Biography of Lottie Moon

Early Life (1840-1880)
Charlotte Digges “Lottie” Moon was born on December 12, 1840, in Charlottesville, Virginia, to a well-educated family. Growing up in a Southern Baptist household, she was encouraged to pursue her education, and she excelled academically. Lottie attended the University of Virginia and later the Albemarle Female Institute, where she developed a strong commitment to her Christian faith.

Call to Missions (1873)
In 1873, inspired by a desire to serve others and spread the Gospel, Lottie felt called to become a missionary. She sailed to China, where she began her work in the city of Tengchow (now Donggang). Her mission focused on evangelizing the local population, especially women and children.

Missionary Work in China (1873-1912)
Lottie faced significant challenges in her missionary efforts, including cultural barriers and the complexities of the Chinese language. She learned Mandarin and adopted local customs to build relationships and gain trust within the community. Lottie established schools and encouraged education for girls, believing that empowering women was essential for societal change.

Advocacy and Impact
Beyond her evangelistic efforts, Lottie became a fierce advocate for social justice. She spoke out against foot binding and other oppressive practices, emphasizing the importance of women’s rights. Her commitment to education and social reform resonated with many, and she became a beloved figure among both Chinese Christians and her fellow missionaries.

Home Mission and Legacy
Lottie Moon returned to the United States for a brief time but continued her work in China until her health declined. She became known for her fundraising efforts to support missions and helped establish the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, which continues to support international missions to this day.

Death and Recognition (1912)
Lottie Moon died on December 24, 1912, in a small village in China, weighing only about 50 pounds due to malnutrition. Her legacy as a dedicated missionary and advocate for women’s education and rights endures. She is remembered for her unwavering faith, compassion, and commitment to serving others.

Legacy
Lottie Moon’s contributions have had a lasting impact on Southern Baptist missions and are celebrated each year through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, which raises funds for international missions. She is honored as a pioneer female missionary and a symbol of dedication to the Gospel and social justice.