Lettie Cowman

Lettie Burd Cowman (March 3, 1870 – April 17, 1960), also known as L.B. Cowman, was an American writer and author of the devotional books Streams in the Desert and Springs in the Valley. Cowman published her books under the author name Mrs. Charles E. Cowman. She was also one of the cofounders of The Oriental Missionary Society (later known as OMS International, and eventually One Mission Society).

Early life

Lettie Burd Cowman was born on March 3, 1870, in Afton, Iowa to Isaac and Margaret Burd. At 13 years of age, she met her future husband, Charles Cowman, a young telegraph operator. Six years later, on June 8, 1889, they were married. Charles was also one of the co-founders of The Oriental Missionary Society. Lettie and Charles lived in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, for the first year of their marriage. After living there for a year, the high altitude of the Rocky Mountains caused Lettie to become very ill. They were forced to move back to Chicago, where they lived for the next 10 years. While there, they were converted at Grace Methodist Episcopal Church.

One Mission Society Japan

The couple trained at Martin Wells Knapp’s God’s Bible School in Cincinnati. On February 1, 1901, the Cowmans left the United States to work as missionaries in Japan. No one expected Streams to be as successful as it was. Cowman was not seeking success during the time she wrote it. When the book was being printed, her publisher was certain they would never publish more than the original printing of 3,000. Yet, many readers found they could connect with Streams because it "spoke to those who had difficulty relating their own sufferings to the noble and eternal purposes of a loving and all-wise God."

Missionary Warrior Charles died in September 1924. After his death, Lettie found a note addressed to her in his Bible, stating, "Go on with my unfinished task."

Published works Streams in the Desert Springs in the Valley Missionary Warrior Consolation (Words of Comfort and Cheer) Count it all Joy Praise Changes Things Sit Still, Until Thoughts for the Quiet Hour Mountain Trailways for Youth Traveling Toward Sunrise Handfuls of Purpose (God-After All)