Amy Carmichael-I May Never Walk Again

By Mary Vee

Year: September 1931

Amy Carmichael: 63 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

I had fallen into a pit while inspecting the land where we were building a new facility. I'd called for help and hadn't heard anyone respond.

Now you are caught up. And I'm still in the pit.

I dug holes to pull myself up to the surface. The dirt tumbled down on me. My good foot helped, but the pain really slowed me down. I reached up above my head for a rock and realized a hand had scooped up mine.

Tamil, the driver pulled me up and out of the pit. "Thank you, Tamil for helping me." 

He frowned. "You didn't fall. A demon threw you down there."

I didn't want to create a fuss so I did't say any more about that. "Please call the mission and tell them them I had an accident."

I waited two hours for medical help, feeling my ankle swell up to the size of a melon. The pain was so strong I could barely handle it. A car door closed and Dr. May's voice rang out. This was the first time I realized how the Indian people felt when medical help arrived. Through all the pain I was so happy to see her.

Until she gave me that look. "I'm sorry, this is very bad. We need to take you to the London Mission Society Hospital."

Forty-six long miles of narrow roads between rice paddies. Ooooh my ankle throbbed. I had to bite down on my finger at times to lesson some of the pain. The nurse, Mary Mills rode with me, trying her best to find ways to make me comfortable. This was not a job that could be done. 

To add to the bumpy road, rain gushed from the sky making the narrow steep roads dangerous. The driver worked so hard to keep the car on the road. One time the vehicle hit a huge bump created by the road washing out. Everyone was thrown out of the vehicle. I hit the ground with a thud. Pain surged from my toes to my head. Mud dripped down my face. Ooooh I hurt so much.

The one good thing that happened was the car stayed upright. We did not have the manpower to right a car that was turned upside down. 

We finally reached the hospital. The wide eyes from the doctors told the story of what they saw. We looked awful!

They took X-rays. The news was a little worse than I'd hope. My leg was broken above the ankle. The doctor said I had to have my ankle in splints for eight weeks. 

Eight weeks!!!

The doctor prayed for me, "O Lord have mercy on this servant of yours. Please be with this woman who has served you so many years. Help her leg to heal strong enough to let her stand again."

The staff wheeled me to surgery. The mask of ether covered my face and in the seconds before I went to sleep I thought of Psalm 6. "Have mercy on me, O Lord. For I am weak. O Lord heal me for my bones are afflicted."

And then I realized the doctor hadn't said I would be walking for sure. The last thing I remember was a tear forming.


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 Confidence

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 am very important, and wanted to make sure you realized just how important I am. 

Today, Queen Esther invited me to a banquet along with the king. Had she simply invited me, I would have considered it more of a meeting of some sort. I can't imagine her having anything of importance to say to me. Surely I have more power and influence over the king than her.

But when she invited me along with the king, and the king insisted on insuring I knew...well, can I just say there is no further proof needed. I am truly a very important man.

You should have seen the banquet room. The decorations, the food, the cutlery, the plates, all worthy of someone of my importance. At last I am being recognized for my skills and intelligence. 

After the meal, the king asked Queen Esther what gift she wanted in return. Do you know what she said? She asked for the opportunity to give another banquet for the king and me. I could hardly believe my ears. Life could not get any better.

I'm going to rush home and tell my wife. We can build a bigger home, eat rich foods like the important people we are. Buy anything we want. I'm so excited!

I walked out of the palace to go home and saw that despicable man, Mordecai at the gate. Each person I passed bowed to me, as I deserved, except that disrespectful Mordecai. Not only did Mordecai not bow, but he showed no fear of me. Like he actually thought I wouldn't punish him.

Fiery anger burned inside of me. I wanted to punish him right then and there, but this would not have been appropriate for the man who has second highest power in the land. No. I took a breath and chose to go home. There I'd make a plan that would punish Mordecai appropriately.

Mordecai will see, as will everyone in the kingdom, that I have the power to do as I please and will punish anyone who gets in my way.

...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?

Esther-The King Wants to Give Esther a Gift

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am the queen of Babylon. 

King Xerxes and Haman, the man he promoted to second power in the kingdom, sat at the banquet table. I had invited them to a special meal in their honor.

The food was delicious and both men were very pleased. They ate until finally sitting back on their chair and rubbing their stomachs. 

The king smiled at me. "You have served us such a fine meal. 

"Thank you, Your Majesty." I turned to the servants and signaled them to fill the king's and Haman's goblets with new wine. 

King Xerxes took a sip and set his goblet on the table. "Now, please tell me. What did you want or need? Whatever it is, I will be give it to you. So, what is your request? Even up to half of the kingdom, whatever you ask, it will be granted to you."

