Jonathan Goforth- Bullied, Brave, and in the end, Blind

By Mary Vee
Year: February 1859 - October 1936

Jonathan Goforth

Walk with me
Jonathan Goforth's Exciting Journey to China

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Starting next week we will join Jonathan Goforth on his journey to China. Don't you think his last name is amazing? He really did go forth as God commanded.

He was born in Canada as the seventh child of eleven.

John, his father, depended on all his children to help with the farm. As a result Jonathan couldn't go to school in the early falls or late springs. Crops had to be planted and harvested.

Bullied at school then later on the mission field, Jonathan developed an inner strength that helped him with every task God gave him, He even preached and went about telling people about the God who loved them after he went blind!

Jonathan Goforth has an exciting story. Tune in every Monday to read the next story. If you happen to miss one, simply type in Jonathan Goforth in the search box. It's about half way down in the right column.

Come back next Monday to read the first story.

Resources Used for This Series
Being, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Jonathan Goforth: An Open Door in China. Seattle. WA: YWAM Pub., 2001.Print
Doyle, G. Wright. Builders of the Chinese Church: Pioneer Protestant Missionaries and Chinese Church Leaders. Eugene Oregon: Pickwick Pub, 2015. Print.
Goforth, Jonathan, and Rosaline Goforth, Miracle Lives of China, London" Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1931, Print.
Goforth, Jonathan. "By My Spirit" Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1942. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Climbing; Memories of a Missionary's Wife. Chicago: Moody Pub, n.d. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How I Know God Answers Prayers; The Personal Testimony of One Life-time, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1921. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Jonathan Goforth. Minneapolis, MN: Bethan House, 1986. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How God Answers Prayer: The Mighty Miracles of God from the Mission Field of Jonathan Goforth. USA: Revival, 2016. Print Original copyright not stated.
Jackson, Dave, and Neta Jackson. Mask of the Wolf Boy: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1999. Print.
McCleary, Walter. An Hour with Jonathan Goforth: A Biography. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1938. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Jonathan Goforth: Never Give up. Seattle, WA: YWAM, 2004. Print.

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Let Jonathan hear from you!

Esther-Terrified

By Mary Vee
Esther 7

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

I am Haman, appointed second highest in all of the Babylonian empire.

I have had the most disastrous, horrible, rotten day of my life.

At the rate everything continues to go wrong for me, this may just be the last day of my life.

I blame Mordecai the Jew. If he had bowed down to me like all the other people none of this would have happened. 

He made me mad. No I won't take the responsibility for my decision to go before the king and ask that all the Jews be killed. It was all his fault. Such a meager excuse he had. Claiming to only bow down to his One God. Who worships one god? 

My position gave me the right to expect Mordecai's praise and worship. The king agreed with me. He is the one who let me go through with this. The king is just as much at fault as Mordecai. Of course I would never tell the king that.

When the queen invited me to the banquet last night, I assumed I was being honored. The queen should have to honor the man in second rank in the empire. I am more important than her.

At this second banquet, I saw I was wrong. In front of the king she said, "The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman."

I was shocked she said that. Me? Before I could utter a word in my defense the king got up from the table and went out the door to the gardens. Anger reddened his face. His hands balled into fists. He paced in the garden, clearly confused what to do. I could offer advice, turn this whole mess into something good. I know I could persuade him if only he'd let me speak with him.

I looked at the queen and felt terrified. My blood pulsed in my ears. My hands shook. This could end in my death. I had to fix it. Beg for her mercy, or show her how powerful I am? 

She reclined on a couch, watching the king in the garden. I got up from the table and walked toward her. I intended to kneel before her and beg for my life. Seemed she had more influence over the king than I did. "My queen," I said as I kept walking toward her, "I never intended to harm your people. I didn't know you were a Jew."

I pressed my hands together, pleading and as I stepped closer to her, I tripped, falling onto the couch where Esther sat.

She screamed. Oh the noise. The terrible sound. I knew what it meant. Please, don't let the king hear her. "Please don't scream." I pressed my hand over her mouth.

The garden door flung opened. 


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 feel Mordecai caused all his problems?
2. Why did Mordecai do that?
3. What did Queen Esther tell the king?
4. Who was Haman afraid?
5. Where did the king go and why?
6. What did Haman do to fix the problem?
7. What happened when he did?



As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.

Esther- Xerxes Jewel, His Queen Threatened?

By Mary Vee
Esther 7

From Xerxes Journal

Photo Courtesy

I am Xerxes, king of all the Babylonian empire. 

Esther, my queen, whom I chose from all the young women in the land, invited me to this banquet in my honor.  It was the second day in a row that she has done this. In truth, she pleased me greatly. 

