a lot of great reports about his work. I feel good work should be honored to encouraged others to do their best.

Haman had been in his new job for only a day when an incident happened out at the gate. Apparently, a man refused to bow as Haman passed by.

This is a serious offense, I'll admit. But Haman came to me very angry. He said there was a group of people living in the empire who had different traditions from us and refuse to obey the king's, my, laws.

Well, once I heard that I saw his reason for anger and asked what he thought should be done about the situation. He suggested a decree be signed ordering the deaths of all those disobedient people. He was so concerned that our empire be rid of them that he offered to pay the salary of the men who would carry out the deaths.

The idea couldn't be all that bad. My former queen, Vashti, didn't obey me. She was forced to leave and never return. Why not get rid of these people. Then everyone in the empire could live in peace.

I handed Haman my signet ring and said, "Keep the money and do with the people as you please."

On the thirteenth day of the first month I summoned the royal secretaries to write Haman's orders in every people language of the empire. I gave permission for these to be written in my name and sealed with my ring.

The next day messengers were sent with a copy of the decree to every province informing the people to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews--young and old, women and little children--on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. The people were then to plunder all the Jews belongings. The people would have plenty of time to prepare for this day.

As soon as the messengers left, Haman and I sat down and drank a celebration. The empire would be rid of the Jews.

...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Who received a special promotion?
2. Why did the king promote him?
3. What happened shortly after the promotion?
4. What did Haman tattle to the king?
5. Haman didn't go after one man, he went after ________
6. Haman asked permission to ___________
7. The king agreed and the next day __________________
8. What did the king and Haman do once the messengers left?

Esther-Hamon Thirst for Revenge

By Mary Vee
Esther 3

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman 

I am a very powerful person in the empire. King Xerxes has promoted me above all the nobles. He has honored me. That means that all the people of the empire should also honor me.

Each one should bow to me and understand my importance when I walk or ride past them.

Each person should feel honored to hear my voice.

And they do. 

Except that despicable Mordecai.

He claims that his heritage as a Jew does not allow him to give me the honor I deserve. 

That just makes my blood boil. 

I took a breath and then thought. Yes. If I could come up with the perfect plan, I wouldn't punish just Mordecai. No. No. No. I will punish all his people. Every single Jew in all of Xerxes kingdom.

It is the twelfth year Xerxes has been in power. The time had come for me to end my misery with Mordecai and the Jewish people living here. Yes. I rolled my hands together. I will rid this kingdom of Mordecai.

I asked permission to speak to Xerxes. 

Xerxes said yes.

I walked forward to his throne and bowed. "Your majesty, There is a certain people living among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom whose customs are different from those of every other people group. They do not obey the king's laws. In truth, your Majesty, it is not in the king's best interest to tolerate them." 

I glanced up at the king to see the expression on his face. He seemed very interested in what I was saying, so I took a chance and kept going.

"If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them. To show how important this request is, I will put ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury as payment to the men who will carry out this business."

...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Why did Haman dislike Mordecai?
2. Who else did Haman decide to punish?
3. What did Haman tell the king?
4. What did Haman ask the king?

Amy Carmichael-Robin Hood Imitators

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" escaped from prison. He and his friend fled to the mountains. Friends of mine knew where he was.

I sent a message to him, Jambulingam, please do not go back to stealing, even if you are hungry.

He sent a message back to me, "I will never go back to stealing or breaking the law. I believe in the living God. Jesus Lord saved my life."

People in the village talked about the Robin Hood and his friend. They stole at night and hid during the day. Many of the reports came at the same time on the same night in different places. Anyone could tell that new thieves were using the name Robin Hood to commit their crimes and not get caught.

I went to the police myself. "You must listen. A man cannot be in two places at one time. Jambulingam could not have committed these crimes."

The police chief pressed his shoulders back and scowled. "If you know this man so well and have been speaking with him then you should be telling us where he is." He walked closer. "Where is he?"

I kept my voice quiet and confident. "I honestly don't know." I turned and walked back to the mission.

