Mary Slessor

Mary Slessor's life in a nutshell

Mary Slessor wasn’t afraid of what might happen to her if she went to Africa, but of what might happen to others if she didn’t go.

Mary Slessor wasn’t afraid to risk her own life to bring the truth to those who needed it, but of the eternity they faced without God.

Mary Slessor wasn’t afraid of what man thought of her, but of what God would think.

Mary Slessor wasn’t afraid because God was always watching over her and guiding her every step of the way.

Mary was certainly a brave woman.

As a youth Mary faced down the toughest of bullies and helped lead them to Christ. She soon learned that bullies were nothing more than puffed up cowards.

She also hated alcohol vehemently, her own father was a drunk and many of Mary’s siblings died because of it. Mary learned that alcohol was a definite way to ruin your life.

But what makes Mary stand out the most is her love. Mary loved the un-lovely, the mysterious Efik peoples of Calabar, Africa. (Calabar is now present day Nigeria)


Once on the mission field Mary soon realized the enormous task ahead of her, but with God’s grace she managed to stop human sacrifices, twin murders, widow executions, superstitions, demon and spirit worship, wars and the use of alcohol.

Mary started schools, orphanages, churches, missions, trade routes, better government and daily life in general.

But the most important thing that Mary brought to the Efiks in Calabar was the knowledge of a loving Savior. God used Mary greatly!

A note that was written in her Bible says- “It were worth while to die, if thereby a soul could be born again!”

When later asked what kind of awards she hoped to receive at a mission’s conference Mary replied, “What would I do with Starry crowns, except to cast them at His feet?”

There is so much more to be told, but you will have to read the book!