All that she did honored me as king.

She even invited the man I placed second in rank in the empire. 

When we finished our meal I asked her what she wanted, offering her anything up to half the kingdom. It took a few moments for her to finally answer me. She is a humble woman.

Finally, she took a breath and said, "If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life--this is my petition."

What? Grant her life? How could she possibly think her life had been threatened? She looked so afraid to say more. I waited for her to compose herself and finish her message, giving her my full attention.

She said, "And spare my people--this is my request."

Her people? I'm confused. Who are her people?  

She continued, "For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king."

This is news to me. Why didn't I know someone threatened my queen? She looked down at the table, afraid to keep eye contact with me. My jewel. My queen. I had to know who caused her this sorrow.

I asked, "Who is he? Where is the man who has dared to do such a thing?"

She pressed her shoulders back and raised her chin ready to give me the answer in all truth. She said, "The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman."

What? I couldn't believe my ears. Haman? Anger raged inside of me. Haman had threatened my queen? I got up, leaving my wine on the table and went into the palace garden. I had to be alone to think this through. My queen. My precious jewel threatened by the man who had pleased me enough to be made second in all my kingdom?

How could this happen? Was this truth? I had to get away and walk by myself to think this through. This was supposed to be a great evening, and now it is all ruined.


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 Xerxes offer Esther in return for the wonderful meal?
2. What did Esther ask the king to grant her?
3. What else did she ask for?
4. Who caused the problem?
5. Why was the king confused?



As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.

Amy Carmichael-Until We Meet Again

By Mary Vee

Amy Carmichael, A Life Lived For Christ

Photo Courtesy

Amy Carmichael lived her life as a missionary. She originally thought God wanted her to work in Japan, but due to health issues, she ended up in India. 

She closed her eyes to go to sleep January 18, 1951 and never opened them again here on earth. She was eighty-three years old when she was take to be with Jesus.



If you want to read from any of the books I used for research in this series they are listed here: 

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

I must admit, I wished I had know that Frank Houghton, from the China Inland Mission, the same mission Hudson Taylor started in China, had spent time with Amy Carmichael and wrote her biography. I read this in one of the last chapters. I'm not sure what additional stories can be found there:

Please note-these were the prices listed for 4/11/16.





I hope you have been inspired by her life. If you've missed any of the stories or would like to go back and read any, write "Amy Carmichael" in the search section off the right about half way down: 

Some of the books Amy wrote are:

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

NEXT WEEK WE WILL BEGIN A NEW ADVENTURE. 

WE ARE HEADING BACK TO CHINA 

IN THE YEAR 1859

STOP BY TO MEET OUR NEW MISSIONARY

(MISSIONARY STORIES EVERY MONDAY)

Esther-Three Clashing Cymbals

By Mary Vee
Esther 7

From Esther's, Xerxes, and Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I guess I'll start today's story. I invited the king, who is my husband, to a banquet. He is a smart man. At yesterday's banquet he could tell I wanted to tell him something. He asked me what I wanted, but I couldn't. Not yet. I felt so nervous.

My uncle and guardian, Mordecai asked me to speak with the king about Haman's plan to kill all the Jews in the twelfth month. No one could simply ask the king anything. Special permission was required. 

I thought the comfortable setting of a banquet in his honor would help ease my nervousness. It has, at least a little. Today's banquet is on a grander scale than yesterday's. Today is the day I'll tell the king of Haman's evil plan. 

Oh, here they come. I bowed. "Your highness."

********************
My name is Xerxes, king of the Babylonian empire. I am so happy. My queen, Esther, has invited me to a fine banquet held in my honor. She also invited the man I appointed as second highest in the kingdom, Haman. What an amazing woman. She has performed more as a queen than I expected, fulfilling her roll more than Vashti, the last queen, ever did.

The guards have returned with Haman. Just in time, too. "Haman. Come. We will walk to the banquet together."

This is going to be a wonderful evening. I can tell.

********************
My name is Haman, second in authority in all of Babylon. The queen invited me to a second banquet as the king and I finished our meal yesterday. At the time, elation best described my feelings. Wouldn't you be excited to be invited to a banquet with the king and queen for the second day in a row? Since then everything that could go wrong...has. 

I ordered gallows built for Mordecai, they still aren't finished. I visited the king to ask permission to hang Mordecai and ended up having to honor Mordecai throughout the city streets. Mordecai is a Jew, an honored man, and I had a decree to kill all the Jews published. When the king figures it out...I'm a dead man.

Maybe this banquet is the best thing that could have happened to me. I'll have a friendly conversation, say nice things to the king and the queen then hope beyond all hope that I please him. At least enough to save my life.

