Country served:

China

Dates:

1782-1834

Major Influence:

 Was the first Protestant missionary to go to China. Was the first tent maker to China.

Short Story:

         The Chinese were first given the gospel by the “ Founder of Protestant Missions in China.” Robert Morrison. This man was born in England just before the turn of the 19th century. When he was a young man he was accepted by the London Missionary Society as a missionary to China.

          However, China was closed to most foreigners except those of the East India Company. The company refused to take him, and so he went to the United States and met with Secretary of State, James Madison. Madison promptly gave him a letter of introduction to the American Consul in Canton.

           So he went to China, with many trials that lay ahead. He was under the watchful eye of the East India Company. He was not allowed to preach, teach, or perform any other area of ministry that was considered evangelistic. Morrison hired 2 private tutors that taught him secretly, which if they had been caught, could have paid with their life by the Chinese government. He soon began working on a dictionary and translating the Bible.

          Not long after the completion of the dictionary, the East India Company hired him as a translator in the company. That is right the very company that sought to prevent him from being there, hired him as an employee. Praise God! Though it hindered him in some ministry, it gave him opportunities he would not have had.

          Today the only way to go to China is through “tent – making: ministries. Many missionaries serve as English teachers. Souls are being saved even under the watchful eye of the Chinese government. The influence of Morrison has greatly contributed to this open door.

Swift messengers before thy face

The heralds of Thy ponderous grace

Where Thou, Thyself, wilt come.

 Written and Prepared by Jon Allinson 2001