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A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael
A Chance to Die is a biography of Amy Carmichael, an Irish missionary and writer who spent fifty-three years in south India without furlough. There she became known as ''Amma,'' or ''mother,'' as she founded the Dohnavur Fellowship, a refuge for underprivileged children.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1987
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About the author
Elisabeth Elliot
176 books2,265 followersFrom the Author's Web Site: My parents were missionaries in Belgium where I was born. When I was a few months old, we came to the U.S. and lived in Germantown, not far from Philadelphia, where my father became an editor of the Sunday School Times. Some of my contemporaries may remember the publication which was used by hundreds of churches for their weekly unified Sunday School teaching materials.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
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January 7, 2024
This is the first work I’ve read about Amy Carmichael, and she was a really interesting personality to read about. (Her attitude and personality reminded me a lot of Jim Elliott’s, the author’s first husband. Makes me think she was attracted to a particular type of person.) I don’t know that I would have enjoyed knowing Amy Carmichael in real life, but she certainly was used by God, and there are many aspects of her faith that are encouraging and challenging.
That said, she was a human and had plenty of faults. It’s tempting to judge her for these, but I’d hate to see what would be written in my biography and have people judging me for all of my mistakes. At the end of the day, God is gracious and merciful, and Amy loved Him and served Him as best as she could.
The first quarter to a third or so of the book was too long, in my opinion; I was frustrated that the ad-copy emphasized her time in India and yet a third of the way into the story, she still hadn’t arrived there!
But God knows when to have me read the books I do, and this one was no exception. I could relate to so many things here, especially the frustration with nominal Christians, and the sometimes-lonely call to serving as a single.
That said, she was a human and had plenty of faults. It’s tempting to judge her for these, but I’d hate to see what would be written in my biography and have people judging me for all of my mistakes. At the end of the day, God is gracious and merciful, and Amy loved Him and served Him as best as she could.
The first quarter to a third or so of the book was too long, in my opinion; I was frustrated that the ad-copy emphasized her time in India and yet a third of the way into the story, she still hadn’t arrived there!
But God knows when to have me read the books I do, and this one was no exception. I could relate to so many things here, especially the frustration with nominal Christians, and the sometimes-lonely call to serving as a single.
The devil does not care how many hospitals we build, any more than he cares how many schools and colleges we put up, if only he can pull our ideals down, and sidetrack us on to anything of any sort except the living of holy, loving, humble lives, and the bringing of men, women, and children to know our Lord Jesus Christ not only as Savior but as Sovereign Lord.
May 30, 2009
Having read this several times before going to India as a missionary myself, I was greatly encouraged in everything about Indian soil.
I tried my hardest to follow in Ms. Carmichael's footsteps. Her faith, above anything, was what I geared towards.
I first read the book at age 12, and then re-read it and re-read it again during preparation for my first trip to India when I was 18. I could NOT wait to get there!
I loved the book - especially from Mrs. Gren's perspective - it was a very enjoyable read... one that I might take up again in the near future!
Although I looked up to her a great deal then, I must say that her inspiration and "almost feministic" ideas toward the other sex were somewhat beneath her. I totally disagree with women missionaries who, in order to serve God to their fullest ability, shun the idea of marriage. That is not how God created it to be! (He gave us emotions and hormones for a reason, even though it IS better-in several ways-to live unmarried.
I tried my hardest to follow in Ms. Carmichael's footsteps. Her faith, above anything, was what I geared towards.
I first read the book at age 12, and then re-read it and re-read it again during preparation for my first trip to India when I was 18. I could NOT wait to get there!
I loved the book - especially from Mrs. Gren's perspective - it was a very enjoyable read... one that I might take up again in the near future!
Although I looked up to her a great deal then, I must say that her inspiration and "almost feministic" ideas toward the other sex were somewhat beneath her. I totally disagree with women missionaries who, in order to serve God to their fullest ability, shun the idea of marriage. That is not how God created it to be! (He gave us emotions and hormones for a reason, even though it IS better-in several ways-to live unmarried.
February 26, 2018
Sooo...
I got this book from my pastor's wife. She saw my love for kids and wanted me to read this book.
THE BOOK: 3.14 stars. (KELLYN!!! 😂)So the book itself isn't bad at all. It's long and had a lot of details and other stuff and yeah. It's really descriptive of Amma (or Amy)'s life and I do highly recommend it if you're like studying her life for school or just for personal reasons. However, this is not an entertainment and took me about 3 months to finish. It was hard to get through more than a chapter at a time because it was almost dry and it was hard to read.
Amma (or Amy) herself: ok so she was ok. I did like her a lot when I first read "Amy of Dohnavur" by Frank L. Houghton (which honestly I preferred a lot more than this book. It's just as informative but shorter and not as hard to read) but some of the more detailed points of her life and the way that the Dohnavur was run under her command as well as her position, some of her beliefs and just her. It wasn't as awesome.
I admire her heart for children for sure, and her absolute dedication to God and continual denial of anything that could possibly be fleshly. I learned a lot about just Christian living in general and I really enjoyed her poetry (which actually rhymes!). However, life I mentioned before, the way she ran the Dohnavur and it's people and the struck ignorant way that she raised her kids came off wrong for me. Also, the way that the people in the Donahue community saw her as a Prophet from God and no matter what she said, still lived asking "Is this what Amma would do?" Sort of placing her as perfect (in fact some of the people interviewed did say she seemed perfect in that they knew she was human but didn't believe she ever did anything wrong). The way people spoke of her and acted around her almost seemed like they were brain washed.
Anyway, I am glad that I read this book because it gave me a more complete view of Amy where I don't love her the way I did before I knew her this way, and it's also super fat and to add it to my bookshelf and say I read it is also awesome.
Thank you for reading!
I got this book from my pastor's wife. She saw my love for kids and wanted me to read this book.
THE BOOK: 3.14 stars. (KELLYN!!! 😂)So the book itself isn't bad at all. It's long and had a lot of details and other stuff and yeah. It's really descriptive of Amma (or Amy)'s life and I do highly recommend it if you're like studying her life for school or just for personal reasons. However, this is not an entertainment and took me about 3 months to finish. It was hard to get through more than a chapter at a time because it was almost dry and it was hard to read.
Amma (or Amy) herself: ok so she was ok. I did like her a lot when I first read "Amy of Dohnavur" by Frank L. Houghton (which honestly I preferred a lot more than this book. It's just as informative but shorter and not as hard to read) but some of the more detailed points of her life and the way that the Dohnavur was run under her command as well as her position, some of her beliefs and just her. It wasn't as awesome.
I admire her heart for children for sure, and her absolute dedication to God and continual denial of anything that could possibly be fleshly. I learned a lot about just Christian living in general and I really enjoyed her poetry (which actually rhymes!). However, life I mentioned before, the way she ran the Dohnavur and it's people and the struck ignorant way that she raised her kids came off wrong for me. Also, the way that the people in the Donahue community saw her as a Prophet from God and no matter what she said, still lived asking "Is this what Amma would do?" Sort of placing her as perfect (in fact some of the people interviewed did say she seemed perfect in that they knew she was human but didn't believe she ever did anything wrong). The way people spoke of her and acted around her almost seemed like they were brain washed.
Anyway, I am glad that I read this book because it gave me a more complete view of Amy where I don't love her the way I did before I knew her this way, and it's also super fat and to add it to my bookshelf and say I read it is also awesome.
Thank you for reading!
May 16, 2020
Absolutely a must-read. I was challenged, convicted, inspired, and encouraged by this book. Not everyone is called to be an Amy Carmichael, but I think every Christian can find something in her story to encourage and strengthen his or her own walk with Christ.
Ps. I do have some disagreements with some of Amy’s practices and beliefs, but I’m not going to go into them here in the review. I’m not sure all her standards or views can be supported Biblically. Just wanted to mention that. <3
Ps. I do have some disagreements with some of Amy’s practices and beliefs, but I’m not going to go into them here in the review. I’m not sure all her standards or views can be supported Biblically. Just wanted to mention that. <3
June 17, 2020
Interesting to learn about her life, and was especially interested because of how much Elliot respected this woman. Left disappointed--mostly with the subject.
Carmichael's zeal for the Lord, and willingness to make great sacrifices for the sake of the serving the Lord is evident and commendable throughout the book. Her devotion to learning and serving is instructive. But her zeal often seemed to be at odds with wisdom and charity--whether it was her clear disdain for the institution of marriage (feeling in early days that ministry partners were ruined when they got married, or essentially forcing the false decision between serving the Lord or caring for his marriage on a fellow worker). Though she was presented as devoted to preaching and proclaiming the gospel, a clear doctrine of conversion was never really made clear--especially once she began establishing the orphanage and the 'family' around that work. Even when a famous bandit chose to meet with her, what was clearly recorded in this book was her rebuke of his behavior--but no clear call for him to repent or put his faith in Jesus. I don't know if that was simply not mentioned in this biography, but its absence felt conspicuous.
The most disappointing thing, though, was also the most instructive. Carmichael took seriously seeking the Lord's will and direction. She also took seriously the unity of the fellowship. But because her way of seeking the Lord's will (the Pattern) was entirely individual and subjective, she essentially perpetuated what she didn't want to fall into--becoming the sole ruler of the fellowship. Disagreement with the pattern she felt the Lord had given her was division and disagreement with God--a 'pattern' that prevented anyone but English men willing to be a bit more combative from ever raising a critique of how things were being done, which not only prevented the fellowship from serving the children better and better as time went on, it also meant that Western voices overruled their Indian partners--all under the protection of spiritual language that made essentially decisions that were about prudence equivalent to the Word of God. This part was a good warning in how leaning on language of "God has told me" can shut down the possibility of learning and being corrected by other Christians. It was also a warning of how the way in which you seek to avoid conflict and division may actually lead to silencing other voices, rather than actually have unity of mind and spirit.
