Adoniram and Ann Judson were among the first American missionaries to travel overseas, dedicating their lives to spreading Christianity in Burma (modern-day Myanmar). Their work laid the foundation for future Protestant missions and contributed significantly to the growth of the Christian church in Southeast Asia.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get all the latest original content delivered straight to your inbox!
Early Life and Calling
Adoniram Judson was born on August 9, 1788, in Malden, Massachusetts, to a Congregationalist minister. A bright and inquisitive student, he excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian from Brown University in 1807. Initially, he struggled with skepticism regarding his faith but experienced a profound spiritual transformation that led him to dedicate his life to missionary work.
Ann Hasseltine was born on December 22, 1789, in Bradford, Massachusetts. She was known for her strong Christian faith and deep commitment to religious causes from a young age. Inspired by the growing missionary movement in America, she felt called to serve abroad.
The two met and married in 1812, shortly before setting sail for India under the newly established American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM). However, their plans changed drastically upon arrival in British-controlled India.
Journey to Burma
Initially intending to work in India, the Judsons faced resistance from the British East India Company, which was hostile to missionaries. Seeking a place where they could minister freely, they decided to travel to Burma, a Buddhist kingdom known for its resistance to Christianity. In July 1813, the Judsons arrived in Rangoon (now Yangon), a land unfamiliar with the Christian faith and where missionary work was perilous.
Missionary Work and Challenges
The Judsons dedicated themselves to learning the Burmese language, an arduous task that took several years. Adoniram developed a deep understanding of Burmese culture and linguistics, which enabled him to translate the Bible into Burmese, a monumental achievement that remains one of his greatest legacies.
Ann, in addition to learning Burmese, worked to reach women in the community, translating Christian literature and educating local children. She also wrote extensively about their missionary experiences, helping to inspire future generations of missionaries.
Despite their efforts, conversions were slow. The first Burmese convert, Maung Naw, was baptized in 1819—six years after their arrival. The Judsons endured significant hardship, including disease, opposition from the Burmese authorities, and personal loss.
Imprisonment and Loss
During the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826), Adoniram was imprisoned for 17 months under suspicion of being a British spy. The conditions were horrific, with Judson being held in fetters in a filthy prison. Ann worked tirelessly to secure his release, often risking her own life by pleading with government officials and bringing food to her husband.
Though Adoniram was eventually freed in 1826, the hardships took a toll on Ann’s health. She died on October 24, 1826, at the age of 36, followed shortly by the death of their infant daughter, Maria. Devastated but resolute, Adoniram continued his work, translating the entire Bible into Burmese by 1834.
Later Years and Legacy
After Ann’s passing, Adoniram continued his mission, though he suffered from deep grief. He later married Sarah Boardman, a widow of another missionary, and they had several children before she passed away in 1845. In 1846, he married Emily Chubbuck, a writer, who supported him in his later years.
Judson’s health declined due to years of hardship, and he died at sea on April 12, 1850, while en route to recuperate from illness. His burial took place at sea in the Bay of Bengal.
Impact and Influence
Adoniram and Ann Judson’s work had a profound impact on Burma and Christian missions worldwide. Adoniram’s Burmese Bible translation is still used today, and the Christian church in Myanmar, which traces its roots to their mission, remains strong despite ongoing challenges.
Ann’s writings and perseverance inspired many women to enter the mission field, while Adoniram’s dedication became a model for future missionaries. Their legacy continues in the churches they planted, the translations they produced, and the countless individuals they influenced through their faith and determination.
The lives of Adoniram and Ann Judson were marked by hardship, loss, and perseverance, but their unwavering commitment to their mission left a lasting imprint on global Christianity. Their story remains one of the most inspiring in the history of missionary work, illustrating the power of faith, resilience, and dedication in the face of adversity.
