|
|
200 years ago the women of China spent most of their lives in their houses. For over 1000 years the custom of foot binding had crippled millions of women, and made walking painful, if not impossible. The first missionaries in China soon realised that unless Christian women could visit them in their homes - a massive task - they would never hear the message of God's love. Valerie Griffiths has traced some of the early women missionaries, married and single, who shouldered this task. Struggling with poor health, isolation and criticism from the expatriate community, the few here represent thousands more: the women of the China Inland Mission who pioneered initiatives into the vast interior. By 1900 there were two missionary women in China for every male missionary. In the process these Western women were liberated from Victorian customs and expectations: they found themselves gifted for work in teaching and evangelism which would have been impossible in their churches at home. These vivid stories give a glimpse of their extraordinary ministry. |