Embark on a journey into the extraordinary life of Adoniram Judson, often hailed as one of the first American foreign missionaries. This episode explores his remarkable story, beginning with his early ambitions for fame as an orator, poet, or statesman, writing textbooks, and his restless search for purpose. We follow his transformation, sparked by a sermon on missions, leading him to embrace a "wild, romantic undertaking" with a deep "Concern for the Salvation of the Heathen".Discover the pivotal role Judson played alongside fellow students in the formation of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, the first society of its kind in the United States. The episode recounts his challenging early voyages, including a capture by the French and imprisonment while on a mission seeking support from the London Missionary Society.Arriving in Burma, the narrative follows Judson's dedicated work. We detail his struggle to learn the Burmese and Pali languages and his monumental efforts over decades to create the first comprehensive Burmese grammar and dictionary and, most significantly, translate the entire Bible into Burmese. Learn about the immense difficulties he faced in planting the seeds of Christianity and his complex interactions with Burmese authorities, including a memorable presentation to the emperor.A central part of Judson's story is his harrowing experience during the First Anglo-Burmese War, leading to his brutal imprisonment in the Death Prison at Oung-pen-la. Hear about the horrific conditions he endured and the heroic efforts of his first wife, Nancy Hasseltine Judson, whose courage, persistence, and deep affection were crucial during this time and earned her respect . The episode also mentions the significant contributions of his subsequent wives, Sarah and Emily, who continued to support his work, particularly on the dictionary.The description will also touch upon his later life, his return to America due to health issues where he faced unexpected fame that he found distasteful. Despite physical limitations, he remained dedicated to his mission and the completion of his dictionary until his death at sea. Join us as we explore the challenges, dedication, and lasting legacy of Adoniram Judson's journey "To the Golden Shore".ReferencesAnderson, C. (1987). To the golden shore: The life of Adoniram Judson. Judson Press.
