Maybe some of you have heard of David Brainard - one of the most profound missionaries in American church history. His published "Diaries" has changed and impacted the lives of countless Christians. Brainard was a frail young man, tubercular, sickly, and easily depressed. He longed to reach the Indians of Colonial America, but his first venture to a tribe in Massachusetts showed that such an endeavor would be fraught with danger. Unknown to him, his every move was monitored by warriors intent on killing him. But as they raised their bows, they saw a rattlesnake slithering alongside him, lifting its head, flicking its tongue, preparing to strike. Suddenly the snake uncoiled and glided away. Even though the warriors attributed his safety to the "Great Spirit," the incident didn't lead to sustained evangelistic fruitfulness. In 1743 Brainards' missionary work saw little success and his despondency increased during Christmas of that year. His "Diaries" record: "I was very fatigued with my journey, wherin I underwent great hardships; much exposed and very wet by falling into the river."

        The next year was no better; he grew even more depressed. On January 3, 1745, Brainard set aside the entire day for fasting and prayer, pleading for an outpouring of spiritual power. He claimed the promise in John 4 "Have faith in me, and you will have life-giving waters flowing from deep inside you..." He then began to preach repeatedly from John 4, and the unfolding year proved the most fruitful of his ministry. His interpreter, an alcoholic Indian named Tattamy, was converted. An immediate change seemed to transform Tattamy's life as well as his translation of Brainard's sermons. Scores of Indians were saved and baptized.

        Sadly Brainard died in 1747 at the age of 29 - but the testimony of his life and commitment to Christ lived on. His story moved many of his generation toward missions - men like Henry Martyn, William Carey, and Adoniran Judson. His diary became one of the most powerful Christian books in early American history, containing such entries as this: "Here am I, send me; send me to the ends of the earth; send me to the rough, the savage pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that is called comfort on earth; send me even to death itself, if it be but in Thy service and to promote Thy Kingdom."

        Pastor John