On 16 December, 1867 Amy Carmichael was born in Millisle in Northern Ireland and, 150 years later, on 16 December, a beautiful sculpture of her as a ten-year-old girl was unveiled outside Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church in Bangor. The church is home to the annual Worldwide Missionary Convention.
The sculpture was the idea of Derek Bingham, ten years ago. It was created by Christian artist and sculptor, Ross Wilson. It portrays a determined girl, holding in her hand a notebook – her diary of grace, containing God’s plans for her life – looking out to the world.
Rescuing orphans
Embossed on her hat are starry flowers picturing those who would work with her proclaiming the gospel and rescuing orphans from being ‘married to the gods’ in Hindu temples. Amy recorded her 56 unbroken years of service in India in 36 books, which were diligently read by Christians in the West in the first half of the last century. Her little essay ‘The Cry of the Blood’ is about to be reprinted, as it rebukes and challenges half-hearted Christian living.
Valerie Elliot Shepherd, daughter of Jim and Elizabeth Elliot (who wrote A Chance to Die, the recently republished biography of Amy) spoke movingly of the influence of Amy Carmichael on her parents as well as about her own experiences after her father was martyred when she was just ten months old. Quoting Amy Carmichael, ‘in acceptance lies peace’, she told of the profound influence Amy had on her parents. The invited guests heard from: the minister of the Presbyterian Church, the Revd David Johnston; one of Derek Bingham’s daughters, Kerry; and from Ross Wilson, who explained his motivation in making the sculpture, saying that creativity, like music, is our DNA. His prayer is that for generations to come the sculpture will stand as a challenge to Christians.
Margaret Bingham unveiled the sculpture and thanks was given to God for the life and legacy of Amy Carmichael. A booklet and a tract about Amy were given to everyone who attended.
Harrogate Ladies’ College
A week earlier, Jonathan Clarke, minister of Welcome Evangelical Church on the Shankill Road in Belfast (which Amy founded as the Welcome Hall) spoke at meetings in the North of England, including a service at Harrogate Ladies’ College. Now a school of 300 girls, it was while boarding there that Amy trusted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour at a children’s mission being held in Harrogate. In those days only 40 pupils attended the school. Books by Amy were given to the school library and a tract about her life to each of the girls.
The legacy of Amy lives on, not only in Dohnavur in South India, but also at Welcome Evangelical Church. Very much in the spirit of Amy Carmichael, who said: ‘Love to live, and live to love’, the church has recently opened a centre, attached to its building, which provides and cares for children with disabilities.
