September 9, 2026
— Ralph R. Covell, Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity · Source: BDCC, "Noyes, Harriet Newell" (reprinted from Biographical Dictionary of Christian Missions)
Romans 8:21 ...that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
For about half a century missionary Harriet Noyes ran schools for girls and women in Canton, and through them many who would otherwise never have been taught came to know the Gospel. As revealed in Romans 8:21, Christ's salvation is not only the forgiveness of sins, but also the complete liberation of humanity from all meaningless bondage and decay. In the face of life's chains, true freedom is not doing whatever we want, but courageously living out the dignity and glory of God's children within His love and truth.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us out of darkness and into Your marvelous light with Your love. Guide us to see clearly the vanities and bondages in our lives, and grant us steadfast faith so that we are no longer held captive by worldly anxieties and old mindsets. May Your truth shape our hearts, enabling us to live out the glorious freedom of the children of God daily, and to be a light and blessing in our lives, bringing Your freedom and grace to many more. Amen.