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My Heart in His Hands: Ann Judson of Burma
In October 1810 a twenty-year-old girl in the quiet New England town of Bradford wrote the following words in her journal: 'If nothing in providence appears to prevent, I must spend my days in a heathen land. I am a creature of God, and he has un undoubted right to do with me, as seems good in his sight...He has my heart in his hands, and when I am called to face danger, to pass through scenes of terror and distress, he can inspire me with fortitude, and enable me to trust in him. Jesus is faithful; his promises are precious. Were it not for these considerations, I should sink down with despair. Ann Hasseltine had received a proposal of marriage from Adoniram Judson, who was shortly to leave for Asia as one of America's first overseas missionaries. And thus commenced one of the great dramas of church history--a saga of love, courage, suffering and perseverance.
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
62 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
About the author
Sharon James
9 books26 followersSharon James studied history at Cambridge University, theology at Toronto Baptist Seminary, and has a doctorate from the University of Wales. She is married to Bill, who is Principal of London Seminary. They have two grown up children and six grandchildren. Sharon works as Social Policy Analyst for The Christian Institute, UK, and has travelled to many countries as a Conference speaker.
Her webpage includes articles, interviews and talks and information about her latest books.
https://www.sharonjames.org/
Her webpage includes articles, interviews and talks and information about her latest books.
https://www.sharonjames.org/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
April 17, 2025
I am filled with admiration for Ann. This biography blessed me.
Ann and Adoniram Judson married with the intent of becoming missionaries in Burma, a country now known as Myanmar. They went there in 1812. The country is strongly Buddhist. Most of the people they met in Burma had never heard of Christ or Christianity.
Ann and Adoniram weren't the first missionaries in Burma. A missionary house had already been established by a few others, however they were the first to stay, live and die there. Their dedication to the project was long-lasting.
Their work started with learning the language. This involved many months of lessons and tutoring. Speaking Burmese led to translating the New Testament and writing tracts. They were dedicated workers for Christ and endured many intense trials during their service to the Lord in that country.
Reading about Ann's life was very inspirational for me. She showed me what it means to be entirely consecrated to the work of the Lord. Her example of self-sacrifice will stay with me and guide me in the time to come.
Ann's life was not without misery, on a personal level, but I will leave it to future readers of this book to discover more about the trials and tribulations she went through.
Because this book consists mainly of journal excerpts and letters, it is a slow read. It isn't like a memoir that is more story-like. I couldn't call it a page turner but it was not hard to read. I just had to accept that my reading pace would be slower than normal.
Ann's life story is amazing. Ann and her husband lived lives worth living and this is a book worth reading.
Ann and Adoniram Judson married with the intent of becoming missionaries in Burma, a country now known as Myanmar. They went there in 1812. The country is strongly Buddhist. Most of the people they met in Burma had never heard of Christ or Christianity.
Ann and Adoniram weren't the first missionaries in Burma. A missionary house had already been established by a few others, however they were the first to stay, live and die there. Their dedication to the project was long-lasting.
Their work started with learning the language. This involved many months of lessons and tutoring. Speaking Burmese led to translating the New Testament and writing tracts. They were dedicated workers for Christ and endured many intense trials during their service to the Lord in that country.
Reading about Ann's life was very inspirational for me. She showed me what it means to be entirely consecrated to the work of the Lord. Her example of self-sacrifice will stay with me and guide me in the time to come.
Ann's life was not without misery, on a personal level, but I will leave it to future readers of this book to discover more about the trials and tribulations she went through.
Because this book consists mainly of journal excerpts and letters, it is a slow read. It isn't like a memoir that is more story-like. I couldn't call it a page turner but it was not hard to read. I just had to accept that my reading pace would be slower than normal.
Ann's life story is amazing. Ann and her husband lived lives worth living and this is a book worth reading.
October 30, 2025
Sharon James weaves thru the writings of Ann Judson with her narrative talent to bring forward an exceptional read.
Ann Judson, along with her husband, were the first missionaries to leave North America and preach Christ to those who have never heard of Him. They lived and died with the people of Burma.
This true story takes you thru Ann’s life as she works towards the kingdom. So many struggles. So many heartaches. Yet she reminds us of our joys amidst our trials.
Read this!!
Ann Judson, along with her husband, were the first missionaries to leave North America and preach Christ to those who have never heard of Him. They lived and died with the people of Burma.
This true story takes you thru Ann’s life as she works towards the kingdom. So many struggles. So many heartaches. Yet she reminds us of our joys amidst our trials.
Read this!!
August 17, 2021
Biographical writings on Christian saints strengthen the faith and stir the soul unlike any other writings by man — this book was no different. Ann’s eyes set on the kingdom will stay with me forever. May my lowly American mission draw lasting encouragement from her foreign one. Soli Deo Gloria!
February 6, 2025
“On earth we serve God—in heaven we praise Him”
First book of the year done and was totally not expecting it to be this one, but the lives and writings of Ann and Adoniram Judson have truly given me a lot to sit with. What does suffering for Christ even look like? Cultural apologetics, reaching the unreached, consecrating your life to God, seeing His will and goodness through the most painful, treacherous trials. AND so many boat trips. Missions in the 1800s share the same heart as in the present day, but surely they had their own unique challenges with underdeveloped technology and medicine.
