Dr. Eleanor Chesnut: Expendable for God's Service Part 1

Have you ever felt expendable? That's exactly how Dr. Eleanor Chesnut felt growing up. Her relatives treated the orphan like a burden, and Eleanor resented it until the day she gave her heart to Jesus. From that time forward, Eleanor considered her "expendability" a gift that she could give to God for His work.Dr. Eleanor Chesnut's story is one of the most selfless and moving testimonies I have ever heard. Listen and be inspired to be expendable for God's service. Resources: Asia Harvest – Eleanor Chesnut Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity – Eleanor Chesnut PC(USA): The Murder of Eleanor Chesnut

As a young girl, Ruth promised the Lord that she would serve Him in China. Yet when the opportunity finally came, she was anything but eager. This is the remarkable story of a young woman who surrendered her own plans and simply let God choose her for His work. Her life became one faith-filled adventure after another as she witnessed His miraculous protection, provision, favor, and power. He delivered her through impossible situations, prospered the work of her hands, and moved mountains on her behalf. As you listen to Ruth’s story, you’ll be encouraged to trust God’s plan for your own life and simply let Him choose you for His work.Resources:The Good Hand of Our God by Ruth Hitchcock

As a young girl, Ruth promised the Lord that she would serve Him in China. Yet when the opportunity finally came, she was anything but eager. This is the remarkable story of a young woman who surrendered her own plans and simply let God choose her for His work. Her life became one faith-filled adventure after another as she witnessed His miraculous protection, provision, favor, and power. He delivered her through impossible situations, prospered the work of her hands, and moved mountains on her behalf. As you listen to Ruth’s story, you’ll be encouraged to trust God’s plan for your own life and simply let Him choose you for His work.Resources:The Good Hand of Our God by Ruth Hitchcock

As a young girl, Ruth promised the Lord that she would serve Him in China. Yet when the opportunity finally came, she was anything but eager. This is the remarkable story of a young woman who surrendered her own plans and simply let God choose her for His work. Her life became one faith-filled adventure after another as she witnessed His miraculous protection, provision, favor, and power. He delivered her through impossible situations, prospered the work of her hands, and moved mountains on her behalf. As you listen to Ruth’s story, you’ll be encouraged to trust God’s plan for your own life and simply let Him choose you for His work.Resources:The Good Hand of Our God by Ruth Hitchcock

As Billy Graham’s ministry grew from a local church to a global stage, Ruth was left to raise their five children largely on her own.In this episode, we look at the life Ruth built at home, including settling near her parents, participating in and serving her local community, and finding purpose “on the sidelines” while Billy was away.We also talk about the times she traveled with him and what it cost her to step in and out of that world. What does it look like to build a full life while someone you love is out changing the world? Ruth’s answer might surprise you.Resources:An Odd Cross to Bear: A Biography of Ruth Bell Graham by Anne Blue WillsRuth, A Portrait: The Story of Ruth Bell Graham by Patricia Cornwell

When Ruth arrived at Wheaton College, she planned to become an “old maid missionary” to Tibet, not fall in love with a transfer student named Billy Graham.In this episode, we follow Ruth and Billy’s unlikely courtship, including their first date, Ruth’s determined attempts to convince Billy to become a missionary, and the ultimatum that finally brought them together.We also talk about their early years of marriage, their arguments and compromises, and some of Ruth’s favorite pieces of advice. You’ll love this story of two imperfect people learning to love each other, forgive each other, and work together in marriage.Resources:An Odd Cross to Bear: A Biography of Ruth Bell Graham by Anne Blue WillsRuth, A Portrait: The Story of Ruth Bell Graham by Patricia Cornwell

Have you ever felt like God wasn’t listening or didn’t care about how you felt?In this episode, we look at Ruth’s early years as a tenderhearted creative growing up in China with missionary parents who both worked at a local hospital. Although Ruth struggled with schoolwork and homesickness, she was sent to boarding school at age fourteen to complete her high school education.While there, she begged God and her family to bring her home, but neither responded in the way she had hoped. Crushed and heartbroken, Ruth suffered a crisis of faith. Listen to discover how Ruth’s older sister, Rosa, encouraged her and how that encouragement became a cornerstone of Ruth’s walk with the Lord.Resources:An Odd Cross to Bear: A Biography of Ruth Bell Graham by Anne Blue WillsRuth, A Portrait: The Story of Ruth Bell Graham by Patricia Cornwell

Karen Lafferty is one of the early pioneers of the Jesus Movement and a beloved voice in Christian music. Best known as the composer of the scripture song "Seek Ye First," Karen shares the remarkable story behind the song that has encouraged believers around the world for decades.In this episode of Women Worth Knowing, Karen reflects on her years with Calvary Chapel and Maranatha! Music, how God led her into missions through Youth With A Mission, and the vision behind founding Musicians For Missions International. She also opens up about the personal journey that compelled her to write her biography, Seek Ye First: The Karen Lafferty Story, revealing the healing love and faithfulness of God through every season of life.Whether you've sung Seek Ye First for years or are hearing Karen's story for the first time, this conversation is a beautiful reminder to keep Jesus at the center and trust Him with the unfolding story of your life.ResourcesWebsite: KarenLafferty.com and YWAMSantaFe.orgInstagram: @KarenLaffertyMusicFeatured Book: Seek Ye First: The Karen Lafferty Story — Karen's inspiring memoir, available at KarenLafferty.com and Amazon.

Karen Lafferty is one of the early pioneers of the Jesus Movement and a beloved voice in Christian music. Best known as the composer of the scripture song "Seek Ye First," Karen shares the remarkable story behind the song that has encouraged believers around the world for decades.In this episode of Women Worth Knowing, Karen reflects on her years with Calvary Chapel and Maranatha! Music, how God led her into missions through Youth With A Mission, and the vision behind founding Musicians For Missions International. She also opens up about the personal journey that compelled her to write her biography, Seek Ye First: The Karen Lafferty Story, revealing the healing love and faithfulness of God through every season of life.Whether you've sung Seek Ye First for years or are hearing Karen's story for the first time, this conversation is a beautiful reminder to keep Jesus at the center and trust Him with the unfolding story of your life.ResourcesWebsite: KarenLafferty.com and YWAMSantaFe.orgInstagram: @KarenLaffertyMusicFeatured Book: Seek Ye First: The Karen Lafferty Story — Karen's inspiring memoir, available at KarenLafferty.com and Amazon.

Karen Lafferty is one of the early pioneers of the Jesus Movement and a beloved voice in Christian music. Best known as the composer of the scripture song "Seek Ye First," Karen shares the remarkable story behind the song that has encouraged believers around the world for decades.In this episode of Women Worth Knowing, Karen reflects on her years with Calvary Chapel and Maranatha! Music, how God led her into missions through Youth With A Mission, and the vision behind founding Musicians For Missions International. She also opens up about the personal journey that compelled her to write her biography, Seek Ye First: The Karen Lafferty Story, revealing the healing love and faithfulness of God through every season of life.Whether you've sung Seek Ye First for years or are hearing Karen's story for the first time, this conversation is a beautiful reminder to keep Jesus at the center and trust Him with the unfolding story of your life.ResourcesWebsite: KarenLafferty.com and YWAMSantaFe.orgInstagram: @KarenLaffertyMusicFeatured Book: Seek Ye First: The Karen Lafferty Story — Karen's inspiring memoir, available at KarenLafferty.com and Amazon.