Throughout the ages, the majority of historians have overlooked the
achievements of women. Though their contributions are not recorded in
many history books, from the beginning of time, women have influenced
the worlds in which they lived in a mighty way.  God has a plan for you,
ladies, and has used women throughout history in a variety of ways.  From
the earliest of times lived women who ruled nations, led armies, wrote
books and songs, performed mighty deeds of valor, and worked
unceasingly to improve society.  Without the contributions of godly
women throughout the ages, the world would be a different place today. 
Let's take a look at a few great women of faith, who have become to us a
"great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1).

During a time when women didn't have many opportunities to publicly
serve the Lord, Selina Hastings shines forth as an example of how God
can accomplish His work by using a woman who is totally devoted to
Himself.  Selina was born in England in 1707, the daughter of
Washington Shirley, Earl of Ferrars. She lived her young life among
the aristocracy and at age 21 she was married to Theophilus Hastings,
Earl of Huntingdon. Though she was raised to fear God, it wasn't until
after the death of her four young children and her own severe illness
that she began to see her need for a relationship with God and began to
seek Him. Selina's conversion experience came at a time when revival
was coming to England and from the beginning of her Christian walk
she was ready to help the cause of Christ with her faithful witness,
financial support, and influence.  While many people have at least
some knowledge of the great "Methodist Revival" that took place
under the Wesley's and George Whitefield in 18th century England,
not many are aware that the fires of revival were spread due, in part, to
the diligent efforts and financial backing of one woman: Selina
Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon.

Amy Carmichael was an ordinary woman with extraordinary love for
people. She was born in Ireland in 1867, the first child to Christian
parents.  As she grew into adulthood, Amy felt called to missions. She
answered that call with great joy and went as a missionary to Japan.
Next she went to China and then Ceylon (known as Sri Lanka).
Finally, Amy was called to India where she served for over 50 years. 
After Amy had lived in India for some time, she continued to be
concerned about a distressing situation that existed in most of the
pagan temples of India. Young girls were taken in, many times only as
children, and made temple prostitutes. The girls had a horrible
existence and Amy became deeply grieved for them. She became
convinced that she must help these young girls wanting to escape their
horrible life in the temples. While living in Dohnavur, India, with a
band of women that had been converted to Christ, Amy founded the
Dohnavur Fellowship, which became a haven for homeless children,
especially those girls who had escaped from temple prostitution.

While many have heard of D.L. Moody, the famous revivalist of the
19th century, and the prominent Bible School that bears his name, not
many know of the woman who helped him make this school a success.
Her name is Emeline Dryer. Emeline Dryer was born in Massachusetts
in 1835.  As an adult, Emeline became a noted female educator, but
after a life-threatening illness she realized that God was calling her
into full-time Christian service.  She gave up her successful career and
moved to Chicago for a position that offered no salary and no worldly
recognition. It was during this year that Emeline was introduced to
D.L. Moody.  Soon after this meeting she joined with Mr. Moody in
his evangelistic work.  In early 1873, a few months before He was to
return to England on an evangelistic campaign, Moody convinced
Emeline Dryer to open a school to train women who wanted to enter
home or foreign missions or evangelistic work. This school would give
needed training in Bible, theology, and practically ministry to fulfill
Moody's primary goal of getting trained women evangelists and
personal workers into the homes of unchurched residents of Chicago.
While the school began with training women, Moody had a much
larger vision and intended it to eventually include men as well.  This
school begun by Emeline Dryer became what is known today as
Moody Bible Institute.