The following letter was written to John and Rebecca Hasseltine to ask for their daughter’s hand in marriage:
I have now to ask, whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world; whether you can consent to her departure for a heathen land and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of a missionary life; whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean, to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death. Can you consent to all this, for the sake of him who left his heavenly home, and died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of Zion, and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with a crown of righteousness, brightened by the acclamations of praise which shall redound to her Saviour from the heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?
The year was 1810, and Ann Hasseltine and Adoniram Judson desired to get married and serve as some of America’s first overseas missionaries. Amazingly, the Hasseltines allowed their twenty-year-old daughter to decide what God was calling her to do. She said “yes” to Adoniram and life on the mission field.
This story is just one of many amazing episodes in the life of Ann Judson, as written in the biography My Heart in His Hands: Ann Judson of Burma by Sharon James. The Judsons initially set out for India but became trailblazers of the gospel in Burma, now called Myanmar, that had fruitful results although they waited six years before seeing their first convert. Ann was an dedicated and amazing woman. In addition to sharing the gospel, Ann wrote a catechism and translated two books of the bible into Burmese. She also holds the distinction of being the first Protestant to translate any of the scriptures into Thai.
Because her letters and journals were published in the U.S., Ann and Adoniram were well-known in the 19th century church, inspiring countless believers. However, until recently coming upon this book, I had never heard their story.
This biography is strongest when the author quotes from their letters, journals, and other writings. While I wish that the entire narrative was stronger, I highly recommend this book. It serves as a good reminder of the sacrifices men and women have made for the sake of the gospel. It also details the life of a missionary in the 1800s and provides a beautiful account of a missionary couple that worked together accompolishing significant work to further Christ’s kingdom.
My Heart in His Hands was my first introduction to Ann Judson, and I am thankful to know her story.
All is well,
Lisa