Judson’s Proclamation over Burma/Myanmar

The news of the recent cyclone Nargis and subsequent humanitarian disaster has brought the world’s attention to the country of Myanmar (Burma).  Many Americans who could have never found Myanmar on a map, much less pronounced the name of the country correctly in conversation, are coming face to face with the reality of thousands of dead and hundreds of thousands on the brink of disaster.  International pressure is increasing on the ruling military junta and voices are continually crying out for democracy and freedom in the region.

What many who watch today’s news may not know about this country is the fact that it was the first country to receive a Protestant American missionary.  In 1812, Adoniram Judson left the comfortable shores of America and began to pour out his life for the people of Burma.  His story is an amazing tale of sacrifice, tenacity, and obedience to the call of Christ.  If you have never read his story, do yourself a favor and read it.  

Here is just a snapshot of the sacrifices he made to leave America to bring the Gospel of Jesus to the nation of Burma:

He lost 5 children and two wives to disease and death. 6 children survived.

Even though he already knew Latin, Hebrew, and Greek, it took him three years of studying 12 hours a day to get the language.

He endured a horrible imprisonment for 17 months where his feet were bound to a large bamboo pole, his hands to another, and at night his feet were lifted higher than his head.  What was Judson doing during these days in prison? Translating the Bible.

He waited 6 years for his first convert and it took him 12 years to get just 18 Burmese believers, but once he died, he left 100 churches, 8000 believers, a Burmese Bible that he translated, and a Burmese-English dictionary which is still the standard used today. Tens of thousands call him a father in the faith today. 

While at the Burmese city of Ava, he gazed at the temple of Buddha and boldly challenged saying,”

“A voice mightier than mine, a still small voice, will ere long sweep away every vestige of thy dominion. The churches of Jesus Christ will soon supplant these idolatrous monuments and the chanting devotees of Buddha will die away before the Christian’s hymns of praise.”

Knowing what is going on in Burma today, I sit wondering when the challenge and prayer of God’s servant, Adoniram Judson, will be fully answered?