Adoniram Judson (1788-1850) – Missionary to Burma
July 1813, Rangoon, Burma (Yangon, Myanmar): One of the first things to capture the attention of the 25 year old Judson, was the 13 story Shwedagon pagoda. Covered with one inch of pure gold, and housing the “tooth relic” of Buddha, this temple built in 500 B.C. was the center of Buddhist devotion in Burma. In some ways, the “Golden Kingdom,” has changed little, but a sense of God’s outpouring with the gospel being preached, is being felt and seen in this nation and people.
Adoniram and Ann Judson of Malden, Massachusetts were the first American missionaries sent to a foreign continent. They arrived in India, just two weeks after being married in the United States, and their intention was to work with the London Missionary Society in reaching souls in Calcutta, India, but their love and interest in Burma caused them to depart India for Burma one year later. Judson was passionate about seeing Christ’s kingdom established in this nation which had never heard or known the name of Jesus, causing him to learn the language, and bond with the people, embracing local culture and practice.
His sensitivity and bonding with culture, was a hallmark of his life,and one of his first ministry models was to build a “Zayat,” which was a bamboo type hut with a thatched roof, which was specifically built and placed at the edge of one’s property. The zayat’s function in local culture was for the purpose of hosting visitors, and Judson sat here daily welcoming the local people, and sharing in conversation, and relationship building, all with the goal of sharing the gospel of Christ, and God’s promise of eternal life. Most of Judson’s visitors quickly lost interest in these discussions, but faith was sparked in one man, Maung Naw, a hill tribe timber worker. He was baptized within 2 months of the initial Zayat meetings.
Judson would also walk and pray on the temple grounds of the Shwedagon to engage Buddhist monks in discussions of faith, but the challenges were so great to reach men, because Buddhism’s deep entrenchment in the culture. He once commented that making a convert in Rangoon was “like drawing the eye-tooth of a live tiger.” Judson labored for 12 years seeing 18 souls come to saving faith. It was a challenging field, but his labor paved the way for a great harvest of souls which continues today.
Judson’s suffering was enormous. He was twice a widower, first to Ann Hasseltine, and then to Sarah Hall Boardman. After this Judson married a third time, and was survived by his wife, Emily Chubbick. Three of his children died from illness and tropical disease. He was arrested and imprisoned on the false charges of being a spy for England (though he was an American!), and was caged like an animal in a bamboo cell, being placed in the direct hot tropical sun. This torture was carried out on and off for 17 months. He was not forgotten by God, and his faith remained strong throughout his entire life.
The Fruit of His Life and Labor
When he began his ministry in Burma, Judson possessed a vision and goal before his death, to translate the Bible, and see a Bible based church planted with 100 disciples. Upon death, his Bible translation was complete, and over 100 churches were planted, with 8,000 believers, and 163 missionaries raised up to serve in Burma. His translation of the Bible from Greek and Hebrew to Burmese remains the most popular, and most accurate, today, as does his English-Burmese dictionary, which is the most consulted work of its kind. The work of writing and translating was so taxing that Judson’s eyesight was affected by reason of penning the written language, which consists of an endless combination of hoops and circles. (Jesus Christ is Lord: (Burmese): ယေရှုခရစ်သည် သခင်ဖြစ်သည်။)
The best and most comprehensive biography of Adoniram Judson is: “To the Golden Shore,” written by Courtney Anderson. I could not read it without getting a renewed sense of spiritual burden and obligation for the people of Myanmar.
Burma Today: 4 Million Followers of Jesus
Today, there are 4 million believers in Christ in the nation of Myanmar, all being attributable to the faithful beginnings of Judson’s faith in God, and his love for the people of Burma. Many Christian families feel it a great honor to name a son, Judson, in respect and gratitude of the man who brought the gospel to Burma. Today, some of the tribes of Myanmar have been largely reached for Christ. The “Karen” people, once considered wild and unreachable, are today 40 percent Christian. The “Kachin” people are 90 percent, and the “Chin” people are 95 percent Christian. Each year in July, Baptist churches throughout Myanmar celebrate, “Judson Day,” commemorating the day that Adoniram Judson and his wife, Ann Haseltine arrived in their nation to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Each time I go to Myanmar, I walk the Shwedagon pagoda in prayer, asking God for the souls of men in this nation. I’ve had the chance to share the simple gospel of Christ many times in this place, communicating the story of Jesus with monks, students, and common people alike. I’m passionate about serving churches and leaders in this beautiful nation.
A Quote about Adoniram Judson: “One man’s life has left a great impact on a nation and the world, with a rich legacy of faith.”