Before I had a chance to plan what to do with my wife and advisors, the king's guards came to my home and escorted me to the palace. I'm so nervous. I hope I make a good impression on them both.

**************************
My name is Xerxes. My stomach is full. The foods Esther chose for this banquet couldn't have been any better prepared. I patted my stomach and pushed back from the table. Esther ordered my glass to be filled with wine. She ordered the same for Haman.

I looked at her. Dressed in a beautiful gown, a warm smile, and so gracious. How did I become such a fortunate one? I need to give her something in return. "Esther, my queen, what can I give you. Whatever you want you may have. Please. Tell me. What would you like. Even up to half of the kingdom, it will be granted."

I waited for her answer.


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 Esther give this banquet?
2. Why was Xerxes so happy?
3. What was Haman so nervous about?
4. What pleased the king?
5. What did the king ask Esther?



As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.

Esther-You Will Come to Ruin, Haman

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. I am King Xerxes' second in command for all of Babylon. 

I rounded the last corner of the city and led the king's horse back to the king's gate where Mordecai was first placed on it.

I still can't believe that I had to parade him though the city shouting those ridiculous words, "This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor." 

The guards helped Mordecai off the horse then took the king's robe and the horse back to the palace. Mordecai went back to his seat at the gate and I went home.

Tired. Humiliated. Hungry. And angry.

I couldn't wait to get home. Zeresh, my wife, was the only one who'd understand. 

I walked through the front door and found her working.

"Haman, why are you home so early? Did the king give you permission to hang Mordecai?"

Permission. Hah. I only wish. I asked my advisors to join us and explained the whole story. "No. In fact, the day turned out far worse than I planned." I sat in my favorite chair and told them everything from the king's question of how he should honor someone, to my answer--if only I hadn't given that answer--to parading Mordecai around the city on the king's horse.

"Oh, Haman. This is terrible." They all said.

"I know. I know."

"Since Mordecai is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him. You have already set up that decree to have all the Jews killed in the twelfth month. You will surely come to ruin!"

Just this morning everything was going so well. Absolutely nothing went well now. The gallows still weren't finished. And now this problem with Mordecai being a Jew and honored by the king. What am I going to do?

We discussed all the possibilities for fixing the problem. We had plenty of ideas but nothing seemed to be best.

Someone knocked on the door. "Haman, we've come to take you to Esther's banquet." They barged into our house and led me to their chariots. Zeresh and my advisors watched me with worried faces.

Oh, if only I could start this day over.

We rode to the city, through the gate, and ton o the palace. The guards didn't give me a chance to sneak away. They walked me through the corridors to the king's chambers.

"Your highness, Haman is here."

The king nodded and held his scepter out to me. "Come Haman. We have a banquet prepared for us.

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

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

1. Where did Haman take Mordecai?
2. Where did Haman go afterwards?
3. Why was he upset?
4. Where the gallows finished?
5. What did Zeresh and Haman's advisor say was the problem?
6. Why did the guards come to Haman's house?


As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.

Amy Carmichael-I Didn't Have To Worry. God Took Care of Everything

By Mary Vee

Year: September -1948

Amy Carmichael: 80 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

Did you notice my age. Yes. I am quite old. My bones are brittle. I never fully recovered from the accident, I'm sure that injury didn't help me.

On June 23, I was standing in my room. I had only taken a step and slipped. On nothing. I just slipped. I grabbed the bedpost with my right arm (my left arm was still numb). I fell to the floor. I had hoped nothing would come of the incident other than a bruise or two.

I begged the nurse not to tell anyone, that I would heal. But she didn't listen. She called the doctor. After my examination he shook his head and gave the news. I had a broken arm and thighbone, and I had injured my hip--how bad, he couldn't tell yet. 

My injuries kept me completely in bed.

I knew my time here at the mission was coming to a close. I thought of all the people I had set up to take over the needed positions. Godfrey, the leader of the boys, became terribly ill and went to be with Jesus. Mimosa and her sweet sister Arulai went to be with Jesus. Ponnammal left a long time ago. I was so worried what would happen to this ministry.

That was my problem. 

I tried to solve a problem God had long taken care of. He had chosen the people who had youth and commitment. They had been trained here at the mission and had seen what showing the love from the living God can do for a life. 

Even with all the horrible wars breaking out. Japan attacking. The uprising against England here in Indian and England's leaving. The Hindus and Muslims fighting. We were so afraid. So many people needed to know the living God. This mission needed to keep going.

In my bed, God showed me Ponnammal's daughter, Purripu showed herself as a real leader. Rajappan, Mimosa's son also committed his life to working at the mission. They were young and eager to serve.

