Ann Judson: Missionary Wife (Arabella Stuart)

Ann Judson: Missionary Wife

Part of the Completer to a Condender for the Faith Series

In the early nineteenth century, the idea of a man leaving his home to take the gospel to the “heathen” was radical, but the idea of a woman accompanying him in the call—absurd! Most people at the time were opposed to the idea altogether—they deemed it “wild and romantic in the extreme, and altogether inconsistent with prudence and delicacy.” Yet Ann believed that nothing could be more wise or “prudent” than to invest her life in eternity for the sake of Christ. After knowing Him in His redeeming love, it was unthinkable to Ann to not give her all for Him. Her life was not her own—she was bought with a price—therefore, she wanted to glorify God in her body, whether by life or by death, in sickness or in health, in pain and in pleasure. Ann displayed a feminine strength that was not absurd but precious in the sight of God. She wrote: “He has my heart in His hands, and when I am called to face danger, to pass through scenes of terror and distress, He can inspire me with fortitude and enable me to trust Him. Jesus is faithful; His promises are precious. Were it not for these considerations, I should, with my present prospects, sink down in despair, especially as no female has, to my knowledge, ever left the shores of America to spend her life among the heathen . . . God is my witness that I have not dared to decline the offer that has been made me, though so many are ready to call it a ‘wild romantic undertaking’ . . . O Jesus, make me live to Thee and I desire no more.” Ann left for the mission field confident and enthusiastic— but she finished meek and lamb-like. Her sufferings for Christ transformed her into the image of the Lamb and fitted her to join the ranks of “those of whom the world was not worthy.” For His sake she was put to death all day long. Following in His steps, she left for the mission field like a lamb to the slaughter. Yet she deemed Him worthy and did not shrink back. For His name’s sake she bore up, alone, under horrific torments of body and soul that no human could undergo apart from the sustaining grace of God. Her devotion to the Lamb and her willingness to follow Him wherever He led made her radiate His beauty and display His worth.