International Women’s Day:
Women of God, past and present
Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March, we’re celebrating great women, past and present. With the help of BMS World Mission workers Louise Lynch in Bangladesh and Laura-Lee Lovering in Peru, we’re taking you back in time, to remember three incredible women in mission history.
Brave BMS missionaries made history in the 19th and 20th centuries, setting off courageously for places they’d only read about. Travelling for months to reach the shores of India, Bangladesh or China, many didn’t plan on making it back. We’ve heard the stories of great men like William Carey and William Knibb. But what about the women? We asked two of our mission workers, the fabulous Louise and Laura, what they made of these extraordinary, and all too often forgotten women.
Introducing…
Hannah Marshman (1767 – 1847): “Outstanding among the wives”
Noted as being “outstanding among the missionaries’ wives,” Hannah Marshman was more than just a wonderful spouse as remembered in her obituary.
Recorded as being the first female missionary in India, this passionate woman single-handedly set up a boarding school and became a pioneer of education for Bengali girls. The school went on to fund Baptist missionary work in the area. All this while becoming fluent in Bengali and having 12 children!
Hannah Marshman died in 1847, remembered as “having consecrated her life and property to the promotion of this sacred cause and exhibited an example of humble piety and energetic benevolence for forty-seven years”.
Louise and Laura, how would you feel about being remembered as a “missionary’s wife”!?
Louise: I feel for Hannah. But I think I know how she feels. Here in Bangladesh I’m normally introduced as ‘Peter’s wife’.
I like the fact that Hannah just got on and did things. You have to remind yourself that actions speak louder than words. And having said that, my contribution is respected here.
Laura: I’m a single girl, so the whole idea that I’d come under the title of someone’s appendage is mildly insulting.
But, there’s nothing wrong with just doing the work regardless of the title. That’s what really liberates people. Many women here have laboured on and not worried about the title. Time and time again, they’ve been praised. That’s inspired me. It’s about what you do and how you’re able to show God’s love.
What do you think of these women missionaries of the 19th century?
Louise: I have utter respect for the people that have gone ahead of us. We wonder how people managed to live, with the heat and the mosquitoes, trying to keep themselves healthy – let alone do anything!
And many women missionaries are talked about with fond regard in Bangladesh. They are the ones that people name.
Laura: I’m completely in awe of them! With all the diseases, they didn’t have all the vaccines, they certainly didn’t have a health insurance number to call. Some had children whilst out there, just from a biological point of view it was difficult – then you add in everything else!
I’d like to think that I would have been brave enough to go on mission 100, 200 years ago. I really respect the fact that when they went out, they went out for good.
Introducing…
Dr Ellen Farrer (1865 – 1959): “First in her field”
Overcoming the prejudice faced by working women of the era, Dr Ellen Farrer began to challenge society’s disapproval when she was accepted by the Baptist Zenana Mission in India as its first female doctor. The mission reached out to Hindu women from the wealthier classes, who were secluded in zenanas – private apartments to segregate female family members from the rest of society. She soon won the trust and love of these women, who preferred to be seen by a female doctor. Administering aid during a famine, fighting annual outbreaks of the bubonic plague, expanding the dispensary she worked at into a hospital and translating textbooks for nurses and midwives were just some of Ellen’s achievements during her incredible lifetime in India.
Celebrate International Women’s Day in your church!
It’s International Women’s Day next Sunday 8 March so we’ve made a great PowerPoint resource with all these amazing stories for you to share in your church! Download the PowerPoint and inspire your church family with stories of these incredible women from BMS’ past and present!
Would you have any advice for women looking to go on overseas mission?
Louise: There are some real practical challenges. But I think there’s a huge advantage to being a woman in mission. You can talk to other women and have an impact on their lives. Letting women help me dress up in a sari has been a great way of opening up conversations. My advice is to walk with the people, experience their life, their frustrations. I have to manage the difficulties around some of the cultural protocols, but people here have a lovely attitude and I get given lots of opportunity.
Laura: Don’t fixate on being a woman on overseas mission. We’re not here to fight for women’s liberation, we’re here to see the kingdom of God be extended. And if through that we can show to both men and women that women have a big part to play, then great! But that’s not the main reason.
The best thing you can do is be who you are, do a good job and bless people. Let them see that God is using you. That’s the strongest message for women – and for men.
Introducing…
Dr Ellen Clow (1901 – 1984) “Determined to make a difference”
A kick-ass surgeon and incredibly brave lady to boot, Dr Ellen Clow devoted her life to mission in China. Unperturbed by the Japanese invasion of the north of the country, it was reported that Ellen remained at The Women’s Hospital in Taiyuan where she worked despite being “menaced by soldiers and looters” in raid after raid.
Even the news that a shell had destroyed a bedroom she’d vacated earlier that day couldn’t persuade Ellen to leave, and as the hospital building shook and rattled, a patient grabbed Ellen’s hand and said, “You are good to stay with us.” Many women in the region were said to have owed their lives to her skill. Ellen’s commitment to God’s mission in China and Hong Kong was unwavering throughout her life, and she returned twice to serve overseas before her death in 1984.
Feeling inspired?
Have these inspiring women encouraged you to explore your calling overseas? Check out our current overseas vacancies and get in touch with our team today!
