Born in 1910 in Macedonia, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu (Mother Teresa) grew up under the threat of war as the Albanians rose up against the Turks. Despite difficult times, her mother, who was a dressmaker, found time to help the poor.
As a young girl, Agnes began to go with her mother to help the sick, the shut-in, and the lonely. These early days as a caregiver brought out a tenderness for those less fortunate than Agnes. By the age of eighteen, she had a passionate determination to dedicate her life to serving God.
After a six-week stay in Ireland to study English, Agnes arrived in Calcutta in January 1929. In 1931, she took her vows in the Catholic Church, taking the name Sister Teresa.
Though Mother Teresa began her service to God as a teacher, her mission eventually took her to the poverty-ridden streets of Calcutta, giving food, clothing, and dignity to society's discards, "the poorest of the poor."
In outlining the duties of her newly formed order, she set simple guidelines: Go to the poorest of the poor, visit them continuously, show Christ's love for them and awaken their response to His great love by feeding, clothing and loving them.
She lived in the belief that the moment we give something to God in prayer it becomes infinite. Today her work continues. Though she has gone on to her eternal reward, her mission continues because she gave herself and her ministry to God.
Remember the same is true of your mission. Every life you touch for Jesus becomes an eternal reward.
Excerpt permission granted by Albury Publishing