Adoniram Judson Jr., a pioneering American missionary, was born in Malden, Massachusetts in 1788 and educated at Andover Theological Seminary. There, he developed a lifelong commitment to international missions, co-founding the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions in 1810—the nation’s first foreign missionary society.

In 1812, Judson and his wife, Ann, set sail for Asia and ultimately settled in Burma (modern-day Myanmar), where they would labor for decades. Despite early setbacks—including imprisonment and the death of his wife and child—Judson persisted, eventually achieving significant success, particularly among the Karen people. His efforts led to the establishment of the Burmese Christian church, with over 7,000 members by the time of his death.

A gifted linguist, Judson translated the entire Bible into Burmese, a monumental contribution that continues to shape Christian life in the region. His 37-year missionary career, marked by resilience, sacrifice, and cultural sensitivity, established him as a foundational figure in American and global Christian missions.