I watched his face and wondered if I should tell him about Haman's evil plan to kill the Jews. My stomach felt a bit sick. I took that as a sign that I should not tell him yet. I thought, what should I ask to stall for one more day? Well, the king seemed really pleased I had invited him and Haman to a banquet. That's it. I'll arranged another banquet for the two of them tomorrow. 

I bowed and answered him, "My king, my request is this: If the king thinks of me with favor, and if it pleases the king to grant my request, fulfilling my wishes, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then, I promise, I will answer the king's question."

Both the king and Haman seemed very pleased with this idea. 

"You can count on my presence, Your highness." Haman said and bowed to me. 

I don't think he will be very happy when he hears me tell the king of his plan to kill my people tomorrow.

The king walked with Haman out the door. "You see, Haman, I told you Esther was a good choice. Not only is she beautiful, but she is also gracious. Yes, she is a wonderful queen for Babylon."

"Indeed she is, my king."

...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Who attended the banquet?
2. Was the king pleased?
3. What did he want to do for Esther?
4. What did Haman think about the idea?
5. Why did Esther decide to wait to tell the king?

Amy Carmichael-Falling...Falling...Falling

By Mary Vee

Year: September 1931

Amy Carmichael: 63 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

The doors to our mission hospital opened to the public. I was not in the least surprised to see people who had traveled for many miles to receive medical treatment.

The patients stood in long lines waiting their turn. 

Many pulled me aside as I walked the halls. "The people who work here are missionaries?"

"Yes." I answered them.

"They are so kind, so caring. No one complains and everyone listens to our need."

I knew the people whom God had called here had these tender hearts. And to think, in a way, even the children have been called here. God directed their paths to help them find this place of refuge. 

Sometimes the hospital was filled with patients. So many people hurting. It was these times that we gave the little children their job. They held lanterns and walked the paths around the hospital singing Christian song. Imagine those sweet young voice singing. The sound soothed those who cried in pain and helped them fall asleep.

Oh how blessed my heart was. My mind raced with more projects needing to be done, but there were times when even I was blessed and soothed by the children's songs.

The hospital was in good care, leaving me the opportunity to do other work. A few of the women staff workers from Dohnavur went with me to check on the renovations for a new clinic in Kalakaua. The village was a few miles away from the mission compound.

By the time we arrived, the sun would be ready to set. It would be dark soon. The wind blew, ruffling our clothes. I pulled my sari tight around my shoulders and stepped out of the car. I looked at the buildings and saw a small one to the side. This one would be our outhouse. 

I walked toward the little building wanting to see if the workers had begun digging. Dusk created shadows. I took another step and slipped down. Down. Down I fell. Into a pit I hadn't expected. Not there.

"Help!" No one came. Where had everyone gone? "Help!"

I clawed at the dirt lining the pit. Fire burned in my ankle. I didn't know if I had broken it or severely sprained it. Either way I couldn't put any weight on it. "Please help!"

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 Banquet for the King

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am the queen of Babylon. 

I just did something scary. I invited the king and Haman, the man he appointed second in charge for the empire, to a banquet.

Me. Little me. A former slave girl who somehow became queen. What is even more frightening is the king said yes and ordered his second in charge man to come to the banquet, too. Can you believe it?

I figured I would let the king and Haman eat their fill, then tell the king about the problem. The one about Haman planning to kill my people.

I rushed to the banquet room ahead of him to check on the preparations. I stopped one of the servants, "How are things going?"

"Oh, we've done everything as you asked.  The king will sit at the head of the table, Haman to his right and you to the left. The servers know the menu and are prepared to bring extra of any dish. Oh and there is plenty of drink. The glasses will be kept full."

"And the decorations?"

"Yes. The entire hall has been decorated exactly as you requested. Don't worry, your highness, everything is all prepared. Did you want to see?"

"Yes." 

She bowed to me and smiled then said, "Follow me."

I walked in the banquet hall. I had not attended any formal meals in this room and didn't know what to expect. I took a deep breath. "Oh, my! This is beautiful! Look at the dishes." I touched the edges. "And the goblets." I ran my hand over the tablecloth. "This is lovely. Perfect for the king."

A guard knocked on the door. "My Lady. The king is here."

I pressed my hands to my face. The servant bowed and whispered, "Everything is ready. Don't worry."

I felt better. I bowed to the king. "My king."

King Xerxes and Haman walked in the room. The servants showed them to their seats, and me as well.

The king had such a happy look on his face, I decided to waited until the meal was over to discuss Haman's evil plan. A full stomach should help him know what decision to make.

...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. What scary thing Esther do?
2. What was Esther nervous about?
3. What had the servants done?
4. What did did Esther decide to wait to talk about?
5. Why?

