R E F L E C T I O N S O FP A N D I T A R A M A B A I S

I N N E R L I F E A N D H E R W O R K

Material mostly gathered fromold Mukti Prayer Bells by Dr. Sheela Gupta

Pandita Ramabai Mission, Kedgaon, Dist. Pune - 412 203. INDIA

The Beginning of Mukti

My special aim in this mission is to train most of the young widows asChristian workers for the evangelization of Indias women.

- Ramabai

Ramabai association in America, an Advisory Board was constituted, whichcomprised of three Hindu gentlemen of high position.

The impact of her personal lifeShe was advised to shut the door of her room while reading the Bible and praying.She refused.

Storm BurstsAt the end of ten years, Ramabais religious convictions have been deepening;the love of Christ in her heart has been intensified. She feels she can no longerrestrain the promptings of her heart to add precepts to example in teaching herpupils the Way, the Truth, the Life that she can no longer carry her school. Withoutthe Living Word of God to help her in reproving, advising, guiding her waywardpupils. She notified the association of her intended abandonment of the principlesof neutrality in religion at the same time. Tending her resignation assuperintendent. This American Ramabai Association refused to accept and afteradvising all subscribers of the projected change, confirmed and adopted the newplatform at the annual meeting thus constituting the Sharada Sadan a distinctlyChristian enterprise.

Famine 1896Letter of Ramabai to Rev. Dr. R A HumeShe requested Ramabai Association if she could take in more girls - if they wouldbe willing for me to increase the number of girls. They did not think it wise toundertake to do but, upon my asking their permission to give up the salary whichthey were paying me for my own support and take a larger number of girlsdepending upon God for theirs and my support, the association very kindly gaveme their consent and since the beginning of 1897, I have steeped out in faith andGod has not put me to shame. We have lacked nothing. Our daily bread has beensent to us from almost all quarters of the world. I have come to the conclusionthat it is better for Sharada Sadan and Mukti work to be quite separate.

The former is no less a Christian work than the latter, but Sharada Sadan issupported by subscription solicited from people. As far as Mukti is concerned,we are entirely dependent upon God who sends us our daily bread and everythingelse in direct answer to prayer. So, I have come to the conclusion that this missionwork is better carried on with as little organization as can be. I greatly appreciatethe help which American Ramabai Association are giving me but I cannot seemy way to ask them to manage this faith work, as you know there are diversitiesof opinion and beliefs among our friends. I have to draw a line where they and Idiffer in our faith.

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Some Important Quotations of Ramabai and about Ramabaiand the Work

From letters to Sis. Geraldine: I am always surprised when I see or hear people troubling themselves to decidemy future, when my Lord God is Almighty, All Powerful and knows best to dowith me whatever He likes. -Ramabai

I stick fast to Sanskrit not because I think it is to be sacred or the language ofGods, but because it is the most beautiful and the oldest language of my dearnative land.

Dear Bodley, in preface to High Caste Hindu Woman Breaking the SilenceThe silence of a thousand years has been broken. Only a woman could speakwith a womans experience and appeal to a womans heart.

Ramabai has been raised up to proclaim in the name of the Lord Jesus Christthe message of Good tidings. Whether for unselfishness or devotion to highideals, purity and real living religion, I know no greater heroine than Ramabai.

An atmosphere of quiet power surrounding her. One of her most noticeabletraits is her indifference to public notice and applause.

I have given you into the hands of our God. You are His and to Him alone youmust belong. Dying benediction of Ramabais father.

The wait of her Indian sisters will not suffer her to rest, till she has mingled hertears with theirs, not in the way of sympathy at a distance, but where they cantrickle from face to face.

Bishop of Lahore to Miss Beale, May 9, 1884It seems as if God had been fitting her for some work amongst her countrywomen.Her one desire is to see some institution at work for higher education of hercountrywomen, and for delivering them from the evils and utter degradation ofmany a widows life. Nor do I believe she would shrink from a martyrs death.-Miss Beale

Ramabai to Miss GeraldineI do trust and love my country with all my heart. I know very well, trust alwaysbrings trust and love brings love with it. When people themselves begin to distrustothers, they of course make others distrustful of them.

I have long since my personal experience known that God will provide me withall that is necessary for me. He is always faithful.

Miss Beale Now she got her feet on a Rock. These currents will not sweep heraway and I am persuaded.

