Today, we remember William Carey, often called the Father of Modern Missions. Remarkably, today also marks his birthday (17 August 1761). A few months ago, I taught at PZMS Bible College. During my class on Heroes of Faith, the first person I shared about was Carey. His story is not only inspiring but also instructive for us today.
Carey was not just a missionary, but a man who lived with deep faith, perseverance, and vision. He believed that every Christian was responsible for carrying the Gospel to the nations. His life proved that one person, fully yielded to God, can ignite a movement that changes history.
Early Life and Preparation #
William Carey was born in the small village of Paulerspury, Northamptonshire, England, on August 17, 1761. His father, a weaver turned parish clerk and schoolmaster, gave him a humble yet disciplined upbringing.
At sixteen, Carey was apprenticed to a shoemaker in Hackleton. He took up the trade himself but never despised it. He once said:
“A shoemaker who preaches the gospel is far nobler than a preacher who makes shoes of men.”
While mending shoes, Carey was also mending his mind. Before reaching thirty-one, he was able to read the Bible in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Dutch, French, and English. His hunger for knowledge was matched only by his growing love for Christ.
On October 5, 1783, he was baptised by Dr. Ryland and formally united with the Baptists. Even before this, he was preaching—but now his heart burned with a new vision: the nations needed Christ.
The Call to Missions #
In his shoemaker’s shop, Carey hung a homemade world map. As he repaired soles, he prayed for the souls of men in distant lands. Inspired by the journals of Captain James Cook, he was stirred by the reality that millions lived without the gospel.
From this conviction came his famous motto:
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”
In 1792, while preaching from Isaiah 54:2–3, Carey urged fellow ministers to enlarge their tents and reach the nations. That same year, the Baptist Missionary Society was formed. Carey offered himself as its first missionary.
Arrival in India #
On June 13, 1793, Carey set sail with his reluctant wife Dorothy, their children, and his sister-in-law. They arrived in Calcutta on November 11 with very little support.
To sustain his family, Carey worked in an indigo factory in Malda while evangelising in villages. In 1797, he saw his first convert—a Portuguese man who served faithfully until his death.
In 1799, Carey moved to Serampore and joined Marshman and Ward. Together they became the “Serampore Trio.” There, Carey baptised Krishna Pal, the first Hindu convert, who became a bold witness for Christ.
The Work of Translation and Reform #
Carey’s greatest contribution was Bible translation. From the Serampore Press, he supervised the printing of more than 213,000 copies of Scripture in 40 different languages.
- In 1801, he became professor of Sanskrit, Bengali, and Marathi at Fort William College, Calcutta.
- In 1809, he completed the full Bengali Bible in five volumes.
- He also produced dictionaries and grammars that helped shape modern Indian languages.
But Carey’s mission extended beyond words. He stood against social evils like sati (the burning of widows) and advocated for education, healthcare, and compassion-driven reforms.
His mission included:
- Translating the Bible into Bengali, Sanskrit, and other Indian languages.
- Establishing schools, including the first for girls in India.
- Campaigning against social evils such as sati (the burning of widows).
- Training Indian pastors and leaders to shepherd their own communities.
Legacy and Perseverance #
Carey did not boast about his achievements. When asked about his success, he simply said:
“I can plod. I can persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I owe everything.”
On June 9, 1834, after more than forty years in India, William Carey went to be with the Lord. At his death, the mission he founded had:
| Fruit of Carey’s Labour | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Missionaries | 30 |
| Native teachers | 40 |
| Stations & sub-stations | 45 |
| Church members | 600+ |
He is rightly remembered as “The Father of Modern Missions.”
Timeline of William Carey’s Life #
Here is a simple timeline you can reflect on (formatted for Gutenberg):
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1761 | Born in Paulerspury, Northamptonshire, England |
| 1783 | Married Dorothy Plackett |
| 1789 | Became a Baptist pastor |
| 1792 | Published An Enquiry and helped form the Baptist Missionary Society |
| 1793 | Travelled to India as a missionary |
| 1794 | Began Bible translation work in Bengali |
| 1801 | Appointed professor at Fort William College, Calcutta |
| 1818 | Founded Serampore College for training ministers and leaders |
| 1834 | Died in Serampore, India, after 41 years of service |
What We Can Take From His Life #
William Carey’s story is not just history—it is a living testimony. Here are some key points we can reflect on and receive:
1. Ordinary beginnings do not limit God #
Carey was a shoemaker. Nothing in his background suggested greatness. Yet when Christ is in us, the Spirit can use even the smallest vessel for His global purpose.
2. Vision sustains perseverance #
He endured sickness, family loss, and constant opposition. But the vision of Christ’s kingdom among the nations kept him steady.
3. Scripture is central #
Carey’s translations opened the Bible to millions. He shows us that God’s Word is not bound by culture or language—it is for all.
4. Missions is more than preaching #
He engaged with education, social reform, and justice. Missions is about the whole transformation of lives and societies in Christ.
5. “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God” #
This famous line from Carey still challenges us today. Faith is not passive. It takes bold steps, rooted in God’s promises.
Closing Word #
On this day, August 17, as we remember William Carey’s birth, his words still ring true:
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”
May we, too, look at our own “shoemaker’s bench” in life. Let us embrace wherever God has placed us. Allow Him to turn ordinary work into eternal impact.
In Christ,
GSS.
