Missions Moment Spotlight (February 11, 2024) - Betsey Stockton

During this week's missionary moment, we will learn about Betsey Stockton - the first single female American missionary. 

Betsey was born the slave of Robert Stockton who gave the young girl to his daughter, Elizabeth Green, the wife of the president of Princeton University. While living with the Green’s, Betsey was homeschooled along with the children of the household where she learned how to read and pray.

Over time, Betsey learned about the Bible from Princeton seminary students and desired to become a missionary overseas. She would face some obstacles, though, due to her singleness as missionary women were not allowed to be sent overseas without a protector. 

Under the care of Charles Stewart and his wife, Harriet, Betsey Stockton was able to go to the Sandwich Islands (now known as Hawaii) as an overseas missionary in 1823. Betsey worked closely with the commoners of the islands while Mr. and Mrs. Stewart and other missionaries ministered to the elitists. Due to her love for children and desire to see the church flourish, she started the first schools for lower class people in Hawaii and introduced the common people to Christianity. 

Join us at New City at the Mill on Sunday, February 11, 2024, to learn more about Betsey Stockton and her journey as the first single female American missionary.