William
Carey: Pioneer Missionary (this
edition 2000) by E.A. Annett
Reading biographies of heroes of the faith like William Carey never fails to inspire me to continue to serve the Lord and stop complaining. As much I admire his accomplishments, I'm encouraged the most by his passion and perseverance amidst difficulties. If only young* people nowadays are exposed to great men and women of God of old (not perfect, of course) like Carey, William Tyndale, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, John Sung, Corrie Ten Boom, Catherine Booth, etc. and not to be soo obsessed with K-Pop idols, they will grow stronger in the faith and maturity in the mind. When today's depression causes many youngsters to self-destructive behavior, Charles H. Spurgeon, who was battling with depression until the end of his life, by the grace of God, was able to change the world of Christianity during his time and beyond. How do I know it's possible? Read Christian biographies.
Now, there are lots of things I can say about Mr. Carey and so many lessons I have learned. Let me briefly just share five (5) of them:
1) Evangelism: Winning Lost Souls for Christ. After his conversion, he grows rapidly. He studies the Scripture diligently and has a great interest ("fierce energy of love for the heathen") to reach the lost. One of his first book or booklet that he wrote to share his conviction for reaching the world outside England was entitled, An Enquiry Into the Obligation of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathen ("heathen" is an old word for the ungodly or pagans or unbelievers). The local church wasn't ready for this, but he was very persuasive about it and see to it that God's given-dream be done.
2) Calvinism: Theology on Fire. Now, to be clear, the book doesn't mention his Calvinistic view but simply said that he was a Baptist preacher in England before he went to India. Other biographers, however, stated that he was a devout Calvinist in the matters of a systematic approach to Biblical hermeneutics. And because of his high view of God's sovereignty, he sparked the people's consciousness about their responsibility to share the Gospel to the lost, when he preached a sermon from Isaiah 54:2-3. Two great principles were recorded from this sermon: "Expect great things from God; Attempt great things for God." God alone can do it; God will enable us to do it.
3) Vision: Don't Give Up. From England to India; from a fairly good European life to poverty-stricken missionary life; from suspicious and reluctant support by the Baptist Missionary Society at home to doubtful locals of India; from unreliable partners at first to most faithful brothers (thank God!) like Joshua Marshman and William Ward. In all of these challenges and more, Carey doesn't give up. Only after 6-7 years of ministering tirelessly, then he and his friends saw the first fruits of conversion. Then, as they gain momentum, they started Serampore Mission school, college, and literature classes. When God gave the vision, don't give up... "attempt great things for God" (P.s: The cost of the vision also very heavy for Carey, especially for the family).
4) Bible: People Must Know God's Written Word. E.A. Annett writes: "In early days, while still engaged at his shoemaking, Carey hammered out his system of evangelization. With sanctified genius, he had recognized that the main instrument in the great work must be the Bible translated into the vernaculars of the peoples." With no formal education or any language-grammar training, Carey and his friends - the trio - learned the Indian languages through self-taught and by practice. They, together with Indian pundits, have translated the entire Bible and/or in part into 29+ languages and dialects. One time their printing house was on fire but the next day they started all over again. Just like Martin Luther and William Tyndale, when the people understand the Bible in their languages, reformation - spiritually and intellectually - will unavoidably happen. Such is the power of God's Word unleashed!
5) Humility: In the End, to God Be the Glory. Mr. Carey was the most industrious man. He teaches in the university, he translates the Bible daily, he preaches in the public, he trains new preachers, he studies always, he leading prayer meetings, he wrote letters, he wrote books and pamphlets, he devours every morning to reading and meditating, he defends and protects the Mission from the enemies (both from within and without), he loves to examine insects, birds, and plants, he takes care of his garden and more. Of course, as he gets older, he can't do most of these things. And yet, with all that he has done for God, he never takes off his eyes from the Lord, the One who has done everything through him. One day he responded to his guest, "Mr. Duff, you have been speaking about Dr. Carey, Dr. Carey; when I am gone say nothing about Dr. Carey - speak about Dr. Carey's Savior." Wow! In the little cemetery where he was buried, there is a simple inscription (chosen by himself) that say:
WILLIAM
CAREY
Born
August 17, 1761
Died
June 9, 1834
"A wretched, poor and helpless worm,
On Thy kind
arms I fall."
#ServeToLead #1Book1Week #WilliamCarey #HeroesOfFaith #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain 😊⚡📖
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