I sent another message, "Jambulingam you must give yourself up to the police. Go to the British police. They will keep you safe and help clear up the misunderstanding."

Jambulingam sent a message back, "We can't. You have no idea how dishonest the police are. They will kill us if we turn ourselves in. Meet me in the forest. You know where. We can talk there."

Late that night, after all the children were in bed, I took my shaw and walked to the meeting place. Just as he promised, Jambulingam was there. He stepped out from behind bushes and waited for me. I walked closer. The man was tired. His eyes were wild with fear. He looked both ways on the road to see if I was followed.

"I am alone," I said.

He took my hand and pressed it between his with the respect he'd give his mother. "Please believe me when I say I have not stolen anything since leaving the prison." He looked at my eyes. "I admit, I've wanted to. We hear the people talk. They say we are committing these robberies. We may as well really do them."

"You must never give up in doing good. Not become sad or discouraged. God is with you. He will protect you if you turn yourself into the police."

"I can't." His friend stood close to him. "We can't." Jambulingam lowered his head. "I see now I shouldn't have escaped from prison, but it's too late to go back. The police will kill me one day."

"You say that day will come. And it may. But if you want to show your love for God let it be that you wouldn't have your weapon in your hand. Please don't give the police a reason to kill you."

He stood. "You must go before you are seen."



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- Mordecai Refuses to Follow the Crowd

By Mary Vee
Esther 3

From Mordecai's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Mordecai. 

My daughter, what I mean is the girl I raised as my daughter after her parent's died, has become the queen.

Imagine that!

Her name is Esther, and we are Jews. That is the amazing part. The king doesn't know she was born a Jew. I counseled her not to tell anyone in the palace--for her safety. 

Jews were brought here as slaves a long time ago. Who knows, maybe she needed to be herself for this time. God will tell us if and when she needs to step forward and proclaim her heritage.

The big news at the city gate, where the men come to discuss topics of interest, is Haman, son of Hammedatha. Yesterday, King Xerxes promoted Haman, giving him a seat of honor higher than all the other nobles. 

I don't know very much about this man yet, but I pray he will be someone who will serve the king.

This morning I went to the gate and sat, waiting for today's discussion to begin. We were in the middle of a very interesting topic when someone approached from inside the gate. We turned and saw a man whom I presumed to be Haman. 

He had on a fancy robe and paraded through the crowds with his chin lifted high in the air. The people bowed and said words like, "my lord," and "Your lordship." 

I had determined long ago to worship only God and Him only would I serve. This meant I would not bow down or honor anyone but the almighty God. Needless to say I did not bow when Haman went past, neither did I say "my lord," or any thing like that.

This apparently did not make Haman happy. He sent an official to talk to me. 

"What is your name?" the official asked.

I told him. He left right away to report my name to Haman. Two other royal officials walked up to me and asked, "Why do you disobey the king's command?"

I answered, "I am a Jew and can only bow before the Almighty God."

Day after day Haman rode through the gate. Day after day the men bowed to him. I did not. Day after day the officials asked why I refused to bow to Haman. AND day after day I said "I am a Jew and can only bow before the Almighty God." I thought their questions were annoying, but I never tired from saying my answer.

...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. What did the people at the gate do when Haman road past?
2. Why?
3. What did Mordecai do when Haman road past?
4. Why?

Esther-Hamon's Honor

By Mary Vee
Esther 3

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. 

Over the course of time I have risen in ranks in the king's work. I guess I'm doing a good job.

Today, the king called me into his chamber, and before his other officials he said, "You Haman have please me. Your work and attitude is exactly what this kingdom needs.I am hereby elevating your status above all the nobles in this room and in my kingdom. You are to have a seat of great honor in my empire.

I was surprised, but felt I deserved the honor. I bowed. "Thank you, your majesty. I will seek to serve you." Then left his chambers. 

Just think, honor will now be given to me everywhere I go in the kingdom. All the people will have to bow down to me when I walk past. I will be given a robe to wear and that way every man, woman, and child on the street know exactly who I am. 