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July 12,1885. Ramabai to Sister Geraldine (While in England)One can scarcely realize the comfort and beauty of this weather when one isstaying in hot India. When I see the field full of flowers and the pretty scenery allaround, how happy and glad I feel, but my happiness is not unmixed one. Myheart cries for those poor prisoners in the Zennana, to who even the comfort ofnature, which God in His goodness has bestowed alike on all of my selfishcountrymen. I feel myself unworthy to enjoy this great comfort and happinesswhile my dear sisters are almost so unhappy and miserable shut up in the eternaldarkness of ignorance and crushed under domestic slavery. Can we ever feelhappy or comfortable while millions of our fellow creatures are groaning in endlessagony? Can we, if we be not formed like hard stones, receive a kind word, a kindact or breathe a breath of comfort without one sigh of sorrow, without one dropof fear and sympathy for those millions who are like us all the children of thesupreme Father, and all like us have claim upon His mercy and bounty? Let usfeel always unworthy to enjoy the comforts which God in His goodness hasgiven to us unless we try by our own comforts to comfort those who have none.

My duties to my God and to my child is greater than any of my own happiness.-Ramabai

Ramabai and Her mission to the child widows of India

By the New Zealand Council:Fewer still are acquainted with her heroic fortitude, the unflinching devotion andthe absolute faith, which is characteristic of this noble woman. Surrounded byopposition, abuse and treachery, she fought almost single-handed against theevils of superstition and ignorance, the tyranny of caste, the iniquities of childmarriage and perpetual widowhood, which for century upon century have blightedthe lives of the women of India.

A foreign mission societys secretary after a visit to MuktiWe talk of the Seven Wonders of the World, and if we were to draw out a list ofthe seven wonders of the religious world, the Mukti Mission would surely beamong that number. Truly this institution is a witness to the power of the gospelof Christ.

Ramabais statement (At the back of the old prayer bells)Friends desiring to help in this work of God are asked to interest as many oftheir friends in the mission as they can, to pray regularly. The Mukti missiondepends wholly upon God. Friends are therefore urged to pray earnestly for it,that the Lord may make all grace abound toward it, that it having all sufficiencyin all things may abound to every good work. Gods children who desire to prayfor it need not consider themselves under any obligation to pay money towardsits support. The founder of this mission knows and has proved that God answersprayers. The prayers of Gods people are more precious than silver and gold. Thefriends who are unable to give anything toward the support of the mission may

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be sure that God will answer their praying and provide everything necessary forthe work.

Impact of George Mullers life when 10 years American support stopped.She stepped out in faith trusting Malachi 3:10.

To the Praying friends:1. The whole work at Mukti is altogether dependant upon your prayers and

ours.2. Mukti Mission will exist just so long as you and we here shall be praying for

it.- Ramabai

F B Meyer:It is wholesome to compare the present with the past so that we may repent ifwe are conscious of any backsliding and that we may be led again to the feet ofChrist.

I am crying for joy that my dream of years has become a reality. Ramabai(After opening of Sharada Sadan, 1889)

My special aim of this mission is to train most of the young widows as Christianworkers for the Evangelization of Indias women.- Ramabai.Esther 4:14 When call came to go to Central India.

Rev. Dr. Boggs who visited Mukti 1901:I had heard much about this great work here but the half was not told.

How workers cameWe need workers very much, yet we do not issue an appeal for workers, but,pray that God will call to work with us those whom He has chosen. He will bringthe right ones, whether they are Indian or European. - Ramabai

That God will call to His work here whom He has chosen and that He will bringthem to us in His own time.

Church buildingFoundation stone, Sep 20, 1899. Seating 2000 people. Dark gray stone230 ft. long and 45 ft. wide.

Krupa SadanHome of mercy stone laid, March 1899.

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Industries Ramabais timeCane work (chairs, stools, screens, baskets)Weaving, Bread and Butter makingSewing Embroidery, lace workTinning of Brass dishesRailway badge embroideryOil making (Coconut oil, sweet oil, Peanut oil)Oil pressBook Binding, Carpentry, Masonry work, Block making, Household furniture ofwood and iron.Laundry workField and Fruit garden work FarmingCooking, grinding, storeroom work and cleaning.Printing Press Printed here Bible, tracts.Women learnt type setting of Hebrew and Greek letters.

One American Visitor I am satisfied in my own mind that:

i) Pandita Ramabai is one of Gods chosen ones.ii) She is divinely called to her mission.iii) She is heaven inspired in its management.

Miss Craddak (Co-worker with Ramabai)Prayer Bell, 1958 Centennial NumberRamabai always found time to keep tryst with God, for otherwise it would havebeen impossible to give herself so unstintingly for the work entrusted to her care.But, there were days when the door was shut and the word went around thatmother is praying. She felt the responsibility to take the need to her Father whowas her only source of help and supply.

