Ann Judson: Missionary Wife (Stuart)

Anyone who is familiar with the evangelistic work of the Judsons in Burma will appreciate this rich exploration of the cost of that work for Ann Judson. She is noted to have shown "ardor and perseverance in the pursuit of a noble end under the most trying discouragements." Indeed, her ability to forsake (gladly and resolutely!) polite society, health, and security for the perils of a land with none of these comforts would be incomprehensible to any woman who does not claim a saving knowledge of Christ, and regrettably, also to many who do. Perhaps this is because Ann Judson trained and exercised her faith in a manner not common among the women of her day, or ours. The more we see her step out in faith "under the most trying discouragements," the more we see the power of the Holy Spirit shine, and the more we are spurred on toward love of God and spending ourselves in His service.

I've heard about Adoniram Judson and his wife, Ann, before, but only vaguely knew their story. I knew they were missionary's and suffered greatly to spread the gospel, but that was about it. So when the opportunity came to read and review this book on the life of Ann Judson, I jumped at the chance...and was amazing and humbled at the story of Ann Judson's life.

Ann's life before meeting Adoniram, her courtship, and their preparations to go on the mission field were very interesting to read. Adoniram's proposal letter to Ann's father was one of the most astounding I've ever heard. Imagine telling a father, right up front, all the dangers and trails his daughter would doubtless go through if she married him>?And she agreed! Their determined and unbending faith would make many Christian's today hang their heads in shame.

I didn't know, before this book, that Ann and Adoniram were some of the first missionaries of their time--and if I remember correctly, after their conversion from Paedobaptist to Baptist, they were the first Baptist missionary's. Reading about all the sacrifices Ann willingly gave to help her husband and spread the gospel...what an encouragement and example her life is to Christian today. Reading her diary entries and letters she wrote back home--that are abundantly quoted in Ann Judson: Missionary Wife--there was one thing that kept screaming from each page...her unwavering faith in God. Bearing both physically and spiritual pains and sufferings, she always kept her gaze on the Lord and her hope fasted on the Cross.

I nearly dissolved into tears as I read of Ann's death and Adoniram's reaction. How awful not to be there when your spouse passes! While he took it really hard, I never once saw him point fingers at God, but instead he laid himself on God's mercies and begged for the strength to survive his overwhelming loss. What a man of God!

From start to finish, this book was amazing. While Jennifer kept a lot of the writing original to its mid-1800's publishing style, I didn't find it hard to read. When I finally finished the book, the testimony Ann left behind was amazing. She wanted to give her all for the Lord and to spread the gospel to the lost people of Burma and, although the way was frequently hard and painful, she did. What a heroic woman Ann Judson was! Definitely a must-read!

Thanks to Jennifer Adams for sending me a review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.