Dr. William Carey

Dr. William Carey was a notable British Christian missionary, known for his extensive work in India during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Who is well-known as the Father of Mission.

Early Life and Background

• Born on August 17, 1761, in Paulerspury, Northamptonshire, England.

• Initially worked as a shoemaker and taught himself several languages, including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and French.

Missionary Call and Work

• Inspired by his religious convictions and the lack of missionary work in the non-Christian world, Carey wrote the influential pamphlet "An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens" in 1792, urging the Christian community to take active steps in missionary work.

• He was instrumental in founding the Baptist Missionary Society in 1792.

Mission to India

• Carey sailed to India in 1793, where he initially faced many hardships, including financial difficulties and resistance from the British East India Company.

• He settled in Serampore (near Kolkata) and worked extensively in education, social reform, and translation of the Bible into several Indian languages.

Educational and Social Contributions

• Established the Serampore College in 1818, which became an important institution for higher education in India.

• Advocated for various social reforms, including the abolition of the practice of sati (the burning of widows) and improvements in the rights and treatment of women and lower-caste individuals.