A Great GiverRamabai is a strong believer in the grace of Christian giving and training herpeople in the same virtue. Mission in China, on the border of Tibet, Armenia andelsewhere with British Foreign Bible Society have benefited by the self denial ofthe friends of Mukti.

His resources are limitless and He has promised to supply all my needs. Thesilver is mine and the gold is mine He will send all that is necessary, notbecause I deserve it, but because He is so loving and merciful. - Ramabai

Depending altogether on our Father God she said, we have Nothing to fear,from anybody, Nothing to Lose and Nothing to Regret. Hers has been an apostoliclife. As poor, yet making many rich, as having nothing, yet possessing all things.

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1891-1900 Another FamineThe work of gathering girls is still going on and will not be stopped until theLord Himself chooses to stop it. I am literally penniless, with no income of anykind. I own nothing except a few clothes and my Bible, under these circumstances,my friends may wonder and ask how I am going to support and educate all thesehundreds of girls for years to come. I am poor and needy, yet the Lord thinkethupon me. - Ramabai

1896 Ramabai felt that God was calling her to a work greater that and verydifferent from any she had yet undertaken.

January 1887 Famine Central India.Rescue work Remember the days of old. Thou shalt remember that thou was abondman in the land of Egypt and the Lord Thy God redeemed thee and whoknoweth Esther 4:14

September 24, 1898New Home was dedicated to the service of God called Mukti. Isaiah 60:18Thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. Written on the coverof all the Prayer Bells of her time.

One great need of the present is self-supporting native churches, but before wecan get that, we must have self-supporting native Christians, Commercial andIndustrial work are very important means by which to gain this point. This is onereason why Industrial work in the orphanage ought to be brought to the veryhighest standard. In this department (Industrial), we are not preaching or listening,but we are right down at a place where every Christian life ought to speak for theLord. And if the life of every Christian always did that, how many souls wouldnot be gathered? - S M Sorensen

Concerning Krupa Sadan Home of mercy (Unwed mothers)There is in Mukti a phase of the work that is not generally known and thereforeis not remembered before God much believing prayer is needed for them. Earnestprayer. Ordinary prayer does not meet such cases, but they must be met. Whowill unite with us in earnest believing prayers for these girls? - Ramabai

Ramabais request at Keswick Convention, 1898She requested those gathered for 100,000 men and 100,000 women from amongIndian Christians may be led to preach the gospel to their country people.

Prayer Bell, 1904In your prayers be less eager to impress certain things on God than to let Himimpress things on you. Instead of going to God with a certain programme, letGod inculcate upon you His programme. - Ramabai

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Home Management in Ramabais TimeAs the number of inmates kept increasing, the problem of Home managementconfronted her. Waiting upon God regarding this, she was led to adopt the methodadopted by Moses (Exodus 17). Little children (Buds), Little middle children(Blossom), Middle girls (Fruit) and Big girls. Each group was subdivided intosections of 20. One of the numbers being made Home Prefect. Little matron heldresponsible for the conduct of the group to the matron of the division who in turnwas responsible to senior matron. These again directly responsible to Ramabaiherself.

Ramabai

Senior Matron

Matron of the division

Little matron - group

Under this organization, the management of the great institution has continuedunchanged, not withstanding the extensions and developments, which has beengoing on from time to time and has worked with harmonious sweetness underthe kindly direction of Ramabai.

Her inter course with and influence over her pupils in the home and school arethose of a wise companion, a tender mother and Christ loving woman. PanditaRamabai loves us as a mother would love her children and therefore we arenever homesick. Ramabais work and her influence cannot be estimated by dollarsand cents.

There are times when we see nothing but darkness, thick enough to be felt onall sides, but we are soon made to see the silvery lining of the clouds that surroundus. Our enemies are watching us quietly now, but God only knows whether theirpresent silence is a calm before a great storm or not. Ramabai

She meets with every sort of difficulty, difficulties which we cannot understand.She handles them all as you would handle them a lot of babies in a nursery orchildren in a Kindergarten.

Vth National Congress, December 29, 1889Only three women present through Ramabais influence.

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When she rose to speak, there was much crowding and pushing among men whodesired to hear her. After quietness was restored, she naively remarked, It is notat all strange my countrymen that my voice is small for you have never given awoman the chance to make her voice strong, and then she rushed her audienceto laughter and to tears.

Mrs. J Chappel and H S DyerTo the second missionaries who came to join the work in Mukti Now I want you to go through this institution and teach them all about the LordJesus Christ. I am a sweeper. That is all I am. I sweep into the compound as manyas I can get child widows, deserted wives and orphans of every kind and I wantyou missionaries to present to them Lord Jesus Christ.

After the Lord gave her Nahum 1:4, she has been careful to write and speakonly of what the Lord was doing through the Mukti mission.

