"Our Church Mothers"contains seven, first-person letters from formidable historical women, who crafted for themselves roles of strategic importance in the history of Christianity. You will become personally familiar with Katharina Luther, first lady of the Reformation; Susanna Wesley, the Mother of Methodism; Catherine Booth, co-founder of the Salvation Army; Mary, the Mother of Jesus; St. Clare, best friend of Francis of Assisi; Mother Teresa of Calcutta; and Judge Deborah, as a forerunner. You will be moved as you read these heroines' letters written to encourage today's believers as they share their thoughts, feelings and daring experiences as they were led by the Spirit of God. Learn how these female leaders and their partners in ministry, overcame tremendous challenges to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. Living in different countries, centuries and cultures, they certainly share admirable characteristics in sacrificially choosing to address ignored human needs they observe with exceptional faith and action. A common theme among these women is that not only their own children, but their constituents as well, recognized them as exceptional "Mother" figures and as spiritual leaders anointed by God. Each of these women were addressed as "Mother," even though three of them never had children by birth. The five mothers, who were also wives, ably supported their husbands as helpmates while pursuing their own spiritual calling. None of these women allowed negative social pressures to prevent them from achieving their ministry goals.
All seven women have name recognition today, yet people are surprised to learn that Mother Teresa was actually an Irish nun born in Albania who became a citizen of India. Did you know the monk, Martin Luther, at age 41 took a wife who was a 26 year old former nun who bore him 6 children; or the Salvation Army founders, William and Catherine Booth's love story rivals that of the Barrett Brownings, and that Judge Deborah was the Joan of Arc of her day?
The writing style in each letter indicates a desire for a personal friendship between the author and their modern-day reader as fellow believers. When these ladies share the fruitful work of God in their lives, they clearly hope to encourage others to believe they, too, can positively make a real change in their world for the benefit of others and the glory of God. Let these heroic "Mothers" of the Faith inspire and challenge you to fulfill your destiny and unique service to Christ.