I'm thankful for the example of sacrificial living. But saddened by the patterns of that life--particularly where the value of a local church in the lives of young believers (a clearly stated purpose and plan of God) was diminished and even denigrated when it seemed to distract from a particular subjective sense of God's purposes.
Carmichael's zeal for the Lord, and willingness to make great sacrifices for the sake of the serving the Lord is evident and commendable throughout the book. Her devotion to learning and serving is instructive. But her zeal often seemed to be at odds with wisdom and charity--whether it was her clear disdain for the institution of marriage (feeling in early days that ministry partners were ruined when they got married, or essentially forcing the false decision between serving the Lord or caring for his marriage on a fellow worker). Though she was presented as devoted to preaching and proclaiming the gospel, a clear doctrine of conversion was never really made clear--especially once she began establishing the orphanage and the 'family' around that work. Even when a famous bandit chose to meet with her, what was clearly recorded in this book was her rebuke of his behavior--but no clear call for him to repent or put his faith in Jesus. I don't know if that was simply not mentioned in this biography, but its absence felt conspicuous.
The most disappointing thing, though, was also the most instructive. Carmichael took seriously seeking the Lord's will and direction. She also took seriously the unity of the fellowship. But because her way of seeking the Lord's will (the Pattern) was entirely individual and subjective, she essentially perpetuated what she didn't want to fall into--becoming the sole ruler of the fellowship. Disagreement with the pattern she felt the Lord had given her was division and disagreement with God--a 'pattern' that prevented anyone but English men willing to be a bit more combative from ever raising a critique of how things were being done, which not only prevented the fellowship from serving the children better and better as time went on, it also meant that Western voices overruled their Indian partners--all under the protection of spiritual language that made essentially decisions that were about prudence equivalent to the Word of God. This part was a good warning in how leaning on language of "God has told me" can shut down the possibility of learning and being corrected by other Christians. It was also a warning of how the way in which you seek to avoid conflict and division may actually lead to silencing other voices, rather than actually have unity of mind and spirit.
I'm thankful for the example of sacrificial living. But saddened by the patterns of that life--particularly where the value of a local church in the lives of young believers (a clearly stated purpose and plan of God) was diminished and even denigrated when it seemed to distract from a particular subjective sense of God's purposes.
January 23, 2025
When reading stories of well-known believers, it seems intimidating to share anything negative. We carry a false notion we can't speak of the dead in any form of negativity, even if the goal is to think critically. Emotions can tie down our way of thinking. There is a lot to glean from biographies, and I think it helps to be honest, especially as Christians.
There is so much of Amy's life to take away. Much is good, but there are some things I find troubling, and I think it would be helpful to talk about those concerns, as well as the good we can take away.
A large part of my concern comes from my background. I grew up in a Holiness doctrine that was especially focused on sanctification and living holy lives. Which isn't a problem by itself. But the problem comes when we become too fixated on works over the grace of Jesus Christ. We become too critical of everything we are supposed to do to honor God over focusing on Jesus and His amazing grace. Legalism is always messy, and it always leads to a struggle for control. Be it an individual struggle or one we see emerging with others.
For many years, I've wondered about Amy Carmichael. I didn't want to make any haste judgments, and even now I am cautious with what I am going to share. I obviously did not know her personally. I do not know her heart. I do believe she was a genuine believer from everything I've understood. However, I do have some concerns, which was why I was hoping the biography would help me understand Amy and her beliefs better.
What I appreciate about the biography is that it's fairly easy to read and very detailed. You can understand how certain events pushed Amy to make the next decision. There is quite the conviction and encouragement to care for others and their needs, as well as trusting Jesus. I did appreciate understanding how Amy was convicted about being too concerned about the cares of the world. I do think some of her convictions were personal to her, and that does not mean everyone needs to adapt to her way of thinking regarding personal Christian liberty.
There is, unfortunately, a bit of bias you can read into the book. Elisabeth, understandably, is a fan of Amy, and she doesn't hide it, she's very open. But in doing so, I think Elisabeth Elliot softens certain areas that are a concern. Although some concerns I have for Amy, I also have for Elisabeth, so it isn't surprising that Elisabeth shares some similar areas.
One problem with the bias is sometimes it seems like Amy is perfect and hardly a sinner at all. The praise for Amy is a bit saturated at times, and we never want to put anyone, regardless of how "good" of a Christian they were, on a pedestal. While we certainly can rejoice and praise the goodness of others for the glory of God, we need to be careful about how we look at the works of men and women. However, I will say that towards the end of the book, Elisabeth is a little more honest about the fact that Amy is human, a saved sinner. She isn't perfect.
Elisabeth Elliot, likewise, is another woman I am very cautious and reserved about. From reading Volume 1 of Becoming Elisabeth Elliot, and looking at her background growing up as a young woman, I can see how she has some ties to Holiness living doctrine (especially regarding her college years). I bring this point about Elisabeth up because as she was the author, I was interested when Amy's background in Keswick theology was brought into the picture. Interestingly, Amy, also, is a young woman when she is introduced to Keswick theology.
I have been told Keswick theology has changed from when it first started when Amy got involved to where it is now. I will say, however, that I couldn't help but feel like aspects, at least, still remind me of the Holiness doctrine I grew up with. And I do think there are ties to legalism we can see with Amy Carmichael and how she struggled with legalism. That doesn't mean all aspects of Keswick theology were or are wrong. But I can see how the doctrine did affect her as she grew, and I do think it had some effect regarding legalism.
Keswick theology is introduced in Chapter 3 & Chapter 5, pg. 50 the second quote by Moule summing up Keswick theology implies sinless perfection - which the Holiness doctrine I came out of also preached." It is possible to cast every care on Him daily, and to be at peace amidst pressure, to see the will of God in everything, to put away all bitterness and clamor and evil speaking, daily and hourly. It is possible to by unreserved resort to divine power under divine conditions to become strongest through and through at our weakest point."
I can't help but feel extreme pressure to always be good and right and holy when I reread the quote above. I can see how that kind of thinking would greatly affect Amy, especially influencing her as a young woman going forward.
Amy seemed to lack having good experiences with strong male leaders (she didn't really have many strong male leaders to begin with) and because of her experience, it seemed to become her judgment to not hand over control to men as leaders. I do think it should be noted that men were the initial problem in the sense not even one man went with her when she was first sent off. I think Christian men greatly failed her and other women in the mission field in this way. But time and again, Amy held control as the leader. Which I think limited not only her but also others from growing as leaders.
It is only in her final years, that she finally loosened up the reins of control she once held so dear because she wasn't able to be in control as a leader. In fact, in her last years, she wanted to turn over the position as leader many times prior, but the people around her had trusted and relied solely on her too much to the point they couldn't see anyone else as leader - that's a concern because many of these men and women grew up around her. I may be wrong, but they would have had to be taught to have that kind of great reliance on her. There were about two men she held in higher regard as leaders, but again, due to experience, her expectations regarding the men (typically) did not work out the way she thought.
Toward the end of the book, there is a quote from Amy that shows she would be considered egalitarian not complementarian. On pg. 346 it says, "She took it for granted that the leader must be a woman. A man could not be considered to make decisions which would bind the community." To be fair, she is quoted saying on pg. 347, "All the same I think men were as a rule meant for leadership and publicity and so on - not women..." Likewise, she did push some men, but you do see the restraint and struggle she had. (See pgs. 345-347 for more of a picture on her views)
She did not hide the fact the people who needed to join the mission field needed to have eyes open, instead of thinking the mission field was going to be some kind of fantasy. They needed to have workers work well together makes complete sense. There did seem to be some problems regarding not everyone holding up the rules she set - which, again, I think some rules relate to some of the personal convictions she had - she believed that meant they had to be like-minded when it came to her rules. Whereas Biblically being like-minded relates moreso to the Gospel, not man-made rules. (See pg. 264-266)
Amy is mystical at times and does trust the Lord speaking to her through some experiences. While some experiences, many, proved to come true, some did not. There were times she thought she had a sign for something, which is similar to interpreting an omen. Looking at symbols for divine meaning.
Again, while I do believe she was a genuine believer, I am concerned when divination is brought up regarding hearing the voice of the Lord outside of scripture. (Deuteronomy 18:10 -15 says 10-There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer 11or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, 12for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. 13You shall be blameless before the Lord your God, 14for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.)
While I have shared a lot of concerns, I mostly have because I do not think a lot of people talk about a figure like Amy in any form that may be viewed as negative. I hope my review moreso just reveals the biography touches on the fact she is human. She was convicted about the way she was living and she wanted to live honorably and holy unto Jesus, leaning onto Him. She ministered to many. She saved many lives. But she also struggled with legalism and control. She was aware how many people solely relied on her guidance and she knew it was a real concern.
Overall, the biography is fascinating. There is a lot to think about, a lot to be ministered by. Her poetry is raw and honest. You see the struggles Amy has throughout the years of her ministry. I can't help but think the Keswick theology, while convicted her in some good ways, also held her back in some legalistic ties, too.
Often in the Holiness doctrine, there's a push for "knowing your purpose" and there's a pressure to not only live as holy as you can, but also to do something big. If I find the page, I recall reading a moment when Amy was dissatisfied with the ministries she was already doing locally, and I wonder if that was partially because of the push she felt. Same with her conviction God did not want her to have a love life.
We should never feel discontent in ministering to others, even if we aren't out there ministering like Amy or Elisabeth did. The point is always to look at the grace of Jesus Christ and Who He is. Which you do see many times throughout the biography with Amy's life story, I hope that is made clear. It's important though we be honest with those we look up to, and sometimes that's really difficult because we are emotionally attached. But we can learn through thinking critically about whether certain actions or not are Biblical and Christ-like.
