Asking for Her Dad’s Approval
Adoniran Judson and Ann Judson boarded a ship for India that would eventually lead them to Burma (modern-day Myanmar). They suffered and endured much on the mission field, yet they were used by God in some extraordinary ways.
A letter was written from Adoniram to Ann’s father asking for permission to marry his daughter. The following is Adoniram’s candid request:
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, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of 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 of 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 the crown of righteousness, brightened with the acclamations of praise which shall redound to her Savior from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?
Ann’s dad said “yes,” the couple was married, and a year later they set sail. Ann’s dad would never see his daughter or son-in-law again. In fact, Ann would lose her life sharing the gospel with people who had never heard the good news of Jesus Christ.
John Piper said, “God’s plan is that his gospel-spreading, church-planting purpose triumph through the suffering of his people.” Is this out-of-the-ordinary type of commitment or are we too far behind in our passion for Christ and His gospel?