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History
Who was William Carey?
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William Carey (1761-1834) was an English Christian missionary, often referred to as the “Father of Modern Missions.” He played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and the establishment of Christian missions in India. Carey’s work laid the foundation for the modern missionary movement.
Born in Paulerspury, England, Carey worked as a cobbler and self-taught himself various languages, including Greek, Hebrew, and Sanskrit. He had a deep sense of calling to spread the Christian faith and believed that missionary work was a responsibility for all Christians.
In 1793, Carey, along with his family, traveled to India as a missionary. He settled in the Danish colony of Serampore, near Kolkata (Calcutta) in present-day West Bengal. Carey faced numerous challenges in India, including language barriers, cultural differences, and opposition from colonial authorities.
Despite these obstacles, Carey persevered and laid the groundwork for the modern missionary movement. He established schools, translated the Bible into several Indian languages, and initiated social reforms such as advocating for the abolition of sati (the practice of widow burning). Carey’s translations and linguistic work contributed significantly to the study of Indian languages.
In 1813, Carey played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Serampore College, which became a center for theological education and missionary training. He also founded the Baptist Missionary Society and was actively involved in its operations.
William Carey’s lifelong commitment to spreading the gospel in India and his contributions to education, language, and social reforms made a lasting impact. His work inspired many others to engage in missionary activities and contributed to a renewed interest in global missions. Carey’s legacy continues to influence the field of Christian missions to this day.
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