From Skeptic to Believer
Born on August 9, 1788, in Malden, Massachusetts, Adoniram Judson was a man of remarkable intellect, initially turning away from his Christian upbringing to embrace skepticism. However, the death of his friend Jacob Eames, who shared his Deist beliefs, shook Judson to his core. As he reflected on the possibility of life beyond death, he questioned, 'Suppose the Scriptures were literally true and a personal God real?' This pivotal moment led him to enroll in Andover Theological Seminary in 1808, marking the beginning of his faith journey.
Setting Sail for the Unknown
By May 1809, Judson had embraced Christianity and joined the Third Congregational Church in Plymouth. Driven by a passion to share the Gospel, he was instrumental in forming the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. His conviction to serve those who had never heard of Jesus led him and his wife, Ann, to set sail for India in 1812. While on this journey, Judson's study of baptism led him to adopt Baptist convictions, resulting in his alignment with the American Baptist Missionary Union. By July 1813, the Judsons arrived in Rangoon, Burma, where they faced the daunting task of learning the language and culture. Despite slow progress, they saw their first convert, Maung Nau, baptized in 1819.
The Death Prison
Their mission was not without trials. During the Anglo-Burmese War in 1824, Judson was imprisoned, suspected of being a spy. He endured 17 grueling months in Ava's 'death prison.' Throughout this ordeal, Ann's relentless efforts to support him and their newborn daughter were a testament to her strength. Upon his release in 1825, Judson's resolve remained unbroken, even as he faced personal losses with the deaths of Ann and their daughter Maria.
The Cross Planted Forever
Judson's dedication bore fruit over time. By his death in 1850, he had translated the Bible into Burmese, leaving a legacy of over 100 churches and 8,000 believers in Burma. His unwavering faith was encapsulated in his words, 'I will not leave Burma until the cross is planted here forever.'