In Remembrance of Maud Kells (1939-2023)
Maud Kells was promoted to glory on 26th October 2023. What a remarkable women of God she was.
I’ll never forget spending some wonderful times with her, listening to her as she spoke at Keswick, working with her on her books and travelling with her as she spoke at events. The Maud one saw in public life was the same Maud in her private life.
I stayed with her once and had the privilege of joining her for her morning devotions - her closeness to and joy in the Lord were remarkable.
I’ve read a lot of Missionary biographies and one thing that has been strikingly similar is their use of ‘Daily Light’ - a devotional for each morning and evening. Maud also used this - her copy was tatty from much use!
At 25 years of age Maud went to the Congo as a medical missionary with WEC International. She went to replace others who had been recently martyred. Years later she herself found herself close to death on the floor of her own operating theatre. A rebel soldier’s bullet went straight through her and only the Lord's grace and her presence of mind saved her life in the end. Pushing her back against the wall to stop the flow of blood, she gave herself enough time for other medical staff to come to her aid. Crying out to God, she prayed: "'Lord, are you taking me now?...‘I’m ready to go, Lord. But there are a few things I’d like to finish off on earth before I go.'" *
The Lord answered and honoured that cry. She continued to serve him post her recovery.
Maud was awarded an OBE from Prince William.
She’s with Jesus now, which is far, far better.
I count it a real privilege to have known her.
--
Jonathan Carswell
Founder and CEO, 10ofthose.com
*Maud Kells, An Open Door: A True Story of Courage in the Congo (pg 9)