Elisabeth Elliot's biography of Amy Carmichael is definitely a page-turner and provides the opportunity for a lot of good discussions.
There is so much of Amy's life to take away. Much is good, but there are some things I find troubling, and I think it would be helpful to talk about those concerns, as well as the good we can take away.
A large part of my concern comes from my background. I grew up in a Holiness doctrine that was especially focused on sanctification and living holy lives. Which isn't a problem by itself. But the problem comes when we become too fixated on works over the grace of Jesus Christ. We become too critical of everything we are supposed to do to honor God over focusing on Jesus and His amazing grace. Legalism is always messy, and it always leads to a struggle for control. Be it an individual struggle or one we see emerging with others.
For many years, I've wondered about Amy Carmichael. I didn't want to make any haste judgments, and even now I am cautious with what I am going to share. I obviously did not know her personally. I do not know her heart. I do believe she was a genuine believer from everything I've understood. However, I do have some concerns, which was why I was hoping the biography would help me understand Amy and her beliefs better.
What I appreciate about the biography is that it's fairly easy to read and very detailed. You can understand how certain events pushed Amy to make the next decision. There is quite the conviction and encouragement to care for others and their needs, as well as trusting Jesus. I did appreciate understanding how Amy was convicted about being too concerned about the cares of the world. I do think some of her convictions were personal to her, and that does not mean everyone needs to adapt to her way of thinking regarding personal Christian liberty.
There is, unfortunately, a bit of bias you can read into the book. Elisabeth, understandably, is a fan of Amy, and she doesn't hide it, she's very open. But in doing so, I think Elisabeth Elliot softens certain areas that are a concern. Although some concerns I have for Amy, I also have for Elisabeth, so it isn't surprising that Elisabeth shares some similar areas.
One problem with the bias is sometimes it seems like Amy is perfect and hardly a sinner at all. The praise for Amy is a bit saturated at times, and we never want to put anyone, regardless of how "good" of a Christian they were, on a pedestal. While we certainly can rejoice and praise the goodness of others for the glory of God, we need to be careful about how we look at the works of men and women. However, I will say that towards the end of the book, Elisabeth is a little more honest about the fact that Amy is human, a saved sinner. She isn't perfect.
Elisabeth Elliot, likewise, is another woman I am very cautious and reserved about. From reading Volume 1 of Becoming Elisabeth Elliot, and looking at her background growing up as a young woman, I can see how she has some ties to Holiness living doctrine (especially regarding her college years). I bring this point about Elisabeth up because as she was the author, I was interested when Amy's background in Keswick theology was brought into the picture. Interestingly, Amy, also, is a young woman when she is introduced to Keswick theology.
I have been told Keswick theology has changed from when it first started when Amy got involved to where it is now. I will say, however, that I couldn't help but feel like aspects, at least, still remind me of the Holiness doctrine I grew up with. And I do think there are ties to legalism we can see with Amy Carmichael and how she struggled with legalism. That doesn't mean all aspects of Keswick theology were or are wrong. But I can see how the doctrine did affect her as she grew, and I do think it had some effect regarding legalism.
Keswick theology is introduced in Chapter 3 & Chapter 5, pg. 50 the second quote by Moule summing up Keswick theology implies sinless perfection - which the Holiness doctrine I came out of also preached." It is possible to cast every care on Him daily, and to be at peace amidst pressure, to see the will of God in everything, to put away all bitterness and clamor and evil speaking, daily and hourly. It is possible to by unreserved resort to divine power under divine conditions to become strongest through and through at our weakest point."
I can't help but feel extreme pressure to always be good and right and holy when I reread the quote above. I can see how that kind of thinking would greatly affect Amy, especially influencing her as a young woman going forward.
Amy seemed to lack having good experiences with strong male leaders (she didn't really have many strong male leaders to begin with) and because of her experience, it seemed to become her judgment to not hand over control to men as leaders. I do think it should be noted that men were the initial problem in the sense not even one man went with her when she was first sent off. I think Christian men greatly failed her and other women in the mission field in this way. But time and again, Amy held control as the leader. Which I think limited not only her but also others from growing as leaders.
It is only in her final years, that she finally loosened up the reins of control she once held so dear because she wasn't able to be in control as a leader. In fact, in her last years, she wanted to turn over the position as leader many times prior, but the people around her had trusted and relied solely on her too much to the point they couldn't see anyone else as leader - that's a concern because many of these men and women grew up around her. I may be wrong, but they would have had to be taught to have that kind of great reliance on her. There were about two men she held in higher regard as leaders, but again, due to experience, her expectations regarding the men (typically) did not work out the way she thought.
Toward the end of the book, there is a quote from Amy that shows she would be considered egalitarian not complementarian. On pg. 346 it says, "She took it for granted that the leader must be a woman. A man could not be considered to make decisions which would bind the community." To be fair, she is quoted saying on pg. 347, "All the same I think men were as a rule meant for leadership and publicity and so on - not women..." Likewise, she did push some men, but you do see the restraint and struggle she had. (See pgs. 345-347 for more of a picture on her views)
She did not hide the fact the people who needed to join the mission field needed to have eyes open, instead of thinking the mission field was going to be some kind of fantasy. They needed to have workers work well together makes complete sense. There did seem to be some problems regarding not everyone holding up the rules she set - which, again, I think some rules relate to some of the personal convictions she had - she believed that meant they had to be like-minded when it came to her rules. Whereas Biblically being like-minded relates moreso to the Gospel, not man-made rules. (See pg. 264-266)
Amy is mystical at times and does trust the Lord speaking to her through some experiences. While some experiences, many, proved to come true, some did not. There were times she thought she had a sign for something, which is similar to interpreting an omen. Looking at symbols for divine meaning.
Again, while I do believe she was a genuine believer, I am concerned when divination is brought up regarding hearing the voice of the Lord outside of scripture. (Deuteronomy 18:10 -15 says 10-There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer 11or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, 12for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. 13You shall be blameless before the Lord your God, 14for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.)
While I have shared a lot of concerns, I mostly have because I do not think a lot of people talk about a figure like Amy in any form that may be viewed as negative. I hope my review moreso just reveals the biography touches on the fact she is human. She was convicted about the way she was living and she wanted to live honorably and holy unto Jesus, leaning onto Him. She ministered to many. She saved many lives. But she also struggled with legalism and control. She was aware how many people solely relied on her guidance and she knew it was a real concern.
Overall, the biography is fascinating. There is a lot to think about, a lot to be ministered by. Her poetry is raw and honest. You see the struggles Amy has throughout the years of her ministry. I can't help but think the Keswick theology, while convicted her in some good ways, also held her back in some legalistic ties, too.
Often in the Holiness doctrine, there's a push for "knowing your purpose" and there's a pressure to not only live as holy as you can, but also to do something big. If I find the page, I recall reading a moment when Amy was dissatisfied with the ministries she was already doing locally, and I wonder if that was partially because of the push she felt. Same with her conviction God did not want her to have a love life.
We should never feel discontent in ministering to others, even if we aren't out there ministering like Amy or Elisabeth did. The point is always to look at the grace of Jesus Christ and Who He is. Which you do see many times throughout the biography with Amy's life story, I hope that is made clear. It's important though we be honest with those we look up to, and sometimes that's really difficult because we are emotionally attached. But we can learn through thinking critically about whether certain actions or not are Biblical and Christ-like.
Elisabeth Elliot's biography of Amy Carmichael is definitely a page-turner and provides the opportunity for a lot of good discussions.
April 3, 2016
Wow, I was so excited to read about this lady. What an amazing person.
I first heard about her in Warren W. Wiersbe's book: 50 People Every Christian Should Know. Probably the greatest collection of human beings ever assembled in one book. Amy's small bio just blew me away - A women who ended up in India saving small children from the abuses of Indian culture and Temple Prostitution. It appeared that Amy feared no one - and she made alot of people angry in the process: I applaud her. She even upset the Church boards who sent her. Indeed - She takes orders from God. :D
This biography by Elliot really shows what Amy Carmichael was made of. She wasn't perfect - but she sure never backed down from a challenge. Her faith in difficult times is endlessly inspiring. She was always careful to live according to God's will. Sure she upset many people, but in dangerous life and death times Amy did her best - her community loved her for it.
She never married, her life was for the children and the community. I hope she is rewarded mightily in Heaven.
I read this book hoping to understand clearly her theology. I'm relieved to say she stuck to God's Word as best she could.
I first heard about her in Warren W. Wiersbe's book: 50 People Every Christian Should Know. Probably the greatest collection of human beings ever assembled in one book. Amy's small bio just blew me away - A women who ended up in India saving small children from the abuses of Indian culture and Temple Prostitution. It appeared that Amy feared no one - and she made alot of people angry in the process: I applaud her. She even upset the Church boards who sent her. Indeed - She takes orders from God. :D
This biography by Elliot really shows what Amy Carmichael was made of. She wasn't perfect - but she sure never backed down from a challenge. Her faith in difficult times is endlessly inspiring. She was always careful to live according to God's will. Sure she upset many people, but in dangerous life and death times Amy did her best - her community loved her for it.
She never married, her life was for the children and the community. I hope she is rewarded mightily in Heaven.
I read this book hoping to understand clearly her theology. I'm relieved to say she stuck to God's Word as best she could.
February 3, 2025
This book is challenging and sobering - makes me want to live more boldly for the gospel, especially in the context of overseas ministry. Makes me have more of a privilege mentality and to make truth my ultimate authority. Amy Carmichaels life is one worth emulating in so many ways
May 18, 2011
A truthful description of missionary life, I'd say, since I was used -when it came to missionaries - to think only in terms of miracles, sparcles, intense and interesting life. It captures the prosaic, the long years of learning languages, the tedious days of impossible weather, even the "unfruitfulness" we all have to deal with at one point of our lives. It's an account of a woman with weaknesses, sterness, though with a strong character, belief, determination. I find it extremely balanced!!
