How did God bring the gospel to numerous Native American people in the early 1700s, which gave rise to greater efforts after the Revolution to preach to them? And what single man’s example was used by the Lord to inspire such missionary giants as William Carey, Robert M’Cheyne, and Henry Martyn? The answer to both of these questions is the missionary preacher David Brainerd, close friend of Jonathan Edwards, and the apostle to the Indians of Kaunaumeek, NY, the Forks of the Delaware, and Crossweeksung, New Jersey. Through his work and preaching, hundreds of Indians came to know the Lord, and an inspiring precedent for compassionate, all-consuming, and prayer-empowered missions was made. Brainerd’s diary, published by Edwards, has been the Lord’s means of inspiring scores of missionaries to set out to dangerous places, far from comfort, in order to win desperately lost souls for Himself.

In this episode, Chris VanDusen brings you a solo recounting of the life, impact, and lessons of the zealous young preacher, taken mainly from The Life and Diary of David Brainerd. From this story, you’ll learn how the Lord used and shaped a constantly depressed and frustrated young man to show the unbelieving and Christian people around him the glory of Jesus, and the power of a man that knows Him through prayer and Scripture. This will also serve as a precursor to future discussions about pre-Revolution America, and especially English-Indian relations.

Other Sources Used in this Episode:

David Brainerd: His Message for Today by Oswald J. Smith

⁠The Life and Ministry of David Brainerd: A Brief Chronology