Ramabai is as a Moses to her people. Her intensity of aim to uplift and save thedeep soul hunger and complete self-abnegation, savoured of the things of God,too high for common words to praise.

Another visitorShe represents in her single personality the most remarkable combination ofexecutive, intellectual and religious power that I know of in recent times in eitherman or woman.

One sister from Nova Scotia as she entertained Ramabai in their homeMy husband and I felt that we had a greater honour put upon us than if we hadentertained our gracious Queen Victoria. I believe Pandita Ramabai is one ofGods Queens, towering far above all the White Queens.

She has single eyes to Gods agony. She has but one ideal, that is that she mayreflect the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pandita Ramabai radiates the Lord Jesus.

Domestic Economy (By Manorama Bai)Silver and Gold are His and those who handle it may glorify God in their workas truly as those who preach the Word on the streets or visit in the homes of thepeople. Much wisdom and power is needed from above.

My mother moves her office to any place in Mukti where she feels she is neededthe most. The mother of our family moves about from one department to another.All the heads of the Department met by her in the early morning orders for theday given.

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She had broken her alabaster box, box of precious ointment over them for Hisdear names sake, and the fragrance of that broken box, that poured out life isfilling Mukti day-to-day.

After Home CallSurely never before in India a woman might have been worshipped far and wide,had she allowed it, for her great learning, and holiness been so strangely andbeautifully honoured by the tears of those whose very touch or shadow wouldhave been defilement if she had remained in the religion which makes humandeification possible. One old Brahmin widow came, leaning over the bed andcried, O, Great mother, whom shall I call mother? Who will care for me?

Q. What was the secret of Pandita Ramabais success?Her child like, yet profound faith in the Bible as the Word of the Living God. Shewas always unworried, unhurried, always abounding in the work of the Lord,generous, courteous, thoughtful for the welfare of her visitors and all at Mukti.She was truly separated to God, living with a single eye to glory.

One of her mottos LOOK UP AND NOT DOWNBe Kings daughters indeed as in name.Ramabai rises at 3 a.m. Ready at 5 a.m. for the girls.

Illustration:Godubai, one night. She had disobeyed. Ramabais punishment. Good Nightkiss was omitted. It broke the little girls heart. Ramabai explained that the Hindusdo not generally caress their children after infancy and it seems strange anddelightful especially to the poor little widows to receive any show of affection.

If the work be of God, it will prevail though all the hosts of hell were arrayedagainst it. - Ramabai

Prayer Bell 1913It is a God supported mission and so from His co-workers in other places, tenderdevoted souls, there comes from time to time love-laden gifts to meet the manyneeds.

Impression at Mukti of a visitorPanditas room is in very truth a worship. It contains the bare necessities of lifeand as everywhere at Mukti, I felt on entering it that first time I was in anatmosphere of plain living and high thinking. Panditas wide horizon, her grandbreath of experience and knowledge of books, things and people were aninspiration. Above all it seemed to me her grip of power of prayer and strength offaith were the source of her unique success.

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Struck by the masterly organization of the whole. Pandita knows how to choosethe right women and then to leave as far as possible sufficient scope for individualdevelopment. This, which is surely the essence of good government, seemed tome the secret of much good work and good success in Mukti.

Prayer Bell, 1913Evelyn C Gedge

Some of the noticeable features which arrest the attention of a visitor1. The happiness that evidently reigns in this place. Gladness appears in the

faces of nearly all the women.2. The order and discipline. So quiet but so effective. Everything seems to move

on like clockwork, without any noise or harsh commands. One quiet, butfirm authority, exercised in love is over all, and all are controlled and swayedby it.

3. The sacredness of the place. A stranger is at once impressed with the fact thateverything here is for the Lord. He is first in all things. He is recognized andhonoured in all that is done. It is all in His service and for His glory.

And now one of the most noteworthy facts in this remarkable undertaking andone to greatly rejoice over is the fact that the chief agent in it all is a daughter ofIndia. It is not the work of a missionary society, or of European missionary but anIndian widow, moved by the spirit of God. It shows us something of thepossibilities of Indian Christians. When hundreds more are actuated by the samespirit, which moves her, and are led into similar efforts, what may we not expectto see.

Promise given to her one day as His message and command to act upon.Nahum 1:13-15And this Mukti mission which has come into existence solely to glorify Godshall have nothing in it that is sown in my name.

She got her inspiration for famine work in Raichur. Her mother was crematedthere, Burning Ghats for Brahmin.

You may have no gift for speaking but you may have a gift for shinning.-Rev. Andrew A Bonard N

Prayer Bell, 1909

She that is too busy to wait on God is busier that God wants her to be.

