William Carey: The Father of Modern Missions
The Story of William Carey
William Carey was born on August 17, 1761, in the small village of Paulerspury, England. From a young age, he displayed a curious mind and a love for learning, but he grew up in humble circumstances. Initially, Carey worked as a shoemaker, yet his workshop became his classroom, filled with books and maps that sparked his passion for geography and languages. It was during his years as a shoemaker that Carey experienced a profound spiritual transformation and became deeply convicted about the need to share the gospel around the world.
The Turning Point Towards God’s Call
While studying the Bible, Carey was struck by the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
This verse became a life-changing call for Carey. He felt compelled to take the message of Christ to the nations, even though, at the time, many Christians believed that missionary work was unnecessary or impossible. Carey’s passion for missions was often met with skepticism, and in one famous instance, an elder preacher told him, “Young man, sit down. When God pleases to convert the heathen, He will do it without your aid or mine.” Undeterred, Carey dedicated his life to the Great Commission, convinced that God wanted believers to spread the gospel to every corner of the earth.
An Inspiring Story of Carey’s Perseverance
In 1793, Carey, along with his wife and children, sailed for India, facing great uncertainty and hardship. The early years were incredibly difficult. He battled poverty, disease, and the grief of losing loved ones. For seven long years, Carey preached and worked tirelessly without seeing a single person come to faith in Christ. During this time, he often doubted his effectiveness, but he clung to God’s promises, trusting that his labor was not in vain.
One day, his perseverance bore fruit. The first Indian convert, Krishna Pal, accepted Christ and was baptized. It was a moment of great joy and a turning point in Carey’s ministry. Carey’s example of unwavering faith and determination inspired many other missionaries to follow in his footsteps. Despite the trials, he never gave up, famously saying, “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”
The Work He Did to Change the World
Carey’s impact on India and global missions was monumental. He founded the Serampore Mission and dedicated himself to translating the Bible into multiple Indian languages, including Bengali, Sanskrit, and Hindi. He believed that every person should have access to the Word of God in their own language, and he established schools, printed literature, and worked to eradicate harmful cultural practices like sati (the burning of widows). Carey also championed education for girls and established the first degree-awarding university in India.
His work transformed not only the religious landscape but also the cultural and social fabric of the nation. Through his tireless efforts, Carey laid the foundation for the modern missions movement, inspiring countless believers to take up the call to serve as missionaries around the world.
The Verse That Changed His Life
Matthew 28:19 became the cornerstone of Carey’s mission:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
This verse drove his passion to bring the gospel to the lost, no matter the cost, and it guided his every step.
Things to Learn from William Carey
- Perseverance in Adversity: Carey’s story reminds us to remain faithful, even when results are slow to come or obstacles seem insurmountable.
- Vision and Purpose: His unwavering commitment to God’s calling demonstrates the power of having a clear mission and trusting in God’s plan.
- The Importance of Education: Carey’s work in translating the Bible and promoting education shows how transformative knowledge can be when used for God’s glory.
- Compassion for Others: He cared deeply about the well-being of the people he served, working to improve their spiritual and physical lives.
William Carey’s legacy as the “Father of Modern Missions” continues to inspire Christians to pursue the Great Commission with passion and purpose. His dedication to God’s call, despite immense challenges, reminds us that one person’s faithful obedience can bring about lasting change and touch the lives of millions. Through his life, we learn that God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things when they are willing to step out in faith
