Amy Carmichael: Mother to the Motherless

Chronicling the life of Christian missionary Amy Carmichael, this documentary illustrates how social good can be achieved through quiet strength and resolve, driven by personal faith. The unconventional Carmichael arrived in India in 1895, and her approach to work included adopting the local dress and customs, even dying her skin with coffee—behaviors her peers frowned upon but which also gave her credibility with the local communities. Among her most noteworthy accomplishments were the establishment of the Dohnavur Fellowship (an orphanage and mission), and the publication in 1903 of the controversial book Things As They Are, in which she not only offered a sometimes shocking portrayal of the living conditions in India and the challenges facing missionaries, but also exposed the practice of grooming young children to be “temple girls,” who were forced to become prostitutes to earn money for local priests. An accident left Carmichael bedridden for 20 years before her death in 1951, with much of that time spent writing prolifically, sharing her faith and inspiring generations of Christians. Carmichael's story is recounted here by those inspired by or close to her, including missionary, speaker, and author Elisabeth Elliot; Pastor Jonathan Clarke of The Welcome Church in Belfast (which Carmichael founded); Margaret Holland of the Dohnavur Fellowship, and Dr. Nancy Robbins, who cared for Carmichael. Recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)