From Shoemaker to Scholar
Born on August 17, 1761, in Paulerspury, Northamptonshire, England, William Carey's life journey from a shoemaker's apprentice to a pioneering missionary in India is a testament to God's transformative power. Raised in the Church of England, Carey's early years were marked by curiosity and a flair for languages. However, his life took a pivotal turn when a fellow apprentice, John Warr, influenced him to embrace faith more deeply. This culminated in a moment of conviction following an act of dishonesty, leading Carey to recognize his need for Christ. By 1783, he had left the Church of England, was baptized, and became a Baptist pastor.
A Burden for the Unreached World
Carey was deeply troubled by the vast number of people around the world who had not heard about Jesus. Inspired by his readings, including Jonathan Edwards' account of David Brainerd, he became convinced that the Great Commission was a mandate for all Christians. In 1792, he published 'An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens,' urging believers to act. His passionate sermon, 'Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God,' led to the founding of the Baptist Missionary Society.
Despite facing opposition and discouragement, including skepticism from fellow ministers, Carey remained steadfast. In June 1793, he journeyed with his family to India, arriving in Calcutta in November. The early years were grueling, marked by disease, poverty, and personal loss. Yet, Carey's faith never wavered. In 1799, he established a stable base in Serampore, where he and his colleagues formed the Serampore Trio. Carey immersed himself in linguistic work, translating the Bible into multiple Indian languages, thus laying a foundation for future missionary efforts.
Carey's impact extended beyond translations. He founded schools and Serampore College, championing education and social reforms like the abolition of infanticide and sati. After years of perseverance, Carey baptized his first Indian convert, Krishna Pal, in 1800, and by 1821, over a thousand converts had been baptized.
William Carey, known as the 'father of modern missions,' left a legacy that inspired countless others to embrace missionary work. His humility and focus on Christ were evident till his last days, as he instructed, 'When I am gone, say nothing about Dr. Carey; speak about Dr. Carey's Saviour.' Carey's life was a testament to his unwavering belief that 'prayer lies at the root of all personal godliness,' and through his life's work, the glory was given to Jesus.
