“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’” Acts 5:19–20 ESV

Amy Carmichael was an Irish missionary who dedicated her entire life to serving in the southern parts of India. When she was just 18, her father died, and her family faced financial hardship. Yet neither loss, poor health, nor struggle stopped her call to missionary work.

She was first sent to Japan for a short time, and later joined a mission station in Tinnevelly (Thirunelveli) in Tamil Nadu, India. Her ministry soon led her into a heartbreaking reality: many young girls—some just toddlers—were dedicated to temple gods and forced into a life of exploitation. This practice was known as the Devadasi system, a form of temple prostitution.

Amy’s mission took a defining turn when a five-year-old girl named Preena ran to her for help after escaping a temple where she was to be “married to the god.” The little girl shared that during her first escape attempt she was caught, branded, and punished. Yet she fled again—this time finding refuge in the church, and from there she was brought to Amy.

Amy’s passion for the gospel, her love for the helpless, and her deep compassion compelled her to respond. She rescued children and provided a safe haven—what began with one child soon grew into many.

The local people opposed Amy fiercely. She was accused of kidnapping, faced legal threats, and even the families of rescued children tried to reclaim them. She endured physical exhaustion, legal battles, loneliness, and deep discouragement. Later in life, a severe injury left her bedridden for her final 20 years.

Yet the mission did not stop. She continued to write books to encourage others.

By the time Amy entered eternity, the Dohnavur Family had grown to nearly 900 children. In her lifetime she helped rescue hundreds, and established schools, orphanages, nurseries, hospitals, and churches. She spread the gospel not only in word, but in sacrificial love.

The mission she began in Dohnavur, Tamil Nadu still continues today.

Amy remained steadfast in her calling—to proclaim the gospel and demonstrate God’s love. Despite threats, accusations, and attacks, God rescued her again and again and sustained her to continue His work. What was meant to imprison her could not stop the plans of God. The hand of the Lord protected her from the strategies of the enemy.

When God is behind the mission, no prison can hold the messenger.

In Acts 5, we see Peter—once the disciple who denied Jesus—now boldly preaching salvation. He stood in the temple and shared the gospel with zeal. The Holy Spirit moved mightily, and believers were added in great numbers. People brought the sick to the streets just hoping Peter’s shadow might fall on them—and many were healed.

The religious leaders tried to silence Peter and the apostles. They arrested them and placed them in prison. But Acts 5:19 tells us:

“But during the night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out.”

The locks were still intact. The guards were still standing at the doors. Yet the prisoners were gone—because heaven moved.

When you give yourself fully to the mission God has called you to, He will be with you. He will give you grace, strength, favor, and courage to continue sharing the good news.

No prison—physical, emotional, financial, relational, or spiritual—can stop the gospel through a surrendered life.

Prison doors cannot hold you. The doors God opens remain open.

Now go—spread the gospel and make disciples.

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

Matthew 28:18-20 ESV

Prayer:

Lord, give me courage to follow Your calling with boldness. Open doors that no one can shut, and strengthen me to share Your love wherever You send me. Amen.