Impacting the World

Wondering whether your life is really making an impact for God? Robert Morrison gave 27 years to China for just ten converts—and still helped open a nation to the Gospel.

“A wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Corinthians 16:9).

“Do you really expect to make an impression on the … great Chinese Empire?” Robert Morrison was asked. The year was 1807, and Morrison was on his way from his native England to China, where he would become the first Protestant missionary. Morrison answered this way: “No, sir, but I expect God will.”

Even with this degree of confidence and faith, Morrison experienced enormous difficulties after arriving in China. Like Paul, he faced strong opposition. But like Paul, he persevered. He struggled to learn the Chinese language, but eventually he mastered it and even translated the Bible into Chinese.

When he died (on this day in 1834), after 27 years of service, only 10 native converts had been baptized. But his pioneering work opened the door for other missionaries and led to the salvation of thousands of souls.

Today, you may face difficulties, and it may appear that you aren’t having much impact. You may wonder if there ever will be significant fruit from your life. But remember the examples of Robert Morrison and Paul. Both persevered, despite facing many adversaries, and remained faithful to God’s call on their lives. They kept believing, obeying, and sowing seeds for the Gospel.

Stay faithful to the tasks God has called you to complete. Don’t give up, but persevere. Keep praying for the lost and sowing seeds into God’s Kingdom.

Reflection Question: Where has God called you to invest your life for His greater purposes?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Robert Morrison?

Robert Morrison was the first Protestant missionary to China, arriving in 1807. Over 27 years he baptized only 10 native converts, but his pioneering work—including translating the Bible into Chinese—opened the door for thousands more to come to Christ.

What does 1 Corinthians 16:9 mean?

Paul writes that “a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” It reminds believers that open doors for Gospel work often come alongside opposition—and that faithfulness, not visible results, is what God asks of us.