I remember at one point, i was thinking why would someone write about such uninteresting facts like a sickening journey or of common days (after days after days), but realized in the end, it is this together with patience and motivation that builds up character. Nonetheless I still find it unexplainable how this very common woman nearly 100 years ago, could build up and lead till her later 80s and despite all the sickness, a community such as the DF... And to think she also had a low self-esteem, almost never allowed to be photographed and was in poor health from her youth.
love the attitude:All this was part of going forth unto a land I knew not, and everything was just right, and if things went wrong it was so much the more fun (pg.68)
the night I sailed for China, March 3, 1893, my life, on the human side, was broken, and it never was mended again. But He has been enough.
interesting to think about: Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.pg.55
If I by doing some work which the undiscerning consider 'not spiritual work' I can best help others, and I inwardly rebel, thinking it is the spiritual for which I crave, when in truth it is the interesting and exciting, then I know nothing of Calvary love.pg 183 ->she first heard when she got to Asia, that missionaries don't really get along with each others, so she tried to prove this wrong when it came to her by doing differently...
A little thing is a little thing, but faithfulness in little things is a great thing
talking about long services and sermons: the human soul should not be drawn likea piece of elastic and held so for too long at a stretch :)) i find again and again that truly godly people are simple and comprising: the arrangement [of the service in Dohnavur] was according to Amy's ecclectic tastes, incorporating some of the silence of Quaker meetings the D.O.M [dear old man:P] had taught her to appreciate, some of the liturgy which she selected from the Aglican service and some of the freedom of the Free Churches ....I'm sure I would have loved it there!
Manliness is not mere courage, it is the quality of soul which frankly accepts all conditions in human life and makes it a point of honor not to be dismayed or wearied by them
In one of his letters Murray called Amy 'the skipper'.There was no question of her authority. 'Under God there was only one boss and that was Amma', wrote Hugh Evan-Hopkins, who joined the Fellowship later. 'She wouldn't proceed with any course of action until everyone had agreed, but who dare oppose her? We were awed - perhaps excessively so - by her wisdom and experience. She was a remarkable woman, alarming to a raw recruit, with a sort of aura about her.' To another there was nothing of the sort. He spoke of her 'absolute humility. you never felt she was someone superior.'
I like and recognize the concept: every gift has its story
...a prayer tower. On its roof are two pointed shafts, symbol of the unity of spiritual and secular in the life of holiness. The men and women of Dohnavur lived a common life, but they lived it with God, for others.
yeah, I also want the power to ride the waves instead of being submerged by them...
Did I mention the Dohnavur fellowship was rescuing children from temple prostitution and other abandoned ones and raising them? It started with girls, and later extended to boys aswell.
Oh, and Amy has also beautiful poems, actually that's how i first met her:) She was a writer of books, tons of letters and encouraging notes...
I remember at one point, i was thinking why would someone write about such uninteresting facts like a sickening journey or of common days (after days after days), but realized in the end, it is this together with patience and motivation that builds up character. Nonetheless I still find it unexplainable how this very common woman nearly 100 years ago, could build up and lead till her later 80s and despite all the sickness, a community such as the DF... And to think she also had a low self-esteem, almost never allowed to be photographed and was in poor health from her youth.
love the attitude:All this was part of going forth unto a land I knew not, and everything was just right, and if things went wrong it was so much the more fun (pg.68)
the night I sailed for China, March 3, 1893, my life, on the human side, was broken, and it never was mended again. But He has been enough.
interesting to think about: Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.pg.55
If I by doing some work which the undiscerning consider 'not spiritual work' I can best help others, and I inwardly rebel, thinking it is the spiritual for which I crave, when in truth it is the interesting and exciting, then I know nothing of Calvary love.pg 183 ->she first heard when she got to Asia, that missionaries don't really get along with each others, so she tried to prove this wrong when it came to her by doing differently...
A little thing is a little thing, but faithfulness in little things is a great thing
talking about long services and sermons: the human soul should not be drawn likea piece of elastic and held so for too long at a stretch :)) i find again and again that truly godly people are simple and comprising: the arrangement [of the service in Dohnavur] was according to Amy's ecclectic tastes, incorporating some of the silence of Quaker meetings the D.O.M [dear old man:P] had taught her to appreciate, some of the liturgy which she selected from the Aglican service and some of the freedom of the Free Churches ....I'm sure I would have loved it there!
Manliness is not mere courage, it is the quality of soul which frankly accepts all conditions in human life and makes it a point of honor not to be dismayed or wearied by them
In one of his letters Murray called Amy 'the skipper'.There was no question of her authority. 'Under God there was only one boss and that was Amma', wrote Hugh Evan-Hopkins, who joined the Fellowship later. 'She wouldn't proceed with any course of action until everyone had agreed, but who dare oppose her? We were awed - perhaps excessively so - by her wisdom and experience. She was a remarkable woman, alarming to a raw recruit, with a sort of aura about her.' To another there was nothing of the sort. He spoke of her 'absolute humility. you never felt she was someone superior.'
I like and recognize the concept: every gift has its story
...a prayer tower. On its roof are two pointed shafts, symbol of the unity of spiritual and secular in the life of holiness. The men and women of Dohnavur lived a common life, but they lived it with God, for others.
yeah, I also want the power to ride the waves instead of being submerged by them...
Did I mention the Dohnavur fellowship was rescuing children from temple prostitution and other abandoned ones and raising them? It started with girls, and later extended to boys aswell.
Oh, and Amy has also beautiful poems, actually that's how i first met her:) She was a writer of books, tons of letters and encouraging notes...
July 17, 2022
Excellent. I knew nothing about Amy Carmichael before reading this book which has been sitting on my home library shelf for years, and I found it a rewarding read. I generally find missionaries to be somewhat "other-worldly" and unrelatable and this biography of Carmichael proved her no exception. Carmichael's life provides a clear example of God's calling on a person's life (in this case to foreign missions) and the absolute spiritual and personal commitment to do His will - while I cannot relate to the particulars, I certainly was inspired and convicted by my own spiritual apathy and weakness by reading about her life. Worth the read.
Side note: I enjoyed this in spite of one of The Worst audiobook readers I have ever listened to.
Side note: I enjoyed this in spite of one of The Worst audiobook readers I have ever listened to.
December 2, 2022
If you read any of Elisabeth Elliot's writings you won't go to far without reading a quote from Amy Carmichael. After reading this wonderful & endearing account of her life... A life that was characterized by being "a servant of all"... It has left me with a renewed vigor to run my own race & "rise to this great trust". Elisabeth does a great service by educating the reader in the ways & customs of the Indian people "Amma" served. Her life serves as an example in a multitude of ways. Amy never being a mother, but a "mother" to all her knew her. I'm thankful for this book.
April 11, 2016
This is a great, honest look at Amy. Elliot not only talked about the many wonderful things she did, but also her faults.
January 3, 2018
A wonderful introduction to an amazing Godly woman. A true servant of Christ with much wisdom that we can still benefit from today.
November 27, 2025
“Take my love, my love, my Lord, I pour.
At a thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself and I will be
Every, only, all for Thee.”
“I saw that the chance to die, to be crucified with Christ, was not a morbid thing, but the very gateway to Life. I was drawn-slowly, fitfully (my response was fitful), but inexorably. In a far more secular and self-preoccupied time Amy Carmichael's vision of the unseen and her ardent effort to dwell in its light, making any sacrifice for its sake, seems hardly believable, let alone worth trying to imitate. She spoke often of the ‘country whose forces move unseen among us.’ That country is our country”
“She reminded them of the great promise of Romans 8:28, and of Jesus' having wept-proof that "tears are not sin. But to go on lamenting would be sin. It would be as though we doubted the love of our most tender Father. To wonder why this has been allowed to happen would be to dishonor Him. I found myself doing this very thing. 'Oh, why am I left—I who am useless to you all and he, who could do so much for you, taken?' Suddenly I knew that even to think such a thought for a moment, was sin. Thank God for the cleansing Blood. But do not let us grieve His love by wondering why. Faith never wonders why.") Each of these deaths was a death far harder for Amy to bear than her own physical suffering. But she saw in each of them a chance to die, the opportunity to acknowledge once again the lordship of Christ in her life. He held all the rights. She had turned them over long ago to Him when she resolved to follow Him to the uttermost. The searing questions which crowded her mind she knew that she must refuse. It was one more way of saying no to herself and yes to God.”
"Not relief from pain, not relief from the weariness that follows, not anything of that sort at all, is my chief need. Thou, O Lord my God, art my need-Thy courage, Thy patience, Thy fortitude. And very much I need a quickened gratitude for the countless helps given Levery day."
“You work for the Invisible all the time, but you work for the Eternal. So it’s all worth while.”
“Before the winds that blow do cease, Teach me to dwell within Thy calm:
Before the lain has passed in peace,
Give me, my God, to sing a Psalm”
“I was often tempted by that ‘why’ but I have found power in the blood of Jesus”
“We follow a stripped and crucified Savior. Those words go very deep. They touch everything motives, purposes, decisions, everything. Let them be with you as you prepare your spirit for the new life.
Dear, you are coming to a battlefield. You cannot spend too much time with Him alone. The keys of the powers of the world to come are not turned by careless fingers. So few are willing to pay the price of the knowledge of God. They play through life, even Christian life, even missionary life.”
"The Lord, who is your Dearest of all, can satisfy. He can, He will; but He understands, and I do, those fierce aches. I am quite sure that He has you both in His most. tender hands, so I am not anxious."