God in His great mercy had cared for the mission. I didn't have to worry.

By the time I turned eighty-three I could barely move. God had once told me He would let me go to Him in my sleep. No weepy goodbyes. I told the entire staff that no big procession should be held for me. No headstone. No ceremony. The glory all needed to go to the one true living God for the life He gave me.


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-Haman's Humiliation

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. I am King Xerxes' second in command for all of Babylon. 

The king asked me, I couldn't believe I was saying this, he asked me to honor Mordecai.

Yes. The thorn in my side. The one who refused to bow to me. The one I wanted to hang on the gallows.

My orders were first to get one of the king's robes and a horse. I had them brought to me then walked to, did I have to say his name again? You know his name.

I crossed the court to the gate where he sat. All the men sitting there looked up at me. All but Mordecai instantly bowed to me.

"Mordecai." I forced myself to say. 

He tipped his head and looked at me. His eyes showed the confusion I expected. "The king wishes to honor you for saving his life."

As I expected, Mordecai sat there, silent. His confusion remained on his face.

"The king wishes you to wear this robe of his and ride on this horse which the king has ridden. You will be paraded through the streets so that all may know the king is honoring you."

Two guards walked to Mordecai's side and brought him close to the horse. The robe was draped on his back and he was lifted on top of the horse. 

The men who had been in his company and still bowed, cheered for Mordecai. Such misguided voices shouting for Mordecai. It stirred my anger immeasurably.

I took the reins and led the horse out the gate and into the city streets announcing, "This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!"

Men, women, and children poured out of their homes. They listened to what I said then cheered for Mordecai. Up and down the streets until my feet ached horribly I had to endure this torment. Didn't these people understand my pain?

I had never been so humiliated in my entire life. Mark my word. Mordecai will receive his just reward and I will be honored above him.

Oh, my back. 

My sore feet. 

I need a cup of cool water.

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

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

1. What was Haman supposed to get?
2. What was he to do with those objects?
3. What did Haman do all that afternoon?
4. What did he shout to the people in the streets?
5. Why did this bother Haman?


As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.

Esther-Hamon: I Could Have Been Hung!

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. I am King Xerxes' second in command for all of Babylon. 

The king had asked me,  "So, Haman, what should be done for the man the king delights to honor?"

Naturally, I assumed he meant me. I mean who else would he mean? Think about it, in all of Babylon could there be anyone more deserving of the king's honor than me?

No. I didn't think so either.

So I answered. It took only seconds to come up with my perfect reward. Something that would show Mordecai, that bothersome thorn in my side, how truly worthy I am to be respected with bows from the masses. Including him. 

I think I smiled. I couldn't help it. My plan was brilliant! 

I said, with the most humblest voice, of course "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 watched the king's face for his reaction. Had I asked for too much? No. Impossible. I waited to look up then took a chance. The king had a smile so wide he burst into laughter. I knew it. I knew it. 

The king said, "Well done, Haman. Go at once. Get the robe and the horses and do just as you have suggested--"

Yes. My name would be spoken next. I nodded my appreciation. And then he spoke.

Wait. That's not my name. What was he doing? This is impossible.

Mordecai the Jew? The one who sits at the king's gate? That disrespectful Mordecai?

I wanted to pound my fist in the air and scream "NO!" And, "You're honoring the wrong man!!"

But I couldn't. To my right and left the king's guards stood with their weapons. Could any moment be worse? I faked my understanding and approval, bowing to the king. As I turned to follow the most ridiculous command ever, the king stopped me.

"Oh, and Haman. I am very pleased Mordecai saved my life, so do not forget anything you've mentioned."

I took a deep breath and counted slowly to five before turning to the king. "Yes. Yes, your majesty. I will do so right away."

I walked out of the palace and didn't care who heard me any more. I screamed, "How could this happen? To me?"

This should have been my epic day. Hang Mordecai on the gallows. Eat with the king and queen at a banquet. Oops. I didn't ask permission to--I pressed my hand against my face. What would have happened to me if I had asked before the king spoke his wishes?

I--

I could have been hung instead. I pressed my hands around my neck and swallowed. 

Across the court sat Mordecai. Like usual. 

Well, he may get this honor...but one day soon, I will get mine. I laughed, a satisfying dastardly laugh.


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

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

1. Who did Haman think the king was talking about?
2. Why was Haman angry?
3. Why didn't Haman tell the king he was mad?
4. What did Hama forget to ask?
5. What would have happened if he had remembered?


As a reminder, Haman dislikes Mordecai because Mordecai the Jew feels he should only bow down to the living God. Haman wants Mordecai to bow down to him.