William Carey: Obliged to Go

by Sara D on 2011-03-22
Sadly, I couldn't bring myself to finish reading this to my children for now. I don't presume to know God's will for others, but the story of this man's choices reminded me so much of friends who grew up estranged from their missionary parents. William abandons his pregnant wife and children who live in utter poverty in order to save "heathens" in India. Granted, we are talking over two hundred years ago when this takes place, it just seems to me that disciples of Christ should have been getting things right for the previous 1800 yrs. (before Carey's revelation that we are called to tell others about Christ). I found myself wondering if he rashly volunteered to go because he would have felt like a hypocrite after writing his exhortation for others to do so? He does not talk to his wife first, or seem to take time and reflect in prayer beforehand. He just tells his fellow Baptists in the heat of the moment when a call is made for someone to accompany a doctor who is heeding his own calling for India. The book sparked great discussion about Paul's wish that "all men were even as myself" in regard to the calling of marriage or celibacy. Some would say that if you are called to missions, it would be best to remain celibate; etc. I can't make that assertion, but I am glad I live in an age where the family is seen as a valid ministry to be put before all others. I will note that in our study of India, the number of Christians is abhorrently low in comparison with Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist believers. After the Carey's sacrifices, and 200+ yrs of time for the Gospel to spread this seems tragic. God help us all!

by LISA S on 2010-09-29
The only book in this biographical series that we would give a low rating