Alexander
Duff, who became a famous missionary, took his first steps in a cottage
near Killiecrankie, England. His Christian parents guided him on a path
that he continued to follow as if it were the only way. After attending
a small village school he joined a weekly boarding school. Walking
twelve miles home on the weekends gave him extra time to consider his
relationship with God.
Not only did his father's wise teachings push him towards his
calling, but also the inspirational poem, "The Day of
Judgment". Although he was young, he sensed God's heart for people.
The reality of a vision from God confirmed his mission in life. His
response to a vision revealed to him by God proved similar to Isaiah's,
in the Old Testament. As a result of a near death experience Alexander's
faith in God was strengthened. Consequently, he felt a heavy burden for
the "lost" people.
He graduated from St. Andrews College in Edinburgh with a ministry
license. Soon after, he married a wonderfully devoted woman, Anne Scott
Drysdale. Once God confirmed his ministry, they sailed for Calcutta,
India in 1829 and became the Church of Scotland's first missionary to
India, highly influential on later missionary endeavours through his
promotion of higher education.
Over a year later, Duff started a school in English for all Hindus
and Muslims. The school became an important centre of education in
India. However, this school was not quite the same as most schools in
India. Biblical views added to each class began Alexander Duff's
evangelism to Hindus and Muslims.
Raj Rammohum, a Hindu who detested idolatry, seemed to be open to
God. Although he did not accept the Christian religion, he played an
immense role in the opening of Duff's school. It took much time and
teaching but, slowly, and surely Hindus and Muslims converted to
Christianity.
As Duff aged, his health dwindled away. The more and more he worked
the less time he was able to spend in Calcutta. Eventually he moved to
Scotland to get better medical care. Sadly, he died of old age on
February twelfth of 1878.
It is true that God used Alexander Duff to change many people of
India. Through his school and life he showed many Hindus and Muslims the
"one and only way". God, parents, wife, and Indian people all
helped strengthen Alexander's faith. Would India be the same today if
Duff ran away from God's will for his life?
<information from http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/bios/b3aduff10lo.htm;
photo from http://chi.gospelcom.net/DAILYF/2002/04/daily-04-26-2002.shtml>