Pandita Ramabais address to the Association(Sharada Sadan March 1899 Two pupils One Godubai became a professorin Poona college)You see the first scholar of that school standing before you. She has learned a

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lesson there. It is to thank and praise God. I am glad to tell you that I have notcontracted the debt of a single cent on the property, which you have given theeducation of high caste widows. But, I have contracted a big debt of gratitude,and I shall never be able to repay it though I may thank you all my life. But, Godwho is Almighty the King of the universe will reward you as you deserve.

Selfishness is the ruling power in India, and that has been the cause of thedownfall of the nation. - Ramabai

The best way to celebrate a good work in the past is to do a better work in thefuture. - Mr. Hagar, 1898

Prayer Bell May-June 1949Mr. Tilak Friend of Mukti (Lawyer)Sunshine and sunset spoke thus of the one in whose memory the hospital hasbeen built.

We are reminded at this place of a great personality of Kedgaon fame KrishnabaiGodre. In the memory of her faith in God and vision of service to the people ofthis district, we dedicate this sunshine hospital with the hospital with the prayerthat the sun of righteousness might arise in the hearts of all who are treatedwithin its walls. As the people went from ward to ward, each room was dedicatedwith prayer and the long procession of those who had come to see turned towardsunset home. Unto Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His ownblood, this haven for aged who love Him was dedicated.

Mr. Satralkar led the procession, four abreast, down the public road from hospitaltoward the Mukti church singing praises to the Father and praise to the Son.What a procession of witness to His glory it was.

Ramabais Comments on Translation of the Bible (1908)At the beginning of the year 1905, a band was formed of some of Muktis peoplewho were desirous to serve the Lord in whatever way it would please Him to callthem. About 70 of us met everyday. It pleased the Lord to graciously visit us witha Spiritual Revival and to call some of us to devote our time to special service.

Early in that year, I heard the call of the Holy Spirit to give my time and strengthto the preparation of a work which would enable the Christian Bible womenbeing trained in this mission to understand the Holy Scriptures in their originallanguages.

The work was given by the Holy Spirit step by step. So no human wisdom,advice and strength were depended upon. The Lord showed the way. He taughtthe tongues, guided the steps, arranged the circumstances and presided over thewhole thing. (cf Chron. 28:12, 19)

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The Lord selected most of us from this special work from the classes menmentioned on 1Cor. 2:27 29.1. Foolish things2. Weak things3. Base things4. Things which are despised5. Things which are notThat no flesh should glory in His presence.

Many of the helpers had to be taken from among very ignorant girls. They had tobe taught to read, to write, to set type, to find words in the dictionaries andpassages in the Holy Scripture. I had to give up all personal correspondence, allpublic speaking and traveling for the four years in order to devote all my strengthto this work.

Panditas Wooden Tray full of Books and papers call Panditas ArkThough 12 hours a day is spent by her in the office at the Bible work, she stillworks in her room as well. Pandita Ramabai trained 120 girls. 45 for Compositions they compose four languages English, Greek, Hebrew and Marathi. They aretaught to be responsible for their own work. 20 married women are employed inthis work. Husbands as Printers.

Notes of Revival in Mukti, 1905 (As quoted in Prayer Bells)After reading about Wales Revival, my heart pounded with joy at the thoughtthat God would have mercy on poor India one of these days and we would seethe salvation of the Lord. - Ramabai

Miss Abraham 1906If the church of God is to be revived in any part of the world, it must comethrough intercessory prayer. Earnest prayer is needed. Many inside the churchare dying. We can save them through praying. Shall we not break our sleep, andgive ourselves to toil for their salvation? Spiritual babes need special care andnurture. Do not expect these spiritual babes to care for themselves. You will notsee the fruit of revival. These need nurture and care, teaching of the Word ofGod. In several places where there has been an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, thepeople have gone back again to their old ways and some have fallen into grosssin. Satan knows that the Holy Spirit is breaking down his kingdom. He comesin subtle ways. He seeks to take away the Spirit of prayer and love of the Word.There is personal attack on those earnest in prayer. Spiritual discernment, a giftof the Holy Spirit much needed in order to detect the wiles of the evil one. (Rev.12:11) As His coming draws near, the contest will grow sharper.

The great battle of intercessory prayer still goes on in many places of India aswell as Mukti. Some who do not understand it, cannot bear to witness the strugglein soul travail of those who have given themselves to God to intercede until allIndia is set on fire. After the church has been set on fire for God, a spirit ofconviction of sin will be poured out upon the heathen.

