Zilpha Elaw
v. 1790-apr. 1873 19th century
Going anyway, without waiting to be equipped.
Who was Zilpha Elaw?
Born free near Philadelphia, placed with a Quaker family after her mother's death, she was converted as a girl at a Methodist camp meeting. Widowed at thirty-three, she began to preach (a black woman in the pulpit, which neither her church nor the law had provided for) and carried her preaching into the slave states, where her colour alone would have been enough to have her sold. She spent five years preaching in England, and published there, in 1846, the account of her life.
In their own words
I could not at the time imagine it possible that God should select and appoint so poor and ignorant a creature as myself to be his messenger, to bear the good tidings of the gospel to the children of men.
I solemnly pledged myself to the Lord, that if He would again bestow on me the aids of His Holy Spirit, I would go forth in His ministry just as I was, not waiting for any further provision or preparation, but trusting alone in His holy word.
When I arrived in the slave states, Satan much worried and distressed my soul with the fear of being arrested and sold for a slave, which their laws would have warranted, on account of my complexion and features.
Truly, in those days, my peace flowed as a river, and the light of God's countenance continually shone upon me; my path grew brighter and brighter, and my soul was stayed upon his gracious word and promises.