David Brainerd – The Weak but Mighty Missionary
Full Name: David Brainerd
Birthplace: Haddam, Connecticut, USA
Parents: Hezekiah and Dorothy Brainerd
Date of Birth: April 20, 1718
Date of Death: October 9, 1747
Born Again Experience: At the age of 21
Life and Ministry
David Brainerd was born in Haddam, Connecticut, in the United States on April 20, 1718. From his childhood, he used to think deeply about the soul and life after death. He always longed for peace in his heart and desired to reach heaven after death.
At the age of nine, he lost his father, and when he was fourteen, his mother also passed away. Becoming an orphan at such a young age, David felt lonely and sad. Yet, he stayed away from bad company and spent most of his time in secret prayer and Bible reading.
When he turned twenty-one, he experienced a deep spiritual change. He realized that salvation is not by human efforts but only by God’s grace. From then on, he dedicated his life completely to serve Christ.
Calling and Mission
David Brainerd was a man of prayer and great devotion. Many churches invited him to serve as their pastor, but he refused because his heart was burdened for the Native American “Red Indians.” He wanted to take the message of Jesus Christ to them.
He traveled into the dense forests of America and reached the tribal people after great hardship. Those people were wild and known for cruel practices, but Brainerd decided to live among them, pray for them, and preach the Gospel day and night.
Though he did not know their language, and they did not know his, he never lost hope. God provided him a translator — a man who was once a drunkard and idol worshipper. While helping Brainerd, that man heard the Gospel, repented of his sins, and became a believer. Soon, many others followed him and accepted Jesus Christ.
Life of Sacrifice
Brainerd lived in the forests under harsh conditions. Many times, he had to ride 10–15 miles on horseback just to get a piece of bread. Often the bread was moldy and hard, yet he thanked God for it. He drank dirty water from pits and slept on straw laid over a wooden board.
He had no close friends to comfort or encourage him. Whenever he felt lonely, he found strength in prayer and the presence of God. His diary tells how he prayed with tears for the salvation of souls and how God answered him with miracles. His writings still inspire many servants of God today.
Brainerd’s ministry was like a battlefield. He fought like a soldier to free people from the traps of Satan. He labored for souls with great passion, both in public and in private. Jonathan Edwards, who later wrote about his life, said, “David Brainerd is a guide to all who wish to serve God successfully.”
End of His Life
Brainerd never cared about comfort or health. He suffered from sickness and weakness, yet continued to preach. His body became very weak due to the hardships of missionary life, but his spirit stayed strong.
He once wrote in his diary, “Even if I am weak and suffer much, if I can lead many to Christ before I die, that will be worth ten thousand lives.” He also said, “If I had a thousand souls, I would give them all to God.”
Finally, on October 9, 1747, early on a Friday morning, as the sun was rising, David Brainerd said,
“Jesus has come. He delays no longer. Soon I shall be with Him in glory, praising God with the angels.”
And with those words, he peacefully went to be with the Lord.
Though he lived only 29 years, and served actively for just 4 years, his ministry impacted the world far more than many who lived long lives. His faith, prayer, and sacrifice still challenge and inspire believers even today.