How can we be more willing to live on mission?
So inspired, definitely will be looking for more biographies to read.
First book of the year done and was totally not expecting it to be this one, but the lives and writings of Ann and Adoniram Judson have truly given me a lot to sit with. What does suffering for Christ even look like? Cultural apologetics, reaching the unreached, consecrating your life to God, seeing His will and goodness through the most painful, treacherous trials. AND so many boat trips. Missions in the 1800s share the same heart as in the present day, but surely they had their own unique challenges with underdeveloped technology and medicine.
How can we be more willing to live on mission?
So inspired, definitely will be looking for more biographies to read.
September 21, 2018
"He has my heart in His hands, and when I am called to face danger, to pass through scenes of terror and distress, He can inspire me with fortitude and enable me to trust in Him." -Ann Judson
I have never been more inspired by anyone than Ann Judson. Her character and personality were beautiful, and it is clearly presented in this biography that her strength came ultimately from the Lord. She went through horrific events, and yet, she continued to find joy again and again. I loved that she wasn't weak, and worked right alongside her husband. But neither did she belittle her husband. As Christian woman, we can be strong and do many great things, but still have a humble and submissive heart to the authority God has placed in our life. Adoniram loved his wife and respected her highly.
This book is sad, but yet triumphant for a Christian reading it. Ann set aside her frivolous youthful and took up her cross and followed Christ. She had confidence in her Saviour.
You must pick up this book and be encouraged in your walk with the Lord. Wherever you are, whatever the Lord has called you to do, He can enable you for the task.
I have never been more inspired by anyone than Ann Judson. Her character and personality were beautiful, and it is clearly presented in this biography that her strength came ultimately from the Lord. She went through horrific events, and yet, she continued to find joy again and again. I loved that she wasn't weak, and worked right alongside her husband. But neither did she belittle her husband. As Christian woman, we can be strong and do many great things, but still have a humble and submissive heart to the authority God has placed in our life. Adoniram loved his wife and respected her highly.
This book is sad, but yet triumphant for a Christian reading it. Ann set aside her frivolous youthful and took up her cross and followed Christ. She had confidence in her Saviour.
You must pick up this book and be encouraged in your walk with the Lord. Wherever you are, whatever the Lord has called you to do, He can enable you for the task.
September 1, 2024
What an amazing lady! A must-read.
October 3, 2024
Very challenging missionary biography.
November 3, 2023
I am in mourning that this book has come to an end. It was so good and I looked forward to every moment I had to read it. My faith is strengthened and encouraged by the life of Ann Judson.
April 28, 2018
This was a very inspiring and challenging book! I really enjoyed reading about the life of Anne Judson... such an excellent and godly heroine for Christian women!
May 3, 2025
Incredible missionary biography about counting the cost and enduring suffering to carry the gospel to the nations. After reading Adoniram Judson’s biography To the Golden Shore about a year ago, I really enjoyed Sharon James’ readable, compelling, and clear account of Ann Judson’s life and how she incorporated her memoir and letters.
The Judsons left everything in the US to go to Burma (now Myanmar) in the early 1800s. While they were not the first missionaries to go, they were the first to stay – translating the Bible to Burmese and making mature disciples.
They were faithful even when they didn’t see the visible outcomes of their work. Ann Writes, “We cannot expect to do much in such a rough, uncultivated field; yet if we may be instrumental in removing some of the rubbish, and preparing a way for others, it would be sufficient reward.”
This unwavering commitment and trust in God’s plan to build the Burmese church kept them there, and their work resulted in much fruit. In fact, as John Piper says, “the fruit in Myanmar today has been grown in the soil of the suffering and death of many missionaries, especially Adoniram Judson.”
They suffered the worst of outcomes including imprisonment and the death of two children. Ann writes, “But if the way were plain and easy, where would be the room for confidence in God?”
Their story is tragic and inspiring, and have greatly influenced my understanding of the missionary call and patience in suffering. I highly recommend this to anybody wanting to read a missionary biography!
The Judsons left everything in the US to go to Burma (now Myanmar) in the early 1800s. While they were not the first missionaries to go, they were the first to stay – translating the Bible to Burmese and making mature disciples.
They were faithful even when they didn’t see the visible outcomes of their work. Ann Writes, “We cannot expect to do much in such a rough, uncultivated field; yet if we may be instrumental in removing some of the rubbish, and preparing a way for others, it would be sufficient reward.”
This unwavering commitment and trust in God’s plan to build the Burmese church kept them there, and their work resulted in much fruit. In fact, as John Piper says, “the fruit in Myanmar today has been grown in the soil of the suffering and death of many missionaries, especially Adoniram Judson.”
They suffered the worst of outcomes including imprisonment and the death of two children. Ann writes, “But if the way were plain and easy, where would be the room for confidence in God?”
Their story is tragic and inspiring, and have greatly influenced my understanding of the missionary call and patience in suffering. I highly recommend this to anybody wanting to read a missionary biography!