“Given the forces that battered her frailty she would have scorned any attempt to find an explanation for her strength apart from the foundation on which it rested—a Rock that never budged. When the (metaphorical) rains descended and the floods came, the house stood. She saw the facts of her life in her own torrid and dusty corner of South India as the very context in which God wanted to make her more than a conquerer.”
“Strength of my heart, I need not fail, Not mine to fear but to obey, With such a Leader, who could quail?
Thou art as Thou wert yesterday.
Strength of my heart, I rest in Thee, Fulfil Thy purposes through me.”
"All is windy about us now, but the wind will not last always. The waves beat into our boat; but when the Lord says, Peace, be still, they will lie down. Let all your prayer for us be that we may rest in the will of God while the wind lasts"
“She could not survive the storms without the anchor of the constraining love of Christ and what she called the "Rock-consciousness" of the promise given her, "He goeth before.”
“One thing have I desired, my God, of Thee, That will I seek, Thine house be home to me.
I would not breathe an alien, other air,
I would be with Thee, O Thou fairest Fair.
For I would see the beauty of my Lord,
And hear Him speak, Who is my heart's Adored.
O Love of loves, and can such wonder dwell
In Thy great Name of names, Immanuel?
Thou with Thy child, Thy child at home with Thee, O Lord my God, I love, I worship Thee?”
At a thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself and I will be
Every, only, all for Thee.”
“I saw that the chance to die, to be crucified with Christ, was not a morbid thing, but the very gateway to Life. I was drawn-slowly, fitfully (my response was fitful), but inexorably. In a far more secular and self-preoccupied time Amy Carmichael's vision of the unseen and her ardent effort to dwell in its light, making any sacrifice for its sake, seems hardly believable, let alone worth trying to imitate. She spoke often of the ‘country whose forces move unseen among us.’ That country is our country”
“She reminded them of the great promise of Romans 8:28, and of Jesus' having wept-proof that "tears are not sin. But to go on lamenting would be sin. It would be as though we doubted the love of our most tender Father. To wonder why this has been allowed to happen would be to dishonor Him. I found myself doing this very thing. 'Oh, why am I left—I who am useless to you all and he, who could do so much for you, taken?' Suddenly I knew that even to think such a thought for a moment, was sin. Thank God for the cleansing Blood. But do not let us grieve His love by wondering why. Faith never wonders why.") Each of these deaths was a death far harder for Amy to bear than her own physical suffering. But she saw in each of them a chance to die, the opportunity to acknowledge once again the lordship of Christ in her life. He held all the rights. She had turned them over long ago to Him when she resolved to follow Him to the uttermost. The searing questions which crowded her mind she knew that she must refuse. It was one more way of saying no to herself and yes to God.”
"Not relief from pain, not relief from the weariness that follows, not anything of that sort at all, is my chief need. Thou, O Lord my God, art my need-Thy courage, Thy patience, Thy fortitude. And very much I need a quickened gratitude for the countless helps given Levery day."
“You work for the Invisible all the time, but you work for the Eternal. So it’s all worth while.”
“Before the winds that blow do cease, Teach me to dwell within Thy calm:
Before the lain has passed in peace,
Give me, my God, to sing a Psalm”
“I was often tempted by that ‘why’ but I have found power in the blood of Jesus”
“We follow a stripped and crucified Savior. Those words go very deep. They touch everything motives, purposes, decisions, everything. Let them be with you as you prepare your spirit for the new life.
Dear, you are coming to a battlefield. You cannot spend too much time with Him alone. The keys of the powers of the world to come are not turned by careless fingers. So few are willing to pay the price of the knowledge of God. They play through life, even Christian life, even missionary life.”
"The Lord, who is your Dearest of all, can satisfy. He can, He will; but He understands, and I do, those fierce aches. I am quite sure that He has you both in His most. tender hands, so I am not anxious."
“Given the forces that battered her frailty she would have scorned any attempt to find an explanation for her strength apart from the foundation on which it rested—a Rock that never budged. When the (metaphorical) rains descended and the floods came, the house stood. She saw the facts of her life in her own torrid and dusty corner of South India as the very context in which God wanted to make her more than a conquerer.”
“Strength of my heart, I need not fail, Not mine to fear but to obey, With such a Leader, who could quail?
Thou art as Thou wert yesterday.
Strength of my heart, I rest in Thee, Fulfil Thy purposes through me.”
"All is windy about us now, but the wind will not last always. The waves beat into our boat; but when the Lord says, Peace, be still, they will lie down. Let all your prayer for us be that we may rest in the will of God while the wind lasts"
“She could not survive the storms without the anchor of the constraining love of Christ and what she called the "Rock-consciousness" of the promise given her, "He goeth before.”
“One thing have I desired, my God, of Thee, That will I seek, Thine house be home to me.
I would not breathe an alien, other air,
I would be with Thee, O Thou fairest Fair.
For I would see the beauty of my Lord,
And hear Him speak, Who is my heart's Adored.
O Love of loves, and can such wonder dwell
In Thy great Name of names, Immanuel?
Thou with Thy child, Thy child at home with Thee, O Lord my God, I love, I worship Thee?”
March 13, 2024
“Missionary life is simply a chance to die.”
This eight-word quote, from which Elisabeth Elliot takes the title of this biography, well summarizes Amy Carmichael’s life. Born into an Irish Presbyterian family in 1867, Amy spent eight decades pouring out her life for her beloved Crucified One in service to the least of his little ones. As she put it when urged to moderate her activity for her own health’s sake, “I would rather burn out than rust out.”
Elisabeth Elliot — a gifted writer, speaker, and missionary in her own right — was well-suited to write this biography. Having lost her own husband Jim to Kichwa spears, she understood something of sacrificing everything for the sake of the one who sacrificed himself for us.
I suspect Amy may have envied Jim Elliot the chance to die, literally, in the battle for souls. She conceived of Christianity in militant terms. In dozens of beautifully-written books, she wrote often of a spiritual war, of the need for soldiers, of opening fronts against Satan or defending against his attacks.
In part, she was no doubt encouraged in this by the nature of her work. Though she arrived in India as an itinerant preacher, intent on conversion through gospel preaching, her mission grew to include into the salvation of young girls from the temple prostitution she abhorred as satanic slavery.
That said, this was not the wellspring of her militant spirit, as much as she deplored the prospect of girls sold without consent or escape into a lifetime of slaking sacred lust. For Amy, material reality was just the reverse side of a spiritual reality animated by war between God and his unseen adversaries.
This might cause discomfort to Christians who, when it comes to theology, are more interested in the “logy” than the “theo.” Amy can’t be understood apart from the Keswick movement in which her soul was formed, and which blew through picky doctrinal distinctives in favor of an immanent spiritual life.
Like the Christian pietists and mystics she read and admired, Amy believed in prayer, in asking for and receiving signs, and in the power of God to intimate his will through dreams. She even believed that, for a fleeting and unrepeated period of time, she had been granted the gift of healing.
This never devolved into fronting herself as a prophet, or into attempts to call up miracles like Saul summoning the spirit of Samuel. Amy was grounded in Scripture as true revelation, and in the sovereign will of God who moves in his time as he chooses. Ours is but to ask, expect, accept, and act.
This may grate the nerves of some, but no less than they would grate hers. Amy had no patience with a faith satisfied by systematic precision and refined Sunday mornings. God is loving and living and active; so it makes no sense for his people, like the tide pools of her childhood, merely to exist in rock-solid sanctity growing lichens.
Amy died in 1951, but her ministry lives on. On the website of her Dohnavur Fellowship, now in its second century, you can read of the fellowship’s mission to engage in “Child Development, Education, Health care, Community Development & Conservation of Nature” for the purpose of “sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others in need.”
One of Amy’s favorite verses was John 12:24: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” Three quarters of a century after her death, her spiritual descendants continue to prove the value of a life spent dying.
This eight-word quote, from which Elisabeth Elliot takes the title of this biography, well summarizes Amy Carmichael’s life. Born into an Irish Presbyterian family in 1867, Amy spent eight decades pouring out her life for her beloved Crucified One in service to the least of his little ones. As she put it when urged to moderate her activity for her own health’s sake, “I would rather burn out than rust out.”
Elisabeth Elliot — a gifted writer, speaker, and missionary in her own right — was well-suited to write this biography. Having lost her own husband Jim to Kichwa spears, she understood something of sacrificing everything for the sake of the one who sacrificed himself for us.
I suspect Amy may have envied Jim Elliot the chance to die, literally, in the battle for souls. She conceived of Christianity in militant terms. In dozens of beautifully-written books, she wrote often of a spiritual war, of the need for soldiers, of opening fronts against Satan or defending against his attacks.
In part, she was no doubt encouraged in this by the nature of her work. Though she arrived in India as an itinerant preacher, intent on conversion through gospel preaching, her mission grew to include into the salvation of young girls from the temple prostitution she abhorred as satanic slavery.
That said, this was not the wellspring of her militant spirit, as much as she deplored the prospect of girls sold without consent or escape into a lifetime of slaking sacred lust. For Amy, material reality was just the reverse side of a spiritual reality animated by war between God and his unseen adversaries.
This might cause discomfort to Christians who, when it comes to theology, are more interested in the “logy” than the “theo.” Amy can’t be understood apart from the Keswick movement in which her soul was formed, and which blew through picky doctrinal distinctives in favor of an immanent spiritual life.
Like the Christian pietists and mystics she read and admired, Amy believed in prayer, in asking for and receiving signs, and in the power of God to intimate his will through dreams. She even believed that, for a fleeting and unrepeated period of time, she had been granted the gift of healing.