I have longed for this day. And definitely deserve it. I mean, I have done everything to please those who have been in place over me. Shouldn't I be honored?

I couldn't wait to see my new power in action. I first walked out to the gate where the important men from the city gathered to discuss topics.

As I approached, the men turned and saw my robe. I squared my shoulders back and lifted my chin. They stood together, it was wonderful! Then they bowed to me. "My Lord," they said as I walked past. I couldn't believe my ears! 

And then I saw all the men had indeed stood, except one.

I eyed this man and wanted to know who he was immediately. How dare he show me such disrespect. I turned to the servant near me. "Find out the name of the man who did not bow to me. Get that name now."

He bowed and said, "Yes, my Lord."

He returned shortly after, "His name is Mordecai, my Lord."

Mordecai was it. Mordecai would be a name I would remember. I planned to search into his family history and learn everything I could.

We'll see if this Mordecai has the nerve to continue such disrespect to a high ranking official of the king. Especially me.


...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Who is Haman?
2. Why did the king call Haman to his chambers?
3. How did Haman feel about this news?
4. What did Haman do to test his new job?

Amy Carmichael-India's Robin Hood Captured

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 been hunted by the police for quite some time. I received word the police found him and a friend hiding in the mountains. They were bound and hauled off to jail.

I prayed asking God if I should go visit Jambulingam, the man known as Robin Hood. I prayed asking God to help this man believe in Him. I sensed right away that God wanted me to speak with him again. 

It was two months before I was allowed to speak with Jambulingam.

When the police finally let me in the jail to see him I asked, "How are you?"

"I am tired and beaten," he answered. "But I have news for you, missionary lady. I have given my life to the living God. I have spent a lot of time learning about Him and want everyone to know my news. I want to be baptized."

I was so excited to hear his enthusiasm. "I'll make arrangements and let you know when you can be baptized."

I contacted a missionary man and explained Jambulingam's request to be baptized. He agreed to help. He contacted the jail, spoke with Jambulingam then baptized him.

The police became suspicious of all visitors after the baptism. They refused to let me visit Jambulingam any more before the trial. Only one Indian Christian received permission. 

The time came for his trial. He pleaded guilty to the robberies in the mountains and innocent to all the charges that he did not commit. The trial dragged on a long time.

The Indian Christian continued to visit Jambulingam, reading the Bible to him. One day the visitor read from Acts 12, the story of Peter's escape from a prison. 

Jambulingam listened closely. "This Peter escaped with the help of the Lord? If the Lord will do that for one of His children, wouldn't he do it for another?"

All night he plotted a way to escape. The next morning he and his friend followed the plan and ran away. "Praise the Lord," Jambulingam shouted. "He has helped us escape."

That was not true. Jambulingam did it on his own. 

I was very upset when I heard what he'd done. He was showing Indian Christians that they can disobey the law. It will be a terrible testimony for other Indian Christians. I should have prayed for him more. Taught him more. 

I bowed and prayed, asking God to show me what I could do.


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-Mordecai's News

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Esther's Journal

My name is Hadassah. I am also called Esther. 

I was very surprised to be chosen as queen. I don't really understand all that has happened in my life. What I have done was learn to ask questions and be kind to those who can show me what to do.

I went out to the women's quarters with the other women. Mordecai, who has been my guardian since my parents died sat with other men discussing topics. 

He saw me and signaled for me to come close. I obeyed and went to him. 

"Esther," his eyes were concerned, maybe troubled about something. "Listen carefully.  I have heard two of the king's officers talking. They stood duty by the gate only a short time ago. Apparently they are very angry with something the king has done. They made a plan to assassinate the king. There names are Bigthana and Teresh. You must report this to the king right away. Go now!"

I did as he said and rushed into the palace. Hegai stood in the corridor. Good, he was a man I could trust. "Hegai, I must speak to the king. I have urgent news."

He bowed to me. I didn't know if I'd ever get used to that. "Yes, my queen. Follow me."

