A nonprofit organization, Hope Children’s Home (www.hopechildrenshome.org) offers foster children a Christ-focused environment to learn and grow. In February 2021, students from grades seven to 12 depicted the life of Adoniram Judson, the United States’ first foreign missionary in Burma, through a theatrical performance of “Marked for Greatness” at Hope Children’s Home's headquarters in Tampa, Florida.
A 50-minute drama, the production takes viewers from the start of Judson’s life in the late 18th century through his early education and a time when he turned from God. The story is one of endurance and redemption, as Judson asked critical questions concerning the veracity of the Bible, the necessity of salvation, and whether he himself could be saved. Ultimately, he strengthened his commitment to Christ through studies at Andover Theological Seminary and found a group of like-minded believers who dedicated their lives to Christian missions.
A Congregationalist, Judson set off with his wife Ann as pioneers in Burma. They created an English-Burmese grammar book and set upon the momentous task of finding new converts while translating chapters of the Bible into the local language. With tenacity, faith, and respect for those around them, they inspired an American missionary movement whose legacy resounds to this day.
