From Deism to Despair
Adoniram Judson, born on August 9, 1788, in Malden, Massachusetts, was raised in a devout Christian household. However, during his college years at Brown University, he was swayed by the deism of his friend Jacob Eames, leading him to abandon his childhood faith. Pursuing fame and personal glory, Judson embarked on a journey to become a playwright in New York.
A Friend's Death Pierces His Heart
His moment of transformation came during a stay at an inn, where he was disturbed by the agony of a dying man in the next room. The following morning, Judson discovered that the man was none other than his friend Eames. This shocking revelation pierced Judson's heart, leading him to realize his own spiritual lostness. In 1808, he returned home, confessed his sins, and sought forgiveness, marking the beginning of his faith journey.
Called to the Mission Field
Feeling a call to missions, Judson was inspired by Claudius Buchanan's sermon and set his sights on Asia. He joined "The Brethren," a group of mission-minded students, and was instrumental in forming the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions in 1810. In 1812, he married Ann Hasseltine, and they soon sailed for India. During the voyage, Judson's study of baptism led him to embrace Baptist convictions, and he was baptized by immersion in Calcutta.
Perseverance Through Prison and Loss
Judson's mission took him to Burma in 1813, where he and Ann faced numerous challenges, including language barriers, cultural resistance, and personal loss. Despite these hardships, Judson translated the Bible into Burmese and preached the gospel, seeing the first believer baptized in 1819. His perseverance was tested further during the First Anglo-Burmese War when he was imprisoned for 17 months. Yet, he remained undeterred, later stating, "It is possible that my life may be spared; if so, with what ardor and gratitude shall I pursue my work."
Judson's legacy is remarkable. By his death in 1850, there were 100 churches and over 8,000 believers in Burma. His work continues to influence the Christian faith in Myanmar, a testament to Jesus' power to transform lives and communities.