Esther-If Ever a King Could Feel Like a Little Boy, Pleased...

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am the queen of Babylonia. 

How I became queen is quite a story, I can hardly believe it myself. But I've already told you that part.

At this moment, I am in the presence of the king of Babylon. The man who has power to allow a person to live and the power to condemn a person to death.

He looked tired when I first appeared at his chamber. Then he looked my way and saw me. He suddenly smiled. Color came to his face. I was so happy I had pleased him.

I didn't go to his presence just anytime I wanted. Only a fool would do that. I hadn't seen him in thirty days. This time was special. I was sent to perform a task. One of epic proportions. I was sent to influence the king to save my people.

King Xerxes invited me to approach his throne. I did as he asked then bowed. He extended his scepter to me and I placed my hand on the tip, so happy to be able to speak to a man of such power.

He asked me to tell him my request. The poor man. Is that all people did? They only came to him to ask for things. Didn't anyone ever come for any other reason? When these thoughts came to me I realized I should not blurt out what that evil Haman had done. Not yet.

I was nervous but didn't want to make him feel bad. I closed my eyes and slowly drew in air and let it fall back out my lips. I looked at him and smiled. 

He smiled back at me.

I said, "If it pleases the king, let the king, together with Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared for him." It may sound weird to speak like that, but I was expected to say words that way to the king.

His eyes widened and he pressed his hand on his chest. "Really? You're inviting me to a banquet?" His surprise made me happy. It was like he was saying...you don't want me to give you something? You're not here to gain anything? You just want me...me to join you for a meal? His excitement continued when he called for his servants. "Bring Haman at once," he said to them. "Bring him so that we may do what Esther asks."

If ever a king could feel like a little boy, pleased with a gift, this was it. 

And God is the one who gave me the ideas. I am so very thankful.



...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. What power did the king of Babylon have?
2. What happened that made the king smile?
3. Why did Esther feel sorry for the king?
4. What did she decide not to say right away?
5. What did Esther ask?
6. How did they king respond? Why did he do that?

Amy Carmichael-My Dream Spoken in Prayer

By Mary Vee

Year: January, 1928

Amy Carmichael: 60 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

The construction for our mission's hospital began. Watching the boards going up, the floor poured, each day a little more was completed.

This may sound ridiculous, but several years went by while we watched the hospital being built. 

I was never discouraged. I loved watching it blossom from the foundation up to the roof. The children and staff all felt the same way. Each day we prayed. Each night we thanked God. 

The monsoons did not tear it down. The work continued inch by inch. I knew one day I would see the finished building being used by those in need. Both physically and spiritually. 

One day babies will be born here and Indian patients will see that there is a living God who loves them so much, that He sent His one and only Son to take the punishment for our sins and make the way for us to go to heaven to live with Him forever.

The building was nearly completed the morning I stood outside looking at what God gave us. A thought popped in my head and I spoke to God about it. "Wouldn't it be nice, Jesus, to have the staff positions filled by the children who have grown up here? They would ave the greatest understanding of the necessity to show loving care for the little ones?

"Of course, Father, they would have to be trained as doctors, nurses, hospital staff, and counselors. This is so much to ask, but Almighty God I believe this could happen. These children who will have grown to be adults can become the missionaries to carry on this work that you started. Not only can they minister to the children, but also to the villagers all around us." 

I wiped a tear of joy just thinking about the possibility. "Oh, loving God, I never imagined anything like this could be considered when I first came. Now I believe you could make this miracle happen."

A visiting man walked near me. He was speaking with one of the workers. The man asked, "So you're saying that all of these buildings in this mission are paid for? The mission has no debt?"

The worker answered, "That is true."

"That is remarkable. Tell me, how did this happen?"

The worker looked at me then back at the man and said, "You see, this is only one of many complete impossibilities that have become not only possibilities, but miracles here at this mission. They all happened because of the great faith lived and practiced by a woman who lives by example her belief in the one, true, living God before all of 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-What is Your Request?

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am the queen of Babylonia. My title doesn't give me many privileges other than to live in the King's palace.

I don't make important decisions for the kingdom, I basically am available to visit the king or do something for him when he asks.

Everyone knows that visiting the king without his permission could result in death. I was no exception.

I stood at the door to his throne room and trembled. He sat on his throne looking very sad. The guard called to him. The king looked up at me. Quite to my surprise, a smile poked on his face. I didn't know why. I only hoped he wouldn't be displeased I came to speak to him without his permission.

Sweat made my hands moist. A guard in uniform, holding his weapon, stood next to me. I didn't know if the king would sentence me to death or not.