This never devolved into fronting herself as a prophet, or into attempts to call up miracles like Saul summoning the spirit of Samuel. Amy was grounded in Scripture as true revelation, and in the sovereign will of God who moves in his time as he chooses. Ours is but to ask, expect, accept, and act.
This may grate the nerves of some, but no less than they would grate hers. Amy had no patience with a faith satisfied by systematic precision and refined Sunday mornings. God is loving and living and active; so it makes no sense for his people, like the tide pools of her childhood, merely to exist in rock-solid sanctity growing lichens.
Amy died in 1951, but her ministry lives on. On the website of her Dohnavur Fellowship, now in its second century, you can read of the fellowship’s mission to engage in “Child Development, Education, Health care, Community Development & Conservation of Nature” for the purpose of “sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others in need.”
One of Amy’s favorite verses was John 12:24: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” Three quarters of a century after her death, her spiritual descendants continue to prove the value of a life spent dying.
July 11, 2025
While this was a hard book to get through at times, it is deserving of 4/5 stars. The lulls were tough ditches to trudge through, but the highlights were even richer because of hearing about the consistency with which Amy lived her life. I started the book thinking Amy Charmichael needed to chill out. Her faith seemed very archaic, but once I was accustomed to her thought process, writings, prayers, and her faith I was convicted and moved by the depth by which she trusted that all things her heavenly father said and did were true.
Amy had so many quips that I loved hearing her repeat. Most of all she saw herself and others as "more than conquerors" and gave this phrase new meaning for me. She referred to those who did unpretentious work as those who had the "ministry of the pierced hands". She often referred to her foundation and thought about where her house was built.
She preached love until her very last day saying if we could just remember one thing -- "Never to doubt the love from a brother or sister in Christ, but to always think the best. Never admit an unkind thought in your heart, let us love. Let us love." I am overwhelmed to think what my life and the church would be like if we did just that.
I was intrigued by her approach to parenting and training children. She said, "the training of a missionary should begin in the nursery. School should continue you, home should nourish it, and all influences should be bent one way. Training shouldn't be complex with a mixture of thought, but with a single line of conduct that is clear to recognize. In other words, until the life of a child had has time to root, it shouldn't be exposed to various winds or confusing and conflicting examples. Once it is rooted let the winds come and the roots will take a string grip".
Other quotes I loved...
"Sometimes I wish that those who haven't seen me yet will never see me until when I am in his likeness".
"I lack nothing. God has promised to supply all needs and he has".
"She saw the facts of life in South India as the context by which God wanted to make her "more than a conqueror". Here she would prove him. Her Lord too had learned obedience. She found his footprints and followed them".
"There are unseen doors that lead out of the familiar landscape of life into another entirely unknown...such a door opened then and we walked through and didn't know it".
"They must become stones, perfectly shaped to be used to build up the temple"
Amy had so many quips that I loved hearing her repeat. Most of all she saw herself and others as "more than conquerors" and gave this phrase new meaning for me. She referred to those who did unpretentious work as those who had the "ministry of the pierced hands". She often referred to her foundation and thought about where her house was built.
She preached love until her very last day saying if we could just remember one thing -- "Never to doubt the love from a brother or sister in Christ, but to always think the best. Never admit an unkind thought in your heart, let us love. Let us love." I am overwhelmed to think what my life and the church would be like if we did just that.
I was intrigued by her approach to parenting and training children. She said, "the training of a missionary should begin in the nursery. School should continue you, home should nourish it, and all influences should be bent one way. Training shouldn't be complex with a mixture of thought, but with a single line of conduct that is clear to recognize. In other words, until the life of a child had has time to root, it shouldn't be exposed to various winds or confusing and conflicting examples. Once it is rooted let the winds come and the roots will take a string grip".
Other quotes I loved...
"Sometimes I wish that those who haven't seen me yet will never see me until when I am in his likeness".
"I lack nothing. God has promised to supply all needs and he has".
"She saw the facts of life in South India as the context by which God wanted to make her "more than a conqueror". Here she would prove him. Her Lord too had learned obedience. She found his footprints and followed them".
"There are unseen doors that lead out of the familiar landscape of life into another entirely unknown...such a door opened then and we walked through and didn't know it".
"They must become stones, perfectly shaped to be used to build up the temple"
August 22, 2023
Incredibly story of a stern Irish upbringing, uncompromising commitment, passion to save children from unspeakable temple prostitution, and raises many thoughtful questions about culture, missions, evangelism, nominal Christianity, being a Christian woman in light of scripture and truth. The writing was a bit staggered and confusing at times, probably due to piecing together source materials, but still well worth reading about this remarkable woman, who had her faults as well as her strengths, who relied on God, and spent a lifetime in India doing her best to save children being trafficked in the name of religion.
December 13, 2024
One of the most impactful books I have ever read. Favorite quote by far (may need to get it framed for the homeschool room):
"Now you are deep in what seems to me a peculiarly selfless service. The spiritual training of children must be that. You work for the years you will not see. You work for the Invisible all the time, but you work for the Eternal. So it is all worthwhile."
"Now you are deep in what seems to me a peculiarly selfless service. The spiritual training of children must be that. You work for the years you will not see. You work for the Invisible all the time, but you work for the Eternal. So it is all worthwhile."
June 23, 2025
I was so over this.
I did enjoy the confession on 241
I did enjoy the confession on 241
September 9, 2025
Learning about Amy makes Elisabeth make so much more sense.
Incredible. Still thinking about it days later
Incredible. Still thinking about it days later
January 2, 2024
Took me a bit to get into but once Amy was moving towards her life's work, I felt more engaged. I loved how many snippets and poems by Amy get included. There's stuff that comes off perhaps controversial, some left me uncomfortable, but I think it's important to paint an accurate picture as Elisabeth Elliot does, reminding us that lauded modern heroes of the faith aren't perfect. Overall, a great encouragement and I recommend it!
January 14, 2013
"The devil does not care how many hospitals we build, any more than he cares how many schools and colleges we put up, if only he can pull our ideals down, and sidetrack us on to anything of any sort except the living of holy, loving, humble lives, and the bringing of men, women and children to know our Lord Jesus Christ not only as Savior but as Sovereign Lord.
"Every work undertaken in obedience to a divine command, whether the work be that form of conflict with the powers of darkness that we call prayer, or whether it be the action that follows, leads sooner or later to a new demand on personal devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ."
-- Amy Carmichael, quoted on Page 291 of "A Chance to Die."
"A Chance to Die" is a biography of a remarkable woman written by another remarkable woman.
Author Elisabeth Eliot served as a missionary to the Quichua and Auca Indians of South America for 11 years. They were the same people who had killed her husband, Jim.
Amy Carmichael grew up Irish Presbyterian, and she served as a missionary in South India for the entire first half of the 20th century without taking so much as a furlough.
She didn't particularly have a "heart" for India. Her heart was for following Jesus to reach the lost wherever He took her. That began with brief stints in the slums of English factory cities, Japan, China and Ceylon.
She didn't have a "calling" for the exploited children of South India. But Amy Carmichael couldn't ignore a need once she saw it. When she discovered girls being raised to be temple prostitutes, she started praying for them. When she discovered little boys being similarly exploited, she couldn't turn away from that need, either.
Out of those prayers and her efforts grew the Dohnavur Fellowship, which eventually cared for hundreds of boys and girls and provided a hospital that cared for Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike.
She did this without every communicating needs to anyone, except to God. Numerous instances are cited in this book in which just enough money arrives to meet a critical need -- God's version of just-in-time delivery.
Carmichael wasn't without her critics, and although Elliot clearly is a fan, she doesn't leave out that part of the story. Amy Carmichael, she writes, was no plaster saint. Some thought she played favorites. Some found it impossible to work under her. She also was notoriously camera-shy. This book might include every picture ever taken of Amy Carmichael, and there aren't many.
I can't imagine how she found the time, but Carmichael also was a prolific writer, and her prose was powerful. She also was a poet. I'm in no position to judge how good her poetry was, but much of it seems profound to me.
An excerpt:
"O Savior, stricken for my sin
O God, who gavest Him to grief
O Spirit, who didst woo and win
My troubled soul to speak relief,
O Love revealed at Calvary,
Thy glory lights eternity."
But not all of her poetry was profound. Some of it was written for the amusement of the children, such as this ode to the elephant:
"His great big flat feet pound and pound
With a rumpety -- dumpety -- crumpety sound."
Elisabeth Elliot also is a wonderful writer, and this book clearly was thoroughly, lovingly researched. I referred to Amy Carmichael and Elisabeth Elliot as remarkable women, but it's not that, really. Their lives are testimonies to the remarkable things God can do with ordinary people who are sold out to him.
"A Chance to Die" is inspirational in the best sense of the word -- not in the ooey, gooey feel-good sense, but in the sense of showing the reader that God could do great things with her, or him, too.
"Every work undertaken in obedience to a divine command, whether the work be that form of conflict with the powers of darkness that we call prayer, or whether it be the action that follows, leads sooner or later to a new demand on personal devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ."
-- Amy Carmichael, quoted on Page 291 of "A Chance to Die."
"A Chance to Die" is a biography of a remarkable woman written by another remarkable woman.
Author Elisabeth Eliot served as a missionary to the Quichua and Auca Indians of South America for 11 years. They were the same people who had killed her husband, Jim.
Amy Carmichael grew up Irish Presbyterian, and she served as a missionary in South India for the entire first half of the 20th century without taking so much as a furlough.
She didn't particularly have a "heart" for India. Her heart was for following Jesus to reach the lost wherever He took her. That began with brief stints in the slums of English factory cities, Japan, China and Ceylon.
She didn't have a "calling" for the exploited children of South India. But Amy Carmichael couldn't ignore a need once she saw it. When she discovered girls being raised to be temple prostitutes, she started praying for them. When she discovered little boys being similarly exploited, she couldn't turn away from that need, either.
