Lottie Moon
From skeptic of Christianity to fearless missionary, Lottie Moon is remembered for more than the name of an offering.
From skeptic of Christianity to fearless missionary, Lottie Moon is remembered for more than the name of an offering.
A young woman serving as a clerk for the Foreign Mission Board signed for the small brown package. She probably wasn’t aware at the time that the package contained the ashes of Charlotte Digges Moon — the Lottie Moon who was loved in China and revered in the U.S. and whose legacy would become a symbol of Southern Baptist missions around the world.
Forced out of China due to malnutrition and sickness, Lottie’s 50-pound frame could not survive the journey back to the United States. Though thousands mourned her passing, her life’s work in China represented eternity to many. She was the missionary who believed strongly in the teaching of young girls and started schools, though the community’s men scorned her for it. She passionately spoke out against the gruesome practice of foot-binding, offering relief to hundreds of girls whose families were swayed by Lottie’s persuasive arguments against it. She visited thousands of homes to teach the Scriptures, evangelized while she walked from village to village, and led in her Chinese church. She wrote letters back to the U.S. pleading for more funds, more workers and more prayer.
Near the end of her ministry, she had given of herself, her food, her supplies so completely, that she had little left on this earth, but riches abundant in heaven.
Lottie Moon in China
IMB Photo
Lottie Moon in China
IMB Photo
Missionaries in China, including Jesse B. Hartwell (back center), C.W. Pruitt (back right), Lottie Moon (lower left), Anna B. Hartwell (daughter of Jesse, second from left), Anna Pruitt (second wife of C.W. Pruitt, second from right).
IMB Photo
Lottie Moon, center, with missionary nurses Ella Jeter, left, and Jessie Pettigrew.
IMB Photo