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1906 Hardley Bird Days of BlessingObservation during his visit to Mukti for 17 days.(The tide of feelings in his own heart)1. First contact with Revival begets. Hunger real pain of hunger for a share in

this visitation of God.2. Shame, bitter shame at the ignorance, after travailing in prayer, prevailing in

prayer, being at Post in prayer, meant as it was seen here in many mere children.3. Wonderful Praise, wonder at the marvel of grace. Little girls were lost for

hours in transport of loving Jesus and praising Him.One strong, rough looking girl, rowdy in character, always in trouble, nowtransformed. Her strong face aglow with holy joy, her loud voice crying to Godfor others. God bless Billy praying, as Ramabai has nicknamed this dear girl. Inone meeting, we were 17 hours together the following day more than 15 hourspassed before the meeting broke up with great joy and such songs of praise ashoarse and broken voices could letter.

The Indians has no sense of sin often repeated. But, God in the Revival hasgiven such pain at sin and agony for past failures. But, in this awful and wondrouslynear presence of God, the faintest shadow between the spirit filled soul and theLord, and confession humiliation and repentance are seen and heard after a newsort.

The Call of Prayer Bell to RamabaiFirst It is a call to you dear Ramabai to Cast your burden on the Lord.Ps. 55:22 (Gift). Gift of this great family cast them back to Him Fling yourburden away. Roll them altogether upon Him and rest.Second Call to Real Prayer

Call to Definite PrayerCall to Believing Prayer absence of faith means absence of bread.

There must be no wavering, no doubt.Call to Improportionate Prayer Luke 11:18Call to Sympathetic Prayer.

She must be borne up on the wings of generous intercession. This work is toogreat for Ramabai.

From Muktis Bible school, August 4, 1903. Sent out its first missionary onFebruary 9th. Though educated in Marathi, learnt to read her own language well,and has gone back to her own part of India to preach the gospel to her heathensisters. - Ramabai

Rev. James Lyall A visitor to Mukti (New Zealand)To these girls, salvation in final sense means end of rebirths and re-incarnation, end of heathenism, end of darkness, end of cruelty. It means forthem regeneration, the beginning of light and love and light.

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Prayer Circle (70 700)There were indications of Gods spirit doing His work silently but surely.

- RamabaiJune 28th One matron dreamt (told Ramabai on July 12th) she saw the churchbuilding surrounded with great heaps of fire coals, and fire was burning all around.She saw in her dream that many of the girls came running and told her to helpthem quench the fire. But, she refused saying, they must first of all enquire whatthis meant. One of Gods handmaidens told them they must not quench the firethat it was not a common fire, but was the Holy Spirit whom they must receive,as God wanted to give Him to them.

To one person, the Lord revealed that He is going to do great work through theignorant women and children entrusted in the care of those who looked to Himfor help both temporal and spiritual.

June 29th, 1905, 3:45 pm God graciously poured His Spirit upon many members.Two little girls had the spirit of prayer poured on them in such torrents that theycontinued to pray for hours. They were transformed with heavenly light.

Praying Band Every individual in the community was prayed for everyday byname.

The noise in the church was like the roar of a waterfall.

Ramabai was speaking from John 8 to the Praying Band when Spirit of Prayerfelt she had to stop. Hindu neighbours came running to see what had happened tothe girls. This loud praying still continues unless we absolutely forbid it, whichwe never do unless we feel that the Lord leads us to do so.

One night prayer went on all night in various compounds. The Bible school wasfull of the slain of the Lord who cried for mercy crying with agony for pardon,cleansing and baptism of the Holy Ghost. Then a baptism like a fire within themcame upon them. There was spontaneous jumping, clapping, praising.Satan was also busy and sought to counterfeit all he saw. Some who saw the joyof others thought they could get it by imitating what they had seen others do. Wehave had no experience in work of this kind, and undoubtedly we have oftenmarred the Lords work. Yet the work goes on.

A Spirit of Prayer and supplication for a Revival in India has been poured outlike a flood. In the midst of praying of many at one and the same time, there wasno sense of confusion or disorder. Many little children joined in this long seasonof prayer, sustained in it by the power of the Holy Spirit. The work is of God andman cannot stop it, so long as He can find receptive souls to work it. Some of theworst girls and women have been changed in heart and life. 100 members ofPrayer Band in Mukti had pledged to spend a portion of their time in intercessionfor others.

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Mukti Prayer Bell October 1905I beseech you dear friends and sisters, do not lay down rules for God in regardsto the way in which He shall send the much desired Revival among us. Therevival will certainly come all over India. It will pass by us if we do not allow itto get in us.

