Sad Years and a Baby Boy

“You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later.” — from John 13

Then came sad years. In 1905 the Dear Old Man died in England. In August 1912 Thomas Walker died while he was away on a journey, and Amy lost her teacher and wise friend. In July 1913 her own mother died in England. Amy had not seen her since she sailed for India.

Then Amy’s dear friend Ponnammal became very ill. She was in pain for a long time, and Amy prayed for her to get better. But Ponnammal died in 1915, and Amy took Ponnammal’s daughter into her own care. Amy did not understand why God let these things happen, but she chose to trust him anyway. And all through those years, even while a great war was going on far away, the family at Dohnavur said they never went without what they needed.

All this time Amy carried another worry. She had learned that some boys were not safe either. About 1912 she began to pray: should Dohnavur take in boys too? It would need men to look after them, new buildings, and much more money. For six years she prayed, and nothing seemed to happen.

Then, in January 1918, a baby boy was brought to Dohnavur. Amy believed he was God’s answer. More boys came, and in time they had their own part of Dohnavur, with their own school. Men came to care for them, among them Godfrey Webb-Peploe. Amy wanted the boys to grow up strong and brave, to work hard, and to love the outdoors.

Later, Dohnavur built a hospital. Amy gave it a Tamil name that means the Place of Heavenly Healing. It cared for people from all the villages around, Hindu and Christian alike.

Sometimes we have to wait a long time, and sometimes we do not understand why sad things happen. Jesus said we will understand later. Until then, we can trust him.

Dear God, when I am sad, or when I have to wait, help me to trust you even when I do not understand. Amen.