I stood still, waiting to see what he would do.

He looked down at his hand with the scepter then back at me. Like he forgot he needed to give the signal for me to approach his throne or be hauled off to be killed.

He smiled even bigger and held his scepter out to me. "Please approach, Esther." 

I did as he asked. I walked down the long aisle toward his throne and at the mark on the floor stopped. I bowed. 

"What is it, Queen Esther?" the king asked. "What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you."

Oh. The Almighty God has rescued me! He has let me approach the king's throne and given me permission to speak to the king. My heart was so happy I could barely answer the question.

...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. What power did Queen Esther have?
2. Why did she have to stand at the door and wait for the king's permission?
3. Did the king give her permission to approach the throne?
4. What did he say to her?

Esther-My Beautiful Esther

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From King Xerxes' Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is King Xersxes. I am king of the Babylonian empire. 

Today started out like any other day. Complaints to deal with, edicts to approve, decision to make, meetings with advisors. 

Being a king isn't as easy as it seems. I can't take a vacation. Even when I'm sick I have to tend to matters of the empire.

Work. Work. Work.

Just once I'd like to have something special happen. I don't really know what that would be, but some gesture of kindness without me asking or ordering someone to do it. Can you understand?

Even the man that I promoted to second position, Haman, brought complaints to me. Blah. Blah. Blah. The man was so passionate about his problem that I simply said, go ahead. Do what you want. What I meant was, leave me alone.

At least he has left me alone and gone off to fiddle with whatever project he had.

But alone isn't really what I want. I would really just like to see a happy face. One that would soothe my soul. I'd give them anything, if only someone would think of me instead of what they wanted from the king.

I leaned on my arm and waited for the next problem to walk in the door.

The guard cleared his throat then said, "My king." 

I looked up--then I saw her face. 

She looked so nervous. That's when I remembered the power of my scepter. The law stated if I didn't reach it out to her she would be taken away and killed. All because I hadn't asked her to visit.

Oh, not my beautiful Esther. My queen. The one who brought me the greatest joy just when I needed it most. I shouldn't have to ask her to visit. She should have the right to visit me anytime she wants.

I didn't care the reason that brought her to me at all. I was so happy to see her lovely face. I held my gold scepter out to her and urged her to approach my throne.


...come back to read what happens next.

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

1. Why was the king bothered?
2. Why did he let Haman have his way?
3. What did King Xerxes expect to see at the door?
4. Who came to visit him?
5. What was the punishment for visiting the king uninvited? 
6. What did King Xerxes do when he saw Esther?

Amy Carmichael-The Gift That Helped Many Babies Survive

By Mary Vee

Year: January, 1928

Amy Carmichael: 60 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

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

Now that I am getting older, my heart's desire is to make sure every part of this mission has someone who can take care of it. Someone to care for the boys. Someone to care for the girls. Doctors. God has supplied some wonderful people to come and stay.

I also hoped we could have a hospital. This facility would attract Muslim and Hindu people who needed medical help. While in the hospital we will be able to tell them about Jesus.

Once we drew up the plans, though, we found out the cost was incredibly high. Even for the simple facility we wanted. 

All the children, all the staff, even those who sent support money knew of the need to raise money to build the hospital. The little children, they were so sweet, went out each day to gather fruit and sell it to people passing by. They turned their coins in to a jar set aside for the hospital. 

Slowly, so slowly the money trickled in. 

Some of the staff became concerned about how slow the money came in. They talked among themselves then came to me with an idea.

"If, and we'd like you to really think about this. If we were to eliminate the maternity ward from the hospital plans, the costs wouldn't be so unreasonably high."

"What?" I was shocked they would say this.

"Oh, wait. We aren't saying that we couldn't let women have their babies here. We would simply have them go to one of the regular rooms. Do they really need to have their own section of the hospital?"

The two doctors and I stood there with our jaws open. We shook our heads. I was so happy they agreed with me. Dr. Powell spoke first. "No. These women need special care. The needed equipment must be available immediately in rooms designed to give each baby a chance to survive. We never know when a baby decides to be born."

"I agree," I said. "God has the money. He will give it to us at the right time. We must pray and be patient.

I didn't know this when the staff brought up these concerns, but a Christian man who lived far away happened to be praying at this same time. God spoke to his heart and told him to give a gif of one thousand English pounds to our mission. What made me cry was the man said he wasn't rich. What made me laugh with joy was the man said, "The money just came to me out of the blue. I never expected it."

This money paid for one tenth of the hospital. All the money needed for the maternity ward and more.

Oh my. God has his ways doesn't He? I think He especially loves to surprise us and watch us smile and laugh, and cry tears of joy.

We really do have a good God.


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!