When you think of great missionaries, names like Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, or Jim Elliot may come to mind. But tucked into the pages of history is the story of a petite British woman with little formal education, very few resources, and plenty of reasons to disqualify herself from God’s service. Yet her life is a radiant testimony that our God delights in using those the world calls “least likely.”

There’s a story that has been sitting in my heart, and I believe it’s one we all need to hear. It’s the story of Jarena Lee, a woman who lived more than two centuries ago, but whose courage still whispers into our lives today. Hers was not an easy road. She was dismissed, overlooked, and told “no” again and again. And yet—her obedience to God blazed a trail for women of faith to follow.

There are women in history who quietly shaped the soul of the Church not by standing in spotlights but by kneeling in surrender. One of those women is Fanny J. Crosby, a blind poet and hymn writer whose songs still echo through our sanctuaries and hearts today.

Mahalia Jackson, known as the “Queen of Gospel,” was one of the most influential singers of the 20th century. But her story is much more than her incredible voice—it’s a testimony of faith, perseverance, and purpose rooted in a deep love for God.

Bilquis Sheikh was born December 12, 1912, into a noble Muslim family, surrounded by wealth and privilege. She married General Khalid Masud Sheikh, a respected government official. Her life was filled with purpose and influence as she immersed herself in politics and social work, feeling the strength of her voice and the reach of her actions. Yet, her world was shattered when her husband abandoned her, leaving her heart heavy with bitterness and disappointment. Seeking solace and a new beginning, she moved to the quiet village of Wah.