Adoniram Judson

Adoniram Judson was the first overseas missionary from America. He sailed to Burma with his wife Ann in 1812 at the age of 23 after being married only 12 days. Judson wrote Ann’s father this message.

I have now to ask, whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world; whether you can consent to her departure, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of missionary life; whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean, to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death. Can you consent to all this, for the sake of him who left his heavenly home, and died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of Zion, and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with the crown of righteousness, brightened with the acclamations of praise which shall redound to her Savior from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?

He only returned to America once, 33 years later, and then never again.

I pray God gives me the strength to be that kind of disciple. I also have to say how amazing Judson’s wife Ann must have been to leave everything she knew to follow her husband who was following God.

A modern day Ann is out there somewhere.

Interesting Fact - Judson was born 200 years and one day before me.