I want to share this testimony I read in the book 'A Chance To Die', a biography on Amy Carmichael's Life. She was an Irish missionary who came to India in the late 1800s. Carmichael's most notable work was with girls and young women, some of whom were saved from customs that amounted to forced prostitution. In 1905 she founded the Dohnavur Fellowship. Young girls were dedicated to the gods by their families, and then usually forced into prostitution to earn money for the priests i.e Devadasi. Carmichael's fellowship transformed Dohnavur into a sanctuary for over one thousand children who would otherwise have faced a bleak future.
So Amy Carmichael rescued this girl from the tradition of 'Devadasi' when she was only a baby. And Amy who was fondly called Amma in Dohnavur nurtured this child. Gave her a loving environment to grow up in. She taught the girl modesty and simplicity. And when the girl grew a little older(i forget the name), she took her and showed her the Devadasis from a distance. And this rescued girl looked at the Devdasis in awe...in admiration. She was captivated by how lovely they looked - adorned with beautiful sarees and jewelry and make-up and fresh flowers in their braids.
This "attractive" sight caused her to detest Amy. She thought Amy had robbed her of a great life bringing her to a place like Dohnavur. She grew up resenting Amy in her heart. Till she was of age, then she knew. Then she understood what she was saved from...She turned forever grateful!
Why I love this testimony!!!
I too grew up with wrong values...placing a very high value on dangerous pleasures. Just getting a kick from a crass lifestyle thinking it was so cool. Attracted to the every things that shine and glitter!
But JESUS came and HE delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling that I may walk before HIM all my days (Psalm 116:8-9) HE showed me the way I should take - the narrow road with narrow mindedness. This gave me the abundant life. You can have this life you know...And the world will look and detest you for taking this route just like the rescued child detested Amy... but the life HE gives as we walk close to HIM on this very narrow road for two will be a light for the rest.
Many will take this route too because they will clearly see what it did in you and for you and through you!
