Women’s History Month: 5 notable female missionaries

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Rebecca Protten (1718-1780)

Born into slavery in the Caribbean and then trafficked at age 7, Rebecca Protten would eventually be freed and came to Christianity through the work of Moravian missionaries.

Dubbed “the Mother of Modern Missions” by some, Protten engaged in mission work on behalf of Caribbean slaves and, later on, was involved in ministry in Europe and West Africa.

“Protten eventually died in 1780 in the city of Christiansburg, Gold Coast, West Africa, in what is now the nation of Ghana. She led African female slaves to Christ, discipled them, and taught them to read,” wrote Wayne Stapleton of the North American Baptist Conference.

“We praise God for those brothers and sisters who have gone before us with passion for making disciples. Rebecca Protten went before us as a valiant voice sharing the Gospel across three continents.”