When William Carey was a young minister in the late 1790s, he researched the religious practices of other cultures. This led to a concern for those overseas who did not know Jesus. Carey believed in the Great Commission, going and making disciples of all the nations. Yet, many others dismissed him. Some pastors called him an “enthusiast” and would not listen to his passion for bringing the Good News to other cultures.

Carey ignored them and moved forward anyway. In 1792 he started a missionary society. He preached a sermon with the call to “expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” A year later, William and his family were in India.

Mission work in India was very difficult for the Careys. They had no money and were often ill. But Carey continued in his calling, learning the Bengali language. He began to translate the Bible and proclaim Jesus to small groups of people.

In 1800, Carey published his first Bengali New Testament, and he went on to translate the entire Bible into five other major languages of India. He also worked for social reform and brought many people to Christ. He expected great things and attempted great things for Christ. We can follow Carey’s example and do the same, whether it is in India, or our schools, or our neighborhoods. We can reach our world for Jesus if we obey Him in the Holy Spirit.                

This is Luis Palau.