🌟 Heroes of Faith: Amanda Berry Smith, The Unexpected Missionary
Born into slavery and facing the challenges of both racism and sexism in the post-Civil War era, Amanda Berry Smith became a world-renowned evangelist, missionary, and humanitarian. Her life is a powerful testament to the truth that God uses those whom the world overlooks to accomplish extraordinary things.
A Child of Deliverance
Amanda Berry was born into slavery in Maryland in 1837. Her father, who was deeply committed to faith and freedom, worked tirelessly to buy the liberty of his entire family, a monumental act of faith and perseverance.
After gaining her freedom, Amanda worked as a domestic servant, but her hunger for spiritual growth led her to the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. She faced trials and the early loss of loved ones, but it was in these moments that her deep, personal faith solidified. She developed a profound trust in God’s provision, becoming a powerful speaker focused on the doctrine of holiness—a faith that transforms one’s whole life.
The Global Call
In an age when few women, and fewer African American women, were given prominent platforms, Amanda Berry Smith was recognized for her spiritual gifts and passion. Her calling was to the world, demonstrating true faith in action:
- A Missionary Journey: In 1878, she stepped out entirely on faith and began a fifteen-year international ministry. She traveled to England, India, and West Africa, funding her own travel through the love offerings she received.
- The Power of Prayer: Her sermons were less about grand rhetoric and more about direct, heartfelt testimony and deep communion with God. She famously relied on prayer for every need, from securing passage on ships to finding food and shelter in foreign lands. She was truly a global witness to the power of a single, consecrated life.
A Legacy of Compassion
Amanda Berry Smith’s work was not just about preaching; it was about demonstrating God’s love through practical aid. Her most enduring act of faith-based service took place upon her return to America in 1894.
She used her resources and influence to found the Amanda Smith Orphan Home for Colored Children in Harvey, Illinois. This institution was a direct reflection of her conviction that genuine faith must be matched by humanitarian deeds—caring for the fatherless and the neglected.
Her life of service directly echoes the principle found in James 2:18 (KJV):
“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”
Amanda Berry Smith’s unwavering courage to follow God’s call, regardless of the immense cultural and physical barriers she faced, serves as a heartwarming example for all who seek to live a life devoted to the Truth.