William Carey was a British missionary and is often called the “Father of Modern Missions” for his groundbreaking work in India during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born in 1761, Carey had a humble beginning as a shoemaker but developed a strong interest in Christianity and languages. He felt a deep calling to spread Christianity around the world, and despite significant opposition and limited support, he set sail for India in 1793. In India, Carey and his family faced poverty, illness, and cultural challenges, but he remained committed to his mission, determined to make a lasting impact on the community he served.
Carey’s contributions to India went beyond his missionary work. He became a scholar of Indian languages and, along with a team, translated the Bible into Bengali, Sanskrit, and several other Indian languages, making it accessible to millions. Carey also advocated for social reform, fighting against practices like widow-burning (sati) and infanticide. He believed in education for all, and he helped establish schools and colleges, including Serampore College, which still operates today. Despite the hardships he faced, William Carey’s dedication and vision changed the landscape of missions, inspiring countless others to take up cross-cultural work and spread the message of Christianity worldwide.