Out of those prayers and her efforts grew the Dohnavur Fellowship, which eventually cared for hundreds of boys and girls and provided a hospital that cared for Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike.
She did this without every communicating needs to anyone, except to God. Numerous instances are cited in this book in which just enough money arrives to meet a critical need -- God's version of just-in-time delivery.
Carmichael wasn't without her critics, and although Elliot clearly is a fan, she doesn't leave out that part of the story. Amy Carmichael, she writes, was no plaster saint. Some thought she played favorites. Some found it impossible to work under her. She also was notoriously camera-shy. This book might include every picture ever taken of Amy Carmichael, and there aren't many.
I can't imagine how she found the time, but Carmichael also was a prolific writer, and her prose was powerful. She also was a poet. I'm in no position to judge how good her poetry was, but much of it seems profound to me.
An excerpt:
"O Savior, stricken for my sin
O God, who gavest Him to grief
O Spirit, who didst woo and win
My troubled soul to speak relief,
O Love revealed at Calvary,
Thy glory lights eternity."
But not all of her poetry was profound. Some of it was written for the amusement of the children, such as this ode to the elephant:
"His great big flat feet pound and pound
With a rumpety -- dumpety -- crumpety sound."
Elisabeth Elliot also is a wonderful writer, and this book clearly was thoroughly, lovingly researched. I referred to Amy Carmichael and Elisabeth Elliot as remarkable women, but it's not that, really. Their lives are testimonies to the remarkable things God can do with ordinary people who are sold out to him.
"A Chance to Die" is inspirational in the best sense of the word -- not in the ooey, gooey feel-good sense, but in the sense of showing the reader that God could do great things with her, or him, too.
October 29, 2022
I finished this book with mixed feelings, perhaps because it tumbled a childhood hero from her pedestal and showed her to be a flawed human being. As we all are.
Elliot’s book is easy to read and a thorough, though uncritical, biography of Amy Carmichael. I found it hard to determine what Elliot’s thoughts were on ‘how’ Amy did things, though it was clear ‘what’ she did. What I thought were questionable decisions/acts were described, but with such opacity I was left confused as to their wrongness or rightness. It seems that the original Dohnavur records share some of this opacity, particularly regarding any circumstances which resulted in workers being asked or made to leave. So perhaps Elliot didn’t have enough information, or she wished only to describe not analyse?
As a child and teenager I thought Amy could do no wrong. However, reading between the lines it seems that Amy was independent and stubborn to a fault. Her way or the highway. I found it especially troubling that she seemed to believe that if she had a “leading from God”, then her leading alone was right. She was the matriarch of Dohnavur and could do no wrong. There appears to have been little accountability and it makes me wonder about the circumstances under which several workers left and about which she was so vague. Was she actually as right as she thought she was in those decisions? As noted in other reviews she seemed to have a poor view of the leadership qualities of men and a low view of marriage and family. The work of Dohnavur must come before her workers commitments to spouse and children, an unbiblical and damaging conviction. There seems to be an element of racism with her preference for lighter-skinned Indians and her reluctance to entrust Indians with leadership responsibilities, along with a preferential attitude towards the ‘temple children’ verse children rescued from other circumstances. There also seemed to be a lack of commitment and accountability to a local church.
But I have always admired Carmichael’s single minded purpose and sacrificial service. There is much to learn of selfless love and unity from her life, of wholehearted obedience, and close communion with God. Reading excerpts from her books and poems quoted through the book certainly spur you to pursue a closer, deeper, “pick up your cross and follow Me” pursuit of Christ. Far from perfect, a product of her times, I think Amy did seek to love God and others unreservedly as led by God. The same independent and stubborn spirit that drove mistakes also upheld her through over 50years of missionary service without furlough (unheard of!). When trials, grief and pain come, and there was much of this, she clung to Christ and ran with endurance the race set before her. She shunned the spotlight, seeking only to magnify Christ and encourage others. She called for and strived towards a higher standard in a culture of nominal Christianity. As a missionary she was groundbreaking in her embracing of Indian dress and aspects of Indian culture, seeking to cause no one to stumble or distract from the Gospel.
Elliot biography is well worth a read and gives good insight into the flaws, inconsistencies, virtues, love and faithfulness that characterised Amy Carmichael.
Elliot’s book is easy to read and a thorough, though uncritical, biography of Amy Carmichael. I found it hard to determine what Elliot’s thoughts were on ‘how’ Amy did things, though it was clear ‘what’ she did. What I thought were questionable decisions/acts were described, but with such opacity I was left confused as to their wrongness or rightness. It seems that the original Dohnavur records share some of this opacity, particularly regarding any circumstances which resulted in workers being asked or made to leave. So perhaps Elliot didn’t have enough information, or she wished only to describe not analyse?
As a child and teenager I thought Amy could do no wrong. However, reading between the lines it seems that Amy was independent and stubborn to a fault. Her way or the highway. I found it especially troubling that she seemed to believe that if she had a “leading from God”, then her leading alone was right. She was the matriarch of Dohnavur and could do no wrong. There appears to have been little accountability and it makes me wonder about the circumstances under which several workers left and about which she was so vague. Was she actually as right as she thought she was in those decisions? As noted in other reviews she seemed to have a poor view of the leadership qualities of men and a low view of marriage and family. The work of Dohnavur must come before her workers commitments to spouse and children, an unbiblical and damaging conviction. There seems to be an element of racism with her preference for lighter-skinned Indians and her reluctance to entrust Indians with leadership responsibilities, along with a preferential attitude towards the ‘temple children’ verse children rescued from other circumstances. There also seemed to be a lack of commitment and accountability to a local church.
But I have always admired Carmichael’s single minded purpose and sacrificial service. There is much to learn of selfless love and unity from her life, of wholehearted obedience, and close communion with God. Reading excerpts from her books and poems quoted through the book certainly spur you to pursue a closer, deeper, “pick up your cross and follow Me” pursuit of Christ. Far from perfect, a product of her times, I think Amy did seek to love God and others unreservedly as led by God. The same independent and stubborn spirit that drove mistakes also upheld her through over 50years of missionary service without furlough (unheard of!). When trials, grief and pain come, and there was much of this, she clung to Christ and ran with endurance the race set before her. She shunned the spotlight, seeking only to magnify Christ and encourage others. She called for and strived towards a higher standard in a culture of nominal Christianity. As a missionary she was groundbreaking in her embracing of Indian dress and aspects of Indian culture, seeking to cause no one to stumble or distract from the Gospel.
Elliot biography is well worth a read and gives good insight into the flaws, inconsistencies, virtues, love and faithfulness that characterised Amy Carmichael.
September 17, 2013
In a time of male domination in the Victorian Era, Amy Carmichael was called by God to the Missions field. As Elizabeth Elliot tells the story, Amy determined to follow her Lord in spite of many issues that would not qualify her for service abroad. She had chronic pain and was not a particularly strong woman in sense of physical health. She found learning foreign languages difficult, and found conflict resolution very distasteful. She wasn't a team player, things needed to be her way, period. Men who worked for her found it quite hard.
But the task that she found herself doing, required an iron will, strict determination,and a long view of her ministry which did last her entire lifetime. In a personality assessment based on animal types (re: Smalley and Trent's The Treasure Tree) she would have been a lion.
She became aware of the practice in India, of a way that people got rid of their unwanted children and babies. They were donated to the local Hindu temple for use in temple worship, specifically prostitution euphemistically termed "Married to the god". Never soliciting funds for this outreach, people in England learned of her desire to found a safe haven for these children. She always asked for prayer, and in addition to prayer, her faithful friends sent money. This book recounts over and over again, the way God provided for her at every level of need. Amy never craved attention, but felt bound to write to communicate to others the conditions she found daily that gave her hope, gave her courae and more determination. She wrote volumes!
I found one chapter heading quite illuminating, "Love is not a Sentiment". She expressed her love for all who worked with her, through her heartfelt commitment to them. She was fond of sending notes of love and encouragement to those on the Center grounds as well as those who were expressing an interest in coming from England to serve. She left notes for key people in her life that were to be opened after her death. A marvelous comfort! The children who grew up at the Center loved her. Her name was "Amma" or Mother.
I'm glad to have finally read this book, even though a lot of the way she did things on the field have changed...in a good way.
Temple prostitution was outlawed in India. Amy showed the value of an individual life through her faith. It was a stark contrast to the spiritual darkness that surrounded the Center.
But the task that she found herself doing, required an iron will, strict determination,and a long view of her ministry which did last her entire lifetime. In a personality assessment based on animal types (re: Smalley and Trent's The Treasure Tree) she would have been a lion.
She became aware of the practice in India, of a way that people got rid of their unwanted children and babies. They were donated to the local Hindu temple for use in temple worship, specifically prostitution euphemistically termed "Married to the god". Never soliciting funds for this outreach, people in England learned of her desire to found a safe haven for these children. She always asked for prayer, and in addition to prayer, her faithful friends sent money. This book recounts over and over again, the way God provided for her at every level of need. Amy never craved attention, but felt bound to write to communicate to others the conditions she found daily that gave her hope, gave her courae and more determination. She wrote volumes!
I found one chapter heading quite illuminating, "Love is not a Sentiment". She expressed her love for all who worked with her, through her heartfelt commitment to them. She was fond of sending notes of love and encouragement to those on the Center grounds as well as those who were expressing an interest in coming from England to serve. She left notes for key people in her life that were to be opened after her death. A marvelous comfort! The children who grew up at the Center loved her. Her name was "Amma" or Mother.
I'm glad to have finally read this book, even though a lot of the way she did things on the field have changed...in a good way.
