“I have now to ask, whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world; whether you can consent to her departure, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of a missionary life; whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean; to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death. Can you consent to all this, for the sake of him who left his heavenly home, and died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of Zion, and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with the crown of righteousness, brightened with the acclamations of praise which shall redound to her Savior from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?” – A. Judson to his future father in law, in requesting the hand of Ann in marriage. 

I wonder how many sons-in-law to be have this kind of radical commitment to the Lord, and are willing to express it to a potential suitor’s father. Adoniram Judson did.  He understood counting the cost. He understood “falling to the ground and dying” to bear much fruit. It’s no wonder there are close to 4,000 Baptist churches in Burma (Myanmar) today. Might we find (and be) men with this kind of commitment to the Lord. Might we live with eternity on our minds. The souls of countless men, women, and children sway in the balance.