I have tried to lay down some rules for Gods work at the beginning of Revival atMukti. I soon found out that I stopped the work of the Holy Spirit by interferingwith it. I humbled myself unto the mighty hands after receiving a serious rebukeand took my hands off the work. The Holy Spirit has full liberty to work in usand He takes charge of the Revival meetings at Mukti.

- Ramabai.

Much of the work was suspended in Mukti during the Revival.

January 1906Mukti Prayer Band were praying for 29,000 people by name (missionaries andcharity workers). The request was that these Indian Christians

a) might be empowered by the Holy Spiritb) that they may become true and faithful witnessesc) for those in authority

The Indian church of today is like the Church of Sardis or Leodocia We givemuch time to look after their souls and ours too. Unless the heads of ChristianInstitutions are willing that the Spirit of God should work in their people andunless the work of saving souls is entrusted to Him, He is not going to do it. Theheads of Christian institutions will keep their people out of the kingdom of heavenif they will not allow them time for fasting and prayer. Nor is this enough theheads themselves must search their own hearts and see if their works are foundperfect before God. - Ramabai

The Lord wants us to give time to our children to enquire into the state of theirown hearts. In doing this, we have excited much criticism but we are contentedto be criticized.

We must be willing to spend and be spent for others, if thereby we may be usedto awaken some souls and encourage them to work for the Lord. We need to keepvery close to Him, and cleave unto dust that He may be glorified in us.

- Ramabai

Prayer Bell 1905Waves of prayer go over meetings like the rolling thunder. The burning work hasto go on to cleanse and empty them for the filling of the Holy Spirit. Somescream, others are shaken, some writhe on the ground. When the Spirit dealswith them, the conflict seems so great that they are almost beside themselves.They have never been taught self-control. So, many extraordinary things takeplace.

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We have worked and worked and worked. Worked ourselves to death and therehas been no fruit unto the Lord. Our works have mostly been works of the fleshand very little of the Spirit. Our work will bear a lasting fruit if we work less andpray more. So for the present the Lord would have us spend more time in prayer.The school work and industrial work have suffered much by letting the girls goto the enquiring room or stay all night and must of the day praying for others andfor themselves.

Prayer Bell 1907Gift of Tongues was given.Ramabai heard one girl praying in English language. She did not know thelanguage. Some other girls uttering only a few syllables. Some repeated certainwords over and over again. Some spoke one or more sentences, and some weresimply groaning as if under a great agony of heart and mind and carrying a greatburden for souls.

Ramabai The Lord gave me a message from His Word by way of explanation ofall that was happening, that I might not give any offense to anybody, by puttingmy hand to the work of God and grieving the Holy Spirit. Here is the message.(1 Cor. 14:21-22, Isa. 28:11-17)

The tongues were given for a sign for unbelievers among us that they may seeand hear of Gods wonderful works and repent of their hardness of heart.

Gift of Prophecy was also given.To many of the praying girls so that they could give Gods message in very clearlanguage taught by the Holy Spirit. Believers and unbelievers were moved alikeby these messages.

Showers of Blessing September 1907Some Results

1. Work of Grace2. Increased humility and unity among girls3. Increasing desire to be approved by God4. Deeper union with the Lord5. Word of God more precious6. Value of the Blood7. Power of His cross.

The fruit of the blessing began to manifest itself in1. Deepening Spiritual life2. Earnest prayer3. Greater zeal in Winning souls for Christ4. Increasing love, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

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Some of the girls who have come under the power of the Holy Spirit have receiveda definite call to preach the gospel. Pandhalpur was laid heavily upon Ramabaisheart. She sent 70 girls to Pandhalpur to share the gospel.

I am not aware that anything like the present Holy Ghost revival has ever visitedIndia before 1905. Spirit of God is visiting us in a very special manner. Spirit ofsupplication has been and is being poured on our children and ourselves. Somespecial features of this revival have stumbled not a few as shaking of the body,other physical demonstration, speaking in different tongues, simultaneous prayerand other such things. Most of these things are attributed to hysteria. I do notmean to say that all those who have come under the influence of the revival haveturned into good angels and perfect people. I looked upon these features withmuch concern for sometime but did not try to interfere with Gods work inanyway.

I have been asked if I thought that the gift of tongues was the only and necessarysign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.My belief From the very first I have believed that the Lord will give what weask for, for He promises to do so. The Lords children have been asking Him togive them the Holy Spirit and He has given this gift in the measure in which theyhave taken it. Tongues is one of the signs of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But,there is no Scripture warrant to think that speaking in tongues is the only andnecessary sign of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Love, Perfect divine love is the only and most necessary sign of the Baptism ofthe Holy Spirit.

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From the Archives

June 3, 1916Manoramabai to Miss Colley on Tongues

Now about Tongues, you did not give me any false impression I understandperfectly that you believed Tongues to be the sign of the Baptism in the HolyGhost.

