Adoniram Judson

I am reading a series of books titled Christian Heroes: Then & Now. They are quick reads and are really inspirational! I just finished reading one titled Adoniram Judson: Bound for Burma. Its so interesting to read this mans testimony and how he was completely against Christianity and even told his father after he suggested Adoniram go into the ministry "I would rather go to hell than be a pastor. But if you must know, I don't believe in hell or heaven, or your God, or any of your petty little doctrines. I am a Deist, and I have been for three years." (pg. 30). This was a man who eventually repented of his sins and put his faith and trust in Christ. He then went on to become the first American missionary to Burma or what we now call Myanmar. He did work in Rangoon. You can see Myanmar and Rangoon on the map below:

 

He learned that those who lived in Myanmar did not have their own translation of the scriptures and therefore could not study the word. He devoted his life to the translation of the scriptures into the Burmese language, which took years and years. This is because he had to first learn the language and all its grammatical rules.  He also spent alot of time on his translation because he translated it from its original language (the scriptures) into Burmese. His translation is still the main translation used today in that country. He faced many trials including the loss of children, family members, sickness and imprisonment. Yet he held fast to Christs command to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every nation." He loved the Lord, and while he did not have an easy life, he used it to honor and serve Him. What a great book, I hope you all read it!