Women Worth Knowing

Marilyn Laszlo (1933-2021): Once again, Jasmine and her mother, Debbie Alnutt, are delighted to share with you another incredible missionary testimony! Marilyn Laszlo served with Wycliffe Translators among the Sepik Iwam people of Papua New Guinea, laboring for nearly 20 years to reduce their language to writing and translate the Bible into their language. Her story is filled with humorous incidents and amazing miracles, as well as undeniable evidence of the power of God and His Word to transform lives.

Maude Cary (1878-1967): In this episode, Jasmine is joined by her mother, Debbie Alnutt, to bring you the story of a remarkable missionary who has really blessed both of their lives personally. Maude Cary was a brilliant linguist and gifted Bible teacher who served tirelessly among the people of Morocco. Although her poor health prevented her from the pioneer ministry she longed to engage in alongside the man she loved, her heart of sacrifice and surrender bore incredible fruit and stands as a shining testament to the worthiness of Christ and the importance of investing in eternity.

Lady Selina Hastings (1707-1791): We finish today with the powerful testimony of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, a woman who was instrumental in furthering the Gospel through the Methodist movement in the 18th century. In fact, it is safe to say that Selina was the glue that held the movement together and enabled it to propagate throughout Britain and beyond! Her love for Jesus and surrender to His will for her life is at once convicting and inspiring! We close our episode with a testimony from one of our listeners in Australia, C.J. Manan, who shared with us about the life and ministry of her sister, Gail. It’s a lovely story of God’s faithfulness and we know you will be blessed to hear it!

Lady Selina Hastings (1707-1791): The great 18th century Methodist Revival brought vast numbers to Christ and produced many remarkable, godly leaders. One of the most significant of these was Lady Selina Hastings, the Countess of Huntingdon and the “Patroness of Methodism.” A member of the English aristocracy and descendant of royalty, Selina was also a devout member of the Anglican Church. However, when she recognized her need for a relationship with Jesus beyond mere religious formality, her life was transformed! She found like-minded fellowship in the fledgling Methodist movement with the Wesley brothers and George Whitefield, and teamed up with them to bring the Gospel throughout the British Isles, American Colonies and beyond. Because of her wide social and political influence, financial support, and unique ability to foster Christian unity, Selina made an incalculable impact on her nation and the world for the cause of Christ!

Susanna Wesley (1669-1742): Few people make a name for themselves because of their parenting, yet today we will be talking about a woman who is best known as the “Mother of Methodism:” Susanna Wesley, the mother of the great 18th century evangelists, John and Charles Wesley. A brilliant and godly woman, this mother of sixteen left a powerful legacy through her child-rearing, educational methods, and (most importantly) her deep spirituality. It is easy to recognize that her influence on the lives of her sons, John and Charles, laid the groundwork for the great Methodist Revival that rocked Great Britain and the American Colonies. Susanna Wesley is certainly a testament to the profound influence of motherhood!

Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672): H.L. Mencken once said that Puritanism is “the haunting fear that someone, somewhere might be happy.” But is this characterization of the Puritans as stern and joyless really true? Anne Bradstreet’s life would indicate otherwise! As a member of the English Puritans who settled the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1630s, Anne gained notoriety as America’s first poet–an incredible accomplishment for a wife and mother of eight in the American wilderness! Yet she also gives us a window into Puritan colonial life–its joys, sorrows, trials and blessings–all undergirded by a radiant, confident faith in God and His Word. Truly, her poetry is a celebration of God’s goodness in every area of life! The Puritans were anything but dull and dour, as Anne Bradstreet’s life so beautifully demonstrates!

Sarah Edwards (1710-1758): Join us today as we continue the story of Sarah Edwards, wife of the great theologian Jonathan Edwards. As the Great Awakening swept through the American Colonies, Jonathan and Sarah found themselves right in the middle of this great move of God’s Spirit. Later, they took a remarkable step of faith to minister to Native Americans on the frontier. Through it all, Sarah’s spirituality and hospitality enhanced the effectiveness of her husband’s ministry, and her parenting made an indelible impact not only on her eleven children, but on American history! Her legacy alone makes Sarah a remarkable woman worth knowing!

Elizabeth Bunyan (c.1641-1691) & Sarah Edwards (1710-1758): John Bunyan and Jonathan Edwards are two of the most famous and important figures in Church History–one as the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, and the other as America’s first and arguably greatest philosopher and theologian. Yet as with many Christian leaders, they would not have been as influential as they were without their wives! Elizabeth Bunyan’s commitment to the cause of Christ enabled her husband to fulfill his ministry despite frequent imprisonment, and Sarah Edwards’ hospitality and deep spirituality made a profound impact on both her husband and community. When you hear their stories you will agree that these are certainly women worth knowing!

Lady Jane Grey (1537-1554): We continue today with the poignant story of England’s “Nine Day Queen,” Lady Jane Grey. Although used as a political pawn by unscrupulous members of the aristocracy (including her own parents!), Jane maintained her ardent, radiant faith in Christ to the very end of her life, serving as an inspiration to the Protestant cause in England. We close this episode with another story sent in by one of our listeners, the incredible testimony of missionary Phyllis Sortor. You won’t want to miss it!

Lady Jane Grey (1537-1554): One of the most tragic figures in English history is Lady Jane Grey, the “Nine Day Queen of England” whose lineage and outspoken Protestant faith put her in the crosshairs of political intrigue around the throne. Today we will talk about Lady Jane’s early life and how her faith in Jesus carried her through a turbulent and difficult childhood. We know you will find this brave young girl as fascinating as we do!