Country Served:

India                                                 William Carrey's Pamlet -

                                          "An Enquiry into the Obligation of Christians..."

Date:

1761-1834

Famous Quote:

“Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.”

Major Influence:

The promotion that missions is the responsibility of the local church. In so doing he has been called the “Father of modern missions”.

Short Story:

         In 1766 a boy was born whose name was William Carrey. His apprenticeship until he was close to 30 was a shoemaker. Today this shoemaker is known as someone who had great influence in missions. After being saved, as a young boy, he became pastor of a small Baptist church.

        While studying the Bible he came across the belief that missions was the responsibility of the local church. This idea was met with opposition from other pastors in that day. In fact someone said, “Young man, sit down. When God pleases to convert the heathen world, He will do it without your help or mine.”

        A short time later he had completed a small book (Pamphlet) named, “ An enquiry into the obligation of Christians to use means for the conversion of the heathen.” This book was to refute the popular arguments of the day and present a case for foreign missions. As a result to this day, Carey is known as the “Father of Modern missions.”

        During a famous message about the book, he said something that has been quoted even to this day, “ Expect great things for God, attempt great things for God.” He went about seeing who would go to the foreign mission field. But while preaching on missions, he could not get away from it himself. Finally in 1793 Carey sailed to India as a missionary.

         After 7 years of ministry he only had 1 convert to show for his work. But he did not get discouraged and quit. After 25 years of ministry his effort finally showed. He had over the years 600 some converts that followed in believer’s baptism. He also translated the Bible into 3 different translations. Before Carey died, 212,000 copies of the Scriptures had been sent forth in 40 different languages to millions of heathen.

 Written and Prepared by Jon Allinson 2001