Temple prostitution was outlawed in India. Amy showed the value of an individual life through her faith. It was a stark contrast to the spiritual darkness that surrounded the Center.
June 5, 2012
Although A Chance to Die did have many inspiring thoughts and moments, there was much in it that seemed lacking in my opinion. I have read other missionary stories that I have enjoyed far better. (For example: Evidence Not Seen: A Woman's Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II and Bruchko - Revised: The astonishing true story of a 19-year-old American-his capture by the Motilone Indians and his adventures in Christianizing the Stone Age tribe. )
Some definite faults that I saw were that Amy seemed independent and headstrong, which are two qualities that don't seem in keeping with a Christian life. She often refused counsel from others, seeing all other opinions as being contrary to what God wanted. On one hand I can see this as being necessary in some cases, however the Bible does advocate the act of seeking advice, wisdom, and counsel from older Christians. Amy was known for taking "unnecessary risks" (pg. 32) (the opposite of the Godly character trait of prudence), she would do things just to prove that others were wrong, and she was extremely controlling. It was her way, or no way.
I am not denying that Amy Carmichael led a life far removed from what anyone then, or now, would attempt, and that she was upheld by the Lord. There were many instances where I was convicted by an inspiring quote or by her ceaseless activity for the Kingdom of God. She refused to waste a single moment of her time. How different from our society today when we beg for a break or mindless activity!
~ "I would rather have two who came in earnest than a hundred who came to play," she said. "We have no time to toy with souls like this. It is not by ceremonial teamaking and flower arranging, not by wool chrysanthemum-making and foreign-sewing learning, but 'by my Spirit' saith the Lord." (pg. 84)
Some definite faults that I saw were that Amy seemed independent and headstrong, which are two qualities that don't seem in keeping with a Christian life. She often refused counsel from others, seeing all other opinions as being contrary to what God wanted. On one hand I can see this as being necessary in some cases, however the Bible does advocate the act of seeking advice, wisdom, and counsel from older Christians. Amy was known for taking "unnecessary risks" (pg. 32) (the opposite of the Godly character trait of prudence), she would do things just to prove that others were wrong, and she was extremely controlling. It was her way, or no way.
I am not denying that Amy Carmichael led a life far removed from what anyone then, or now, would attempt, and that she was upheld by the Lord. There were many instances where I was convicted by an inspiring quote or by her ceaseless activity for the Kingdom of God. She refused to waste a single moment of her time. How different from our society today when we beg for a break or mindless activity!
~ "I would rather have two who came in earnest than a hundred who came to play," she said. "We have no time to toy with souls like this. It is not by ceremonial teamaking and flower arranging, not by wool chrysanthemum-making and foreign-sewing learning, but 'by my Spirit' saith the Lord." (pg. 84)
January 1, 2024
This biography took me most of the year to read, and while part of that is definitely my fault for getting distracted by other things, I also just found Amy Carmichael complicated enough in her approaches to life and ministry that I didn't want to immerse myself in the book the way I often do with other missionary biographies. Nevertheless, her devotion to God was admirable, even if I wish some of the ways it played out practically in her life differed.
April 30, 2015
Summary:
The life story of missionary Amy Carmichael. From her childhood, to her missionary work in Japan and India. Elisabeth Elliot's reference material was from previously published books written by Amy Carmichael and the Dohnavur Family.
My Thoughts:
Although I enjoyed reading the story of Amy Carmichael's life. The book is not warm with intimacy in regards to the character of Carmichael. At first sight, it seems Elisabeth Elliot didn't capture or flesh-out the person of Amy Carmichael. However, I believe Carmichael was captured just as she was. She was a private, no-nonsense, serious, devoted, moral, dedicated, persevering, steadfast, faithful, and intelligent person. And these qualities come through in her biography. The entire focus of Carmichael's life was in the mission work entrusted to her by God in India.
I've read remarks that she was against marriage. She was against marriage as far as her own life was concerned. She did think it best to not marry if a person was going to dedicate themselves as she had done. But, she was not against marriage. God had called her to "something different." Her "face" was set "like flint" in her mission. See Isaiah 50:7, Luke 9:51.
A Chance to Die is written chronologically, from birth (1867) and childhood in Ireland, to her "calling," to the first missionary journey to Japan, and her lengthy mission work in India, until death in 1951.
Quotes are often mentioned from Carmichael's books.
Carmichael was a devoted reader of the devotional Daily Light. This book is also quoted from in the book. I'm familiar with this book as I have read from it daily since 1999.
One of the most interesting and sad aspects of the book for me was Carmichael's work with the children in India. The little girls that were given by their parents to the Hindu temple as babies, later grew in to the horrific role of the sex trade. Carmichael worked to find girls (of all ages) willing to leave this life and live in her mission home. In modern times we hear about the sex-trade business affecting children, but this is not something new.
The life story of missionary Amy Carmichael. From her childhood, to her missionary work in Japan and India. Elisabeth Elliot's reference material was from previously published books written by Amy Carmichael and the Dohnavur Family.
My Thoughts:
Although I enjoyed reading the story of Amy Carmichael's life. The book is not warm with intimacy in regards to the character of Carmichael. At first sight, it seems Elisabeth Elliot didn't capture or flesh-out the person of Amy Carmichael. However, I believe Carmichael was captured just as she was. She was a private, no-nonsense, serious, devoted, moral, dedicated, persevering, steadfast, faithful, and intelligent person. And these qualities come through in her biography. The entire focus of Carmichael's life was in the mission work entrusted to her by God in India.
I've read remarks that she was against marriage. She was against marriage as far as her own life was concerned. She did think it best to not marry if a person was going to dedicate themselves as she had done. But, she was not against marriage. God had called her to "something different." Her "face" was set "like flint" in her mission. See Isaiah 50:7, Luke 9:51.
A Chance to Die is written chronologically, from birth (1867) and childhood in Ireland, to her "calling," to the first missionary journey to Japan, and her lengthy mission work in India, until death in 1951.
Quotes are often mentioned from Carmichael's books.
Carmichael was a devoted reader of the devotional Daily Light. This book is also quoted from in the book. I'm familiar with this book as I have read from it daily since 1999.
One of the most interesting and sad aspects of the book for me was Carmichael's work with the children in India. The little girls that were given by their parents to the Hindu temple as babies, later grew in to the horrific role of the sex trade. Carmichael worked to find girls (of all ages) willing to leave this life and live in her mission home. In modern times we hear about the sex-trade business affecting children, but this is not something new.
November 15, 2008
I admire Amy Carmichael’s life-long passion to follow Jesus and serve disenfranchised children. In her teens her burden was for factory girls, ‘shallies’, who were so poor that they couldn't afford hats to wear to church, so they wore shawls over their heads. The ministry grew to over 300 children, and Amy had to secure her own building for the ministry. Amy's first overseas assignment was to Japan for 15 months. She struggled to learn the language and the customs of the Japanese people, but learned the value of living as they lived. God providentially sent her to India where she served for the remainder of her life. She founded Dohnavur Fellowship, a group whose aim was to rescue the temple children. Her life showed amazing perseverance. Over the years the ministry faced immense financial hardships, poor facilities, outbreaks of deadly disease, internal strife, and the constant threat of government intervention. I was convicted by Amy’s relentless and risky love for the children. She spent her last twenty years with failing health, often being confined to her bed or a wheel chair. To her last day, she was a writer… notes/letters of encouragement, poems, and over 35 books. May I learn to write so eloquently and faithfully.
He who had led will lead
All through the wilderness
He who hath fed will surely feed...
He who had heard thy cry
Will never close His ear,
He who hath marked thy faintest sigh
Will not forget they tear
He loveth always, faileth never,
So rest on Him Today-forever.
Though I don't agree with all of her choices, I admire her convictions and faithfulness.
He who had led will lead
All through the wilderness
He who hath fed will surely feed...
He who had heard thy cry
Will never close His ear,
He who hath marked thy faintest sigh
Will not forget they tear
He loveth always, faileth never,
So rest on Him Today-forever.
Though I don't agree with all of her choices, I admire her convictions and faithfulness.
February 24, 2012
I am an avid reader, but for some reason this book failed to grip my attention. I enjoyed the first few chapters about Amy Carmichael's youth, but somehow my interest waned toward the end; I had to make myself finish it just for the sake of finishing it, without really caring about the story. Maybe it has to do with my own age, but I failed to identify with the more mature Amy Carmichael, and so my empathy decreased. Much as I admire Amy Carmichael personally, somehow this book failed to bring her to life. The author's language is too laborious and deliberate; I got the impression that the book was written conscientiously rather than passionately, with the intention of making readers like Amy Carmichael at all cost rather than just telling the story. I realize, of course, that there is not much artistic license for biography writers, so maybe I am too harsh in this respect. What I did enjoy, however, were the copious excerpts from Amy's own writings, especially her breathtakingly graceful poems, which taught me more about Amy Carmichael's mind and soul than the author's analysis. As a result, I now plan to seek out and read some of Amy Carmichael's books.
March 31, 2017
I feel terrible that I didn’t like this book. After all, its written by one great missionary about another great missionary, its supposed to be inspiring. But I just couldn’t get on board and nearly stopped reading numerous times. Amy Carmichael, missionary to India in the late-19th, early 20th century is a significant figure. She truly died to all desires to run an orphanage. But I found her manner irritating and over-righteous. Much of her writing and experience reminded me of George Mueller.
In addition, Elliot’s writing style bordered on just reporting or re-writing Charmichael’s own writing, with little character development. She also occasionally slipped into first person when it seemed she just couldn’t find another way to describe something.
In addition, Elliot’s writing style bordered on just reporting or re-writing Charmichael’s own writing, with little character development. She also occasionally slipped into first person when it seemed she just couldn’t find another way to describe something.
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