The Extraordinary Life of William Carey, Pioneer Missionary and Father of Modern Missions

William Carey (1761-1834),widely known as the "Father of Modern Missions," was an extraordinary pioneer whose life and work revolutionized the Christian missionary movement. From his humble beginnings as a shoemaker to his groundbreaking contributions in India, Carey's unwavering faith and relentless spirit left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire believers worldwide.

The Life of William Carey, Shoemaker & Missionary

by George Smith

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Language	:	English
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Early Life and Humble Beginnings

William Carey was born on August 17, 1761, in Northamptonshire, England, to a family of modest means. His father worked as a weaver, and his mother was a devout Christian. From a young age, Carey developed a deep interest in spirituality and a strong commitment to his faith.

Despite his family's financial challenges, Carey received a basic education at the local village school. However, his formal schooling ended at the age of 14 when he was apprenticed to a shoemaker. During his apprenticeship, Carey dedicated his spare time to studying the Bible, reading widely, and improving his knowledge.

A Call to Missions

In 1781, Carey experienced a life-changing event that ignited his passion for missions. While listening to a sermon on the Great Commission, he was deeply moved by the words of Jesus: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19).

Carey's heart was stirred, and he realized that he was called to spread the gospel to those who had not yet heard the message of salvation. Despite his limited education and lack of financial resources, Carey felt an overwhelming compulsion to obey Christ's command.

Founding the Baptist Missionary Society

In 1792, Carey joined forces with a group of like-minded individuals to form the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS). This organization became the first Protestant missionary society to send missionaries to India.

Carey's vision for the BMS was to establish a permanent mission in India, where missionaries would translate the Bible into local languages, preach the gospel, and establish schools and hospitals. He believed that the best way to spread Christianity was to empower local people to read the Bible for themselves and to become self-supporting in their faith.

Journey to India

In 1793, Carey, along with his wife Dorothy and son Felix, embarked on a perilous journey to India. They arrived in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in November of that year, facing immense challenges and opposition from both the British East India Company and local authorities.

Undeterred, Carey and his family settled in a small village called Malda, where they began to learn the Bengali language and customs. They also established a school and a printing press, which they used to produce Bibles and other Christian literature in local languages.

Missionary Work in India

Carey's missionary work in India was marked by several significant achievements:

• Translation of the Bible: Carey is considered the "Father of Vernacular Bible Translation" for his pioneering work in translating the Bible into Indian languages. He translated the entire Bible into Bengali and parts of the Bible into several other Indian languages, making the Scriptures accessible to millions of people.
• Education: Carey established a school in Malda, which later became Serampore College. This institution played a crucial role in educating Indian students in both secular and theological subjects.
• Social Justice: Carey was a strong advocate for social justice. He spoke out against the caste system, promoted the education of women, and worked to improve the lives of the marginalized in Indian society.
• Agricultural Innovations: Carey's practical skills as a former shoemaker extended to his missionary work. He introduced new agricultural techniques and crops, such as indigo and potatoes, to help improve the economic well-being of local communities.

Serampore College: A Hub of Missions

In 1800, Carey moved his mission to Serampore, a Danish colony near Calcutta. Here, he established Serampore College, which became a major center of learning and missionary activity.

Serampore College was a multi-faceted institution that included a school, a college, a printing press, and a publishing house. It trained Indian preachers and missionaries, produced Bibles and other Christian literature, and became a hub for the spread of the gospel throughout India.

Combating the Cholera Outbreak

In 1818, India was ravaged by a deadly cholera outbreak. Carey, along with his colleague John Marshman, played a heroic role in providing medical assistance and comfort to those affected by the disease.

Carey and Marshman established cholera hospitals, distributed medicines, and worked tirelessly to prevent the spread of the disease. Their efforts saved countless lives and earned them the respect and admiration of the local people.

Legacy and Influence

William Carey's life and work left an enduring legacy that continues to shape Christian missions today.

• Pioneer of Modern Missions: Carey is widely regarded as the "Father of Modern Missions" for his pioneering work in establishing the Baptist Missionary Society and setting a model for Protestant missions worldwide.
• Empowerment of Local Christians: Carey believed that the best way to spread Christianity was to empower local people to read the Bible for themselves and to become self-supporting in their faith. This principle has become a cornerstone of modern missionary work.
• Bible Translation: Carey's work in translating the Bible into Indian languages paved the way for the spread of the gospel to millions of people who had never heard the message of salvation before. His legacy as a Bible translator continues to inspire Christian workers around the world.
• Social Justice and Education: Carey's commitment to social justice and education set a high standard for Christian missionaries. He believed that the gospel should not only save souls but also transform lives and communities.