Of Whom the World is Not Worthy

Happy birthday to the United States of America! I have read so many posts this weekend on how great the USA is. However, one reason I have not seen mentioned is the fact that this country has revolutionized the world in its heart for missions.

The first Protestant missionaries from the United States to another country were sent out in 1812. Among them were Adoniram and Ann Judson, who ended up in Burma. Adoniram died at sea after laboring in Burma for 37 years. He endured the death of three wives and several children, imprisonment for 18 months in the infamous Ava Death Prison, severe illness, and depression. His legacy included a Bible translation into Burmese that is still in use today and a thriving church.

Judson was soon followed by others who took personally the Lord's commandment to "go into all the world and preach the gospel. . . ." Many of their stories echoed his own. Some packed all their belongings in their caskets, expecting to die in their adopted place of ministry.

My own (Sondra's) parents left family and home behind to minister in Southeast Asia--including Burma--for many years, and I grew up overseas. We owed a great debt of gratitude for the perseverance of those before us, who had opened the door for the Gospel through their sweat, tears, blood, and even death. Up to the present thousands of American missionaries have committed themselves wholeheartedly to the task of world evangelism and mentored others globally to share in that task.

As we celebrate Independence Day today, let us remember those amazing American pioneers "of whom this world is not worthy," who sacrificed all that some might know freedom through Jesus Christ.