Mary Slessor grew up in the slums of Dundee in the 1800’s. Industry was booming but housing was sub- standard and life expectancy was low. Illness, disease and malnutrition killed many children before they reached the age of five. Mary was lucky – born into a poor family, abused by her father – she was still alive.
Dundee was Mary’s training ground for a far fiercer battle. Mary left the shores of Scotland while only in her early twenties to immerse herself in reaching the lost tribes of Calibar in West Africa. Her preparation in the slums of Dundee was the key ingredient to her success on the mission field – that and her tireless trust and belief in her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He was the reason she was there.
Calibar today still remembers Mary Slessor, affectionately known as “Ma”, her influence on that area of Africa was astounding.
Superstition demanded that families kill twin babies and murder slaves and women at funerals – the Lord Jesus Christ that Mary Slessor brought to these people set them free from all that. They were set free from the law of sin and death.
Mary Slessor: What is it like? (Little Lights)
Mary Slessor was a fiery young red head who lead a tough life. From the slums of Dundee in Scotland she travelled to the wild jungles of Africa. Wherever she went she shared the good news of Jesus Christ. What was it like to work in a jute mill in Dundee or to work amongst warrior tribes in Africa? It was hard work, it was dangerous – but it was an adventure to be working for God.