evangelism

Lulu E. Garton

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Lulu E. Garton

Homeland: United States of America
Place of Vision: India

Lulu E. Garton was a missionary from the Broadway Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kansas, USA. She served in India from 1915 to 1921. Lulu was born to Christian parents, Alexander Hamilton and Mary Frances, who raised her in faith and the love of God.

As a child, Lulu enjoyed the mountains and loved nature. She once said, “I first breathed God’s air in the rare atmosphere of the Rockies, a mile or so higher than Denver, in a little mining center called Silver Plume, Colorado.” Her upbringing made her deeply spiritual, and at just thirteen years old, she decided to become a missionary. She felt that India was the place where help was most needed.

Missionary Journey

When Lulu finished high school and wanted to attend college, she had no money for her studies. She prayed and talked with her pastor, and soon a scholarship was provided. She graduated in 1907. Later, she continued studying at the University of Missouri, taught in a mountain mission school in Hazel Green, Kentucky, completed a nurse’s training course, and worked for three years as a private nurse.

To prepare for missionary work, she also attended the College of Missions for three semesters. In August 1915, Lulu sailed for India, where she spent six years joyfully serving God. She worked in Harda, Rath, Bina, Jhansi, and Kulpahar. Lulu gave her best to serve others, but the heavy workload weakened her health.

In 1921, she returned home for a break (furlough) and was unable to go back to India because of her health. Yet she continued to serve God faithfully in the United States. For eight years, she worked as secretary of the women’s missionary organizations in Southern California. Afterward, she cared for her elderly mother while staying active in her church and missionary programs.

Lulu E. Garton remained a dedicated and loving servant of God all her life, always committed to the mission she began in India.

Amy Carmichael 

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Amy Beatrice Carmichael

Amy Beatrice Carmichael was born into a rich family in County Down, Ireland, on December 16, 1867. At the age of fifteen, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. After her father’s death, Amy, being the eldest child, worked hard to care for her family. From a young age, she was eager to share the gospel and showed kindness toward the poor.

She started her ministry by helping the Shawlies, poor mill girls who wore cheap shawls and were not welcomed in churches. Amy rented simple tin buildings to hold Sunday services for them. During this time, she heard Hudson Taylor speak, which strengthened her desire to become a missionary. She applied to the China Inland Mission, but poor health stopped her from going to China.

Missionary Work in India

In 1893, Amy went to Japan for missionary work but had to return after fifteen months because of health issues. Still determined, she joined the Zenana Missionary Society in 1894. A year later, in 1895, she arrived in India, where she first worked with Thomas Walker in Tinnevelly (Tirunelveli).

Amy learned Tamil and chose to live like the local people. She focused on sharing the gospel with women and led many to Christ. She also formed a team of women to help spread the good news to others.

In 1900, Amy moved to Dohnavur, where she saw the sad condition of young girls, called devadasis, who were dedicated to temples and forced into prostitution. Amy began rescuing these girls, caring for them like her own children. She opened orphanages to give them love, safety, and education.

To continue this mission, she started the Dohnavur Fellowship, which helped many children grow in faith and hope. Amy also wrote and published more than 40 books.

People lovingly called her “Ammai,” which means Mother in Tamil. After a lifetime of faithful service, Amy Carmichael went to be with the Lord on January 18, 1951.