William Carey, an impoverished English shoemaker born late in the 18th century, had to overcome great odds to obey the call of God to become a missionary in India. In opposition to his work, the Directors of the huge, influential East India Company presented this resolution to the English Parliament:

The sending out of missionaries into one Eastern possession is the maddest, most extravagant, most costly, most indefensible project which has ever been suggested by a moonstruck fanatic.

Then in 1796, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland passed the following resolution:

To spread the knowledge of the gospel amongst barbarians and heathens seems to be highly preposterous.

One opposer—a speaker in the House of Commons—said he would rather see a band of devils let loose in India than a band of missionaries. But despite all this antagonism, Carey persisted. “Why is my soul disquieted within me?” he wrote. “Things may turn out better than I expect. Everything is known to God, and God cares.” William Carey stood the test and became the father of modern missions.¹ A sincere, committed Christian will always take his stand for Christ regardless of opposition, popular opinion, or peer pressure. If we yield to the fear of man, Satan may ruin our testimony substantially. If we obey the leading of the Spirit of God, men and women will be won to Christ. I encourage you to take your stand for Christ and be a fruitful witness for him no matter what others think. 1 Adapted from The Challenge of Life by Oswald J. Smith.