Amy Carmichael (1867-1951) was born in Northern Ireland and educated at Wesleyan Methodist Boarding School. She grew up in a wealthy and well-connected family. Yet, despite her privileged circumstances, she dedicated her life to missions and went to Japan in 1893. Poor health forced her to return to England but in 1895 she was sent by the Church of England to South India. Here she remained until her death. She adopted Indian dress and began working among the young girls who had been dedicated to lives of servitude at Hindu temples. She rescued many of them and established a home that eventually accepted both boys and girls. After an accident in 1931 that left her unable to walk she began writing devotional books, including Mimosa and Lotus Buds, that were published in many languages. Her efforts on behalf of the slave girls of South India led to protective laws and inspired many women to become missionaries.
