What if following God meant losing everything—but gaining a legacy that would long outlive you? Check out the podcast here.

That’s the story of Adoniram Judson, America’s first overseas missionary, whose life of sacrifice, perseverance, and vision continues to bear fruit nearly 200 years later.

A Wake-Up Call

Born in 1788 to Christian parents, Judson left his faith behind in college under the influence of an atheist friend, Jacob Eames. But one night, while staying at a boarding house, Judson overheard the agonizing final hours of a dying man in the next room. The next morning, he was stunned to learn that man was none other than Jacob Eames. That moment shook Judson to the core and led him to seminary, where he surrendered his life to Christ.

A Costly Yes

Before heading to the mission field, Judson wrote to his future father-in-law asking for Anne Hasseltine’s hand in marriage. The letter wasn't filled with romantic promises but with a clear-eyed list of hardships she would face: danger, sickness, poverty, persecution, even death. Her father said yes. Anne said yes. They were married and soon headed to India, and eventually Burma.

“Devoted for Life”

Judson’s motto was simple: “Devoted for life.” And he meant it. In his first six years in Burma, he saw only one convert. But he pressed on, translating the New Testament into Burmese by hand—12 hours a day, every day. Anne built relationships, cared for locals, and even hid his translation manuscript in a pillow to keep it safe while Judson was imprisoned during the Anglo-Burmese War.

Their trials were immense. Their first child was stillborn. Their second died at seven months. Anne died after giving birth to their daughter, who passed away six months later. Judson, crushed by grief, withdrew into the jungle and lived in solitude for four years, wrestling with God in silence.

But he returned.

A Legacy Through Suffering

Judson remarried twice. He and his second wife Sarah had eight children—four of whom died young. Sarah herself died at sea. Yet Judson continued his work, eventually translating the entire Bible into Burmese.

He spent nearly 40 years in Burma and died at sea in 1850. At the time of his death, there were few visible results. But the fruit of his labor was still ripening.

Today’s Impact

Today, over 2.5 million Burmese Christians trace their spiritual heritage back to the seeds Judson planted. Despite intense persecution in modern-day Myanmar, his legacy lives on in hidden jungle churches, translated Scriptures, and faithful believers.

As Ryne, one of the youth pastors on the podcast shared, Judson’s story is a reminder that success in the kingdom of God is built on sacrifice. As Judson himself once said:

“If you succeed without sacrifice, someone has suffered before you. If you sacrifice without success, someone will succeed after you.”

May we be people who, like Judson, live with the long view in mind—devoted for life, no matter the cost.

Want to equip your students to live on mission like Adoniram Judson?

Check out Youth Ministry Mastermind —a free online community full of resources, encouragement, and connection for youth pastors and leaders.

“The prospects are as bright as the promises of God.” – Adoniram Judson