Readability
Original Sources
Devotional Quality
Avoids Hagiography
Biblical Clarity
| Field | India |
| Missionary | William Carey |
| Author | Timothy George |
| Era | 1790s–1830s |
Overview
Many biographers have published works on the life of William Carey, and most of them are incredibly dry. But not this one! Author Timothy George’s Faithful Witness: The Life and Mission of William Carey stands out as the most riveting biography of William Carey. How can the life of the Father of Modern Missions be anything but an exciting testimony to God’s work? Carey’s faithful walk with God, persistent plodding in ministry, and astounding influence both in India and throughout the world encourage all who read of his life to “expect great things from God: attempt great things for God.”
George keeps the story moving without skipping over any crucial events in this account of the beginning of the modern missions movement. He follows Carey from his childhood, to his shoemaker bench, to his pulpit, to his preacher’s fellowship, to his daring advance to India, through his years of deep trials, to his faithful team that God brought together, to his translation work on the Scriptures, to his educational establishments, and to the spread of Christianity from Kolkata, India. Along the way, George includes enough inspiring quotes to cover your bedroom wall.
Read this book. It belongs near the top of any missionary biography list.
Highlights
- How the phrase “expect great things from God: attempt great things for God” became the motto for the modern missions movement.
- How God used Carey’s literal understanding of the Great Commission to spark missions around the world. One man taking God at his word despite the religious opinions of his day led to the salvation of millions.
- How God sustained Carey through difficult trials over many years before finally seeing great fruit.
Quotes
- “What is there in all this world worth living for, but the presence and service of God? I feel a burning desire that all the world may know this God, and serve Him.” (p. 162).
- “The thought of a fellow creature perishing for ever should rouse all our activity and engage all our powers. . . . The matter is desperate. It calls for us to live and act alone for God. . . . [Let us work] with indefatigable industry, till we can’t find a soul that’s destitute of Christ in all the world.” (p. 28).
- “I feel as a farmer does about his crop: sometimes I think the seed is springing, and thus I hope; a little blasts all, and my hopes are gone like a cloud. They were only weeds which appeared; or if a little corn sprung up, it quickly dies, being either chocked with weeds, or parched up by the sun of persecution. Yet I still hope in God, and will go forth in his strength, and make mention of his righteousness, even of his only.” (p. 116).
Other Sources
Read more about William Carey in both of my missions devotionals.