We walked through the corridors leading to the king's chambers. Two guards opened the door. 

King Xerxes looked up from his work and saw me. A smile spread and his whole face brightened. "Esther. Come. Come in."

The guards escorted me to the king. I bowed as I had been taught.

"What can I do for you, Esther?"

"I come with news."

"Go ahead. Tell me this news."

My uncle often sits at the gate and discusses topics with the men of the city. While there this morning, he overheard two of the king's officials plotting an assassination of the king."

He sat up straight, no longer with a look of amusement on his face. "Who were these officers?"

"My uncle said their names are Bigthana and Teresh."

The guard standing near me eyed the king. "I'll take care of it, my king, and bring a report."

King Xerxes touched my chin. "Stand. Your loyalty and service once again proves why you should be queen. What is your uncle's name?"

"His name is Mordecai." 

"When you see your uncle again, give him my thanks."

"Yes, your majesty." The guard escorted me out of the king's room.

Two days later a report was given to the king, confirming Bigthana and Teresh's devious plot. 

Hegai knocked on my door. "I thought you'd like to know that Bigthana and Teresh have been found guilty and were hung on the gallows this morning. The event has been recorded in the king's chronicles. You have done well, my queen. I must say, I'm not in the least surprised."

My uncle had saved the life of the king. Maybe I was made queen for this occasion. The news might not have reached the king in time. I asked my maids to leave me. Then I kneeled and praised God for his goodness.

...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Who is Mordecai?
2. Why did he want to speak with Esther?
3. What did Esther do with the news?
4. Whom were the accused?
5. How did the king respond?
6. What did the report say?
7. What happened to the accused?
8. What did Esther do after she heard the news?

Esther- The New Queen Is Chosen

By Mary Vee
Esther 2

From Esther's Journal

My name is Hadassah. I am also called Esther. 

I have lived in the women's quarters of the king's palace for ten months. During this time I was given special lotions, hair treatments, palace food, clothing, and lessons on how to behave in front of a king as was many other girls.

I asked the king's servant, Hegai to choose what special item I should bring when I went before the king. 

I was escorted to the King's chambers and followed the instructions I had been given. I stood in my place until the king invited me to walk toward him.

He smiled.

I was honored to please him.

"What is your name?" he asked.

"My name is Esther." I had been told that this was the name to say.

His eyes brightened and he appeared happy. "Esther, you are the loveliest woman I have seen, more than any other woman who has appeared before me."

He turned to his servants. "I want to see no more women. I have made my choice. Esther pleases me more than any other woman. She will be my queen."

"Come here, Esther."

I obeyed then bowed.

"You, Esther, are hereby appointed queen in Vashti's place. In your honor I will give a great banquet, Esther's banquet. I will invite all my nobles and officials."

He turned to his advisors. "Call the scribe. I am proclaiming a holiday throughout the provinces in honor of Queen Esther. Presents are to be given to all. Do not hold anything back. Queen Esther is to be honored in all the land."

All the women who had lived in the women's quarters of the king's palace gathered together into court by the gate. 

I need to say that I had followed my uncle's instructions to not tell anyone about my family background. He had always watched out for my welfare. Of course I did as he said.

At the same time that the women gathered, my uncle Mordecai sat at the king's gate. Two guards, Bigthana and Teresh, became angry about something the king had done. They made plans to assassinate King Xerxes. Uncle Mordecai heard the entire plan and waited for the right time to speak to me.

He saw me a little while later and waved. I went to him. 

"Esther, my daughter, I have heard two men plotting to assassinate the king, their names are Bigthana and Teresh. You must get word to the king right away."


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

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

1. Did the king see all the women who were schedule to appear in his chamber?
2. Which woman did King Xerxes choose to be the new queen?
3. What did the king do first for the winner?
4. What did the king set aside for the whole nation?
5. What kind of gifts did the king give and to whom?
6. Where was Mordecai sitting?
7. What did he hear?
8. Who did he tell?
9. What instructions did Mordecai give?