On the long 6 hour trip to Ohio I had a whole lot of time to get some reading done. I was really glad for this opportunity because I feel like I've been so busy that I don't have time to read. During the trip I successfully completed the book "Getting Thing Done" by David Allen. That was a great book with a whole lot of good information. I'm really thankful to my Pastor and Brother Ronnie for letting me borrow that book. I've been busy trying to implement his lessons into my life.
I also got to read a short book which went over the "highlights" of Adoniram Judson's life. I put "highlights" in quotes because his life was anything but a wonderful highlighter. He endured much suffering to share the wonderful Gospel of Jesus Christ. I would like to share with you the letter which he wrote to his first wife's father when he asked Ann's hand in marriage. The letter caught my attention and I want you to think about your response to receiving such a letter.
"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 a missionary life; whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean; to the fatal influence of the souterhn 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?"
Adoniram knew that the life he was going to face wasn't one of ease, but he knew how profitable it would be. Imagine receiving such a letter to ask you to give up someone so dear... The thought comes to my mind; is it to much to give up everything if only one person is rescued from the fires of hell. This was a willing choice which Adoniram to serve the Lord when he knew full well that it would end his life. It is amazing that an atheist man turned to God and became so convinced that he gave his life to win many Burmese to the Lord. He loved God
Consider yourself,
If you all have thoughts you can feel free to comment. Thanks! Have a Great Day!
BenH
As Krinny often reminds us, those missionaries (including the Judsons) shipped their belongings over in a coffin, expecting to die on the mission field.
Good thoughts, Ben... thanks for sharing.
Yes, Ben, it is a sobering thought to realize that the Lord has allowed us to pick up the torch that Judson and many others laid down along with their lives. Pray for us. The job is not over yet. Krinny Gaudet