What I said to you was that many Pentecostal people thought that I was holdingback from acknowledging that tongues was the sign because my mother does notspeak in a tongue. But, I think I want to tell you that they were wrong and that myreason for not acknowledging it was because I did not see it in the Bible, not thatI was afraid of taking a stand in opposition to my mother. When I sought thatPentecostal blessing, it was not on the understanding that I was not yet beenbaptized in the Holy Spirit I could not doubt that I had been very truly baptizedin the Holy Spirit more than a year before I spoke in a tongue. The Lord showedme that He wished me to seek Him until He could speak through my lips and usemy tongue freely and He showed me that when He could speak through me in anunknown tongue, this would be the sign to me that the Lord gained the controlthat He wanted to obtain. So I sought and He very blessedly met me, and fromthat day to this I am so thankful to be able to say that He has never for a moment(so far as I can remember) taken away the gift that He gave at that time althoughI know it is all of grace. I am so utterly unworthy. The Lord held me back fromever saying definitely that Tongues must be the invariable sign of the Baptism. Iwas so full of joy and praises of what God had done for me that I naturallylonged for everyone else to know the same joy and to have the same manifestationas I had received.

In my earnestness I almost began to accept as a truth and to teach that Tongueswere the invariable manifestation of the coming of the Holy Ghost, but I nevercould quite do it, because I could not see that Scripture really taught it. I feel thatit was God who held me back, because it would have been in sincerity to teachsomething that I did not really see in the Scripture,

There are several points in which my dear mother and I do not see alike and yetthey have made no difference in our love for each other. If I were to accept theteaching today that Tongues is the sign of the Pentecostal Baptism, my motherwould not hinder me.

The gift of speaking and praying in a tongue is to me a very sacred and preciousgift. In some cases I have seen what seems to me an irreverent and light use of itand this makes me shrink from going to meetings where I know I shall see andhear me and because of seemingly irreverent spirit which they manifest. I amalso very much afraid of going to extremes and getting switched off on a tangent.I was in great danger of this but God taught me and still is teaching me in Hisown gracious way. I feel I am in His will and He is daily becoming more preciousto me. I know He has His hand upon me and He knows that I desire more than

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anything else to be absolutely at His disposal and under His control.

Yours in the love of Jesus,

Manoramabai.

In Conclusion

And the voice said, Climb! and He said, How shall I climb, the mountainsare steep. I cannot climb. And the voice said, Climb or Perish. There isno second choice for a son of man.

F B MeyerEverything depends whether a man worked for God, allowed God to workthrough him. An instrument rather than an agent O God, I would no longerwork for Thee, but do Thou work through me.

The Annual Report - The Ramabai Association (March 1895)She is laying down her life for her people and so she is telling the people ofIndia what a Christian is, it seems to me a great deal better than we could possiblydo it through definition. A great deal better. She is living the gospel.

Her patience is inexhaustible, her love the unselfish, unbounded love of a truemother and her courage is indomitable. Ramabai looks beneath the surface, shesees the rich gem in their nature and the great possibilities before them and sheputs her whole heart into the work of uplifting them.

Humility of RamabaiThe first thing she said to us, as she gathered us together was, I feel dear workersthat I must be buried out of sight and she meant it and she does mean it, shedoes try to keep out of sight.

The school of suffering was Pandita Ramabais university. What empire iscomparable to that of a soul who from this summit to which God had raised hersees all the things of earth beneath her feet and is captivated by not one of them.She attained by complete surrender to God to such an empire. To her, as to St.Paul and to Martin Luther, Christ was the great Breaker of Bonds and He onlycould proclaim liberty to the captives of her land.

She would have India believe that the souls wealth is the only wealth and allthe wealth is for her stored up in one Beloved Name Christ Jesus.

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All is not poetry with us - she wrote to her friends in America. The prose wehave to read in our lives is very hard. - Ramabai

The poetry of Panditas life welled up from within. It was poetry of deeds, notwords.

The life of her spirit is written on thousands of womens hearts and stored in thememories of her fellow workers who watched her day by day.

Miss Fuller described her a woman of Simplicity, unconscious dignity and perfectcourtesy.

She was tireless though often tired beyond felling never ceasing in prayer,ever gallant in faith and resolute in praising God through fair and foul weather.

She was so wholly given to God, so sold to His will, so utterly and joyously theBond servant of the Lord Jesus Christ that there was no room for self. Shewanted nothing for herself, not merely was she free from the desire of moneyand things but from personal ambition, from any craving for fame or even thelove, appreciation and thanks of those she served.

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