1747
On October 9, 1747, the world lost one of its most fervent and self-sacrificing missionaries, David Brainerd, whose short yet impactful life continues to inspire generations of believers and missionaries. Born in Haddam, Connecticut, on April 20, 1718, Brainerd’s life was marked by deep spiritual struggle, severe physical afflictions, and unwavering dedication to proclaiming the Gospel to Native American tribes.
Despite his early expulsion from Yale College for a fervent remark against one of his tutors, Brainerd’s zeal for Christ only grew stronger. Under the auspices of the Scottish Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, he spent the remainder of his brief life as a missionary to the Delaware and Susquehanna tribes, often enduring severe loneliness, depression, and sickness. His suffering was immense—Brainerd battled tuberculosis while braving the wilderness, frequently sleeping in the open air and subsisting on meager food. Yet, his writings reveal that his soul continually longed for “Christ’s Kingdom to appear in the world” and for the salvation of the Native Americans he loved so dearly.
Famed theologian Jonathan Edwards, who was deeply moved by Brainerd’s life, published “The Life and Diary of David Brainerd” in 1749, a work that has influenced missionaries like William Carey, Henry Martyn, and countless others. Brainerd’s personal reflections, such as “Oh, my sweet Savior, who have I in heaven but Thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee”, echo his profound devotion to God in the midst of profound struggles.
On this day, October 9, let us remember the extraordinary example of David Brainerd—a man who, though he lived only 29 years, left a legacy of faithfulness that transcends time. His journey reminds us that God uses even the most broken vessels for His glory and the spread of His Kingdom.
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