Life and Service of Adoniram Judson
Full Name: Adoniram Judson
Father’s Name: Senior Adoniram Judson
Mother’s Name: Abigail
Birthplace: Malden, Massachusetts, USA
Wife’s Name: Ann Hasseltine
Birth: August 9, 1788
Death: April 12, 1850
Service and Achievements:
Adoniram Judson endured many hardships and struggles while spreading the Gospel in Burma. He translated the Bible into Burmese and remained in the country until his death. He did not have a grave on land; he was given a sea burial.
Challenges in Service:
Judson desired to take the Gospel to lands where it was not known and save souls. On July 13, 1813, he arrived in Burma. People there considered those who preached Christ as crazy, and he was imprisoned and sent to Rangoon.
Even in a dirty, difficult town filled with strange customs and practices, he learned the Burmese language and shared the Gospel with the people. Despite many challenges, he was determined to reach Buddhists for Christ. His efforts bore fruit when, six years later, a man named Mann Son accepted Christ.
As the Gospel grew, the king passed a law forbidding the spread of any religion except Buddhism. Judson, however, remembered God’s promises and continued boldly, relying on God’s strength. He faithfully preached for 16 years, baptized hundreds, translated the Bible into Burmese, and even wrote a Burmese-English dictionary.
During this time, his eight-month-old son died. Later, when the British occupied Burma, they falsely accused Judson of giving secrets to them and imprisoned him for 20 months. During his imprisonment, his wife brought Bible translations and their daughter to see him. Tragically, after returning from prison, he found that his wife and daughter had passed away.
After 33 years of service, Judson’s health declined due to tuberculosis. He began a sea journey for treatment but died in 1850 during the voyage. His body was buried at sea by the ship’s crew at 4:10 a.m. on April 12, 1850.
In his 30 years of service, Judson established 63 churches with 7,000 members. Today, there are 163 missionaries continuing the work he began.
Famous Saying:
“I will stay here until the cross is firmly established.”
This asks us to reflect: Are we steadfast in the work God has given us? Judson remained faithful in his mission and accomplished great things for God.
Scripture Reference (1 Peter 5:10):
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
Life will bring hardships. If we stand firm in the Lord, He will do great works through us and strengthen us in Him. May God grant us that grace. Amen.