Mercy at Midnight: How One Courageous Woman Set Prisoners Free

by Lois Hoadley Dick

Matilda Wrede (1864-1928) was a young, wealthy member of the Finnish nobility who gave up a life of privilege to take the gospel to prisoners and work on their behalf for social justice. Referred to as a 'friend of prisoners,' she started visiting prisons in Finland at the age of 20. Mercy at Midnight offers a good story, an inspiring Christian example, and an interesting look at Finland and its culture.

Genres: Biography, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2002

Reviews

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely written for a younger audience but still enjoyable. What an incredible story of a woman willing to place her life in the hands of God.

[Camiwar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matilda Wrede was born a baroness in Finland in 1964. She said, "A life placed in the hands of God will surely be used by Him." She surely lived her life by this motto as she was dedicated to visiting prisoners and advocating for improvements in the deplorable prison conditions. Although part of a wealthy family, she chose to use her resources to help others and rejected a life of luxury for herself. I was inspired by this piece of history that I was not aware of before reading this book.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really amazing book about a young woman so passionate about her love for God that she could not help but let that spill over into serving others. She shows such amazing faith in the gracious promises of God in the face of all sorts of trials and her story reminds us yet again of how great a God we worship.

[Jennie-Lee~abookishwonderer~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very touching and inspiring story about a woman called by God to take his word to the prisons of Finland and teach tell the prisoners of his love and forgiveness. I enjoyed reading it and would read it again. I would recommend it to others to read.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wealthy woman decides to minister to downtrodden prisoners. I didn't agree with her actual preaching methods, but overall this was a somewhat inspiring book.

[Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story about a girl who allowed God to work through her life in prison ministry in the 1800's.