Musings of a Mist

Ann Judson of Burma, Pt. 4

04 May 2009 Leave a Comment

by nve in Ann Judson, Biography, Missions

I fear that I have declined in religion the past week. Nothing do I dread so much as becoming cold and worldly-minded, and losing the life of religion in the soul. Though I have but few temptations, I find that the innate depravity of my heart is constantly showing itself, in some way or other. I find that it is just as necessary to watch and pray, and guard against easily besetting sins, in this heathen land, as in any other situation. O for a more holy heart, more fervent love to God, and more ardent longings for the promotion of his cause!

Wow. Ann Judson was concerned that she not become worldly-minded, while IN BURMA. How often do we think about being worldly-minded? I would imagine that since we are enjoying and relishing so many of the comforts of this world, we’d at the least pursue the same kind of consistent heart-examination and prayer that Ann did.

Sharon James, My Heart in His Hands (Durham: Evangelical Press, 2003; originally published 1998), 78.

Ann Judson of Burma, Pt. 3

27 Apr 2009 Leave a Comment

by nve in Ann Judson, Biography, Missions

Ann Judson tells of a converted Burman woman:

By her inquiries respecting the Christian religion, she evinced a mind, which, had it been early and properly cultivated, would have hardly been surpassed by females in our own country. And happy am I to add, that she not only became rationally and speculatively convinced of the truths of the Gospel, but was, I trust, taught to feel their power on her heart, by the influence of the Holy Spirit, embraced them, has become an ornament to her profession, and her daily walk and conversation would shame many professors of religion in Christian countries.

Sharon James, My Heart in His Hands (Durham: Evangelical Press, 2003; originally published 1998), 207.

Ann Judson of Burma, Pt. 2

22 Apr 2009 2 Comments

by nve in Ann Judson, Biography, Missions

I can’t describe how much it has encouraged my heart in reading about the life of Ann Judson to know how serious she and her husband were about the fruit of repentance and true saving faith.

For example, in April 1819, after 6 years on the mission field with no conversions, Ann did not settle for a profession of faith lacking evidence, but looked for regeneration. She wrote:

[One woman] said, she believed in Christ, prayed to him daily, and asked what else was necessary to make her a real disciple of Christ. I told her that she must not only say that she believed in Christ, but must believe with all her heart. I told her the manner of life would be changed; but one of the best evidences she could obtain would be when others came to quarrel with her and use abusive language, if, so far from retaliating, she felt a disposition to bear with, to pity, and to pray for them. The Burman women are particularly given to quarreling, and to refrain from it would be a most decided evidence of a change of heart.

Later in April they had their first convert: Mr. Moung Nau. Overjoyed, in June of 1819, Ann wrote in a letter:

Little did I think, when I last wrote, that I should so soon have the joyful intelligence to communicate, that one Burman has embraced the Christian religion, and given good evidence of being a true disciple of the dear Redeemer. This event, this single trophy of victorious grace, has filled our hearts with sensations, hardly to be conceived by Christians in Christian countries.

Mr. Nau was baptized in June, and Ann’s husband, Adoniram, wrote in July:

We have had the pleasure of sitting down, for the first time, at the Lord’s table, with a converted Burman; and it was my privilege,–a privilege to which I have been looking forward with desire for many years,–to administer the Lord’s supper in two languages.

Sharon James, My Heart in His Hands (Durham: Evangelical Press, 2003; originally published 1998), 101-04.

Ann Judson of Burma, Pt. 1

22 Apr 2009 Leave a Comment

by nve in Ann Judson, Biography, Missions

Ann Judson, upon entering the mission field, facing many, many obstacles, delivering a still-born child, and recovering from subsequent illness, writes:

Were it not for the support we derive from the Gospel of Jesus, we should be ready to sink down in despondency, in view of the dark and gloomy scenes around us. But when we recollect that Jesus has commanded his disciples to carry the Gospel to the heathen, and promised to be with them to the end of the world; that God has promised to give the heathen to his Son for an inheritance, we are encouraged to make a beginning, though in the midst of discouragement, and leave it to him to grant success, in his own time and way. I find here no dear female friends, with whom I can unite in social prayer, nor even one with whom I could converse. I have, indeed, no society at all, but that of Mr. J. [her husband]; yet I feel happy in thinking, that I give up this source of pleasure, as well as most others, for the sake of the poor heathen… O if it may please the dear Redeemer to make me instrumental of leading some of the females of Burmah to a saving acquaintance with him, my great object would be accomplished, my highest desires gratified; I shall rejoice to have relinquished my comforts, my country, and my home.

Sharon James, My Heart in His Hands (Durham: Evangelical Press, 2003; originally published 1998), 72-3.

What are your “highest desires”?