June 1, 2022
An outstanding portrait. Ann Judson was a woman who defied convention on every front without stepping outside her marriage vows. Her love for God and burning zeal to make him known in Burma matched that of her husband and her letters glow with her absolute trust in God to make a way where none existed. Her gut- renching decisions which undoubtedly shortened her life led to her laying strong foundations both for the tiny emerging church in Burma and for missionary couples. Sacrifice is woven through her story from cover to cover and this not a book for the faint-hearted as the pain of suffering accompanies every joy. Ann clearly had a faith that didn't wilt when God seemed to be silent and her hope of heaven never left her.
March 22, 2023
The amazingly inspiring story of Ann Judson. She was truly an amazing woman, and a perfect example of how men and women are equal but different in Christ. She suffered so many hardships that I shed a few tears, but she was so much braver than I would have been. Ann faithfully taught the truth to the women in Burma and advocated for the girls there to attend school. So inspiring and uplifting.
October 3, 2024
I find the Judson's inspiring, and I love hearing what Ann wrote. She devoted her life to Jesus and was willing to sacrifice everything for Him in a way that challenges me.
While I loved reading more about Ann, I felt like I got more out of Lives of the Three Mrs Judsons than I did with this one. Sometimes, I felt like I wasn't given enough context within this book. However, I did enjoy this biography.
While I loved reading more about Ann, I felt like I got more out of Lives of the Three Mrs Judsons than I did with this one. Sometimes, I felt like I wasn't given enough context within this book. However, I did enjoy this biography.
September 28, 2022
One of the best missionary biographies I've ever read!
January 18, 2024
One of the best / coolest books I’ve ever read. Loved being able to see Ann’s thoughts through her letters. 10/10 recommend.
February 14, 2024
One of the best Ann Judson books I have read!
September 2, 2019
One of the best missionary biographies I have ever read. A lot of primary source material artfully tied together.
March 11, 2025
Rating: 4.0
Sharon James provides a more accessible account of the Judson's missionary endeavors in Burma than To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson, focusing specifically on Adoniram's first wife, Ann (Nancy). Like most missionary biographies, James uses letters and journal entries to sketch an inspiring portrait of Ann, described as a most "remarkable woman with great clearness of intellect, large powers of comprehension, and profound religious fervor." As one of America's first missionaries, she inspired thousands after her through her commitment to the lost and her superhuman perseverance through trials - a legacy which continues through this biography. Although it doesn't quite measure up To the Golden Shore's archaic charm, pioneering vision, and extreme thoroughness, I would more quickly recommend A Missionary Life for Burma to others.
One part of Ann's story that particularly stood out to me was her response to questions and concerns about the two years of suffering they endured during the First Anglo-Burmese War when Adoniram was in prison. "Why had they ignored such strong advice to leave Burma when war seemed inevitable? Had not this stubborn insistence resulted in terrible and meaningless suffering?" Ann was unwilling to admit culpability and said she had followed her conscience and the Holy Spirit:
While God has certainly used and redeemed those heavy afflictions, its present application remains difficult. Wouldn't prudence have necessitated they flee, especially with such sound warning? Missions agencies and other organizations would certainly pull their people out today in similar circumstances - is this therefore inadvertently "preventing" God from obtaining greater glory, as in the Judson's case? I think the answer is undoubtedly no, and to think so would be to think far too little of God. The key in either decision, whether to endure despite credible warnings or to leave to steward people and resources wisely, appears to be Spirit-filled, prayerful discernment. While it is difficult to put myself in Ann's shoes and say that I would not have left in those circumstances, I hope to emulate her unwavering trust in the Lord and her assurance in the absolute sovereignty of God.
Notable quote:
"A little while, we are in eternity; before we find ourselves there, let us do much for Christ."
Reading method: book
Sharon James provides a more accessible account of the Judson's missionary endeavors in Burma than To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson, focusing specifically on Adoniram's first wife, Ann (Nancy). Like most missionary biographies, James uses letters and journal entries to sketch an inspiring portrait of Ann, described as a most "remarkable woman with great clearness of intellect, large powers of comprehension, and profound religious fervor." As one of America's first missionaries, she inspired thousands after her through her commitment to the lost and her superhuman perseverance through trials - a legacy which continues through this biography. Although it doesn't quite measure up To the Golden Shore's archaic charm, pioneering vision, and extreme thoroughness, I would more quickly recommend A Missionary Life for Burma to others.
One part of Ann's story that particularly stood out to me was her response to questions and concerns about the two years of suffering they endured during the First Anglo-Burmese War when Adoniram was in prison. "Why had they ignored such strong advice to leave Burma when war seemed inevitable? Had not this stubborn insistence resulted in terrible and meaningless suffering?" Ann was unwilling to admit culpability and said she had followed her conscience and the Holy Spirit:
Why did I not listen to the advice of friends in Bengal and remain there till the war was concluded? All I can say is, It is not in man that walketh, to direct his steps (Jer. 10:23). So far as my going round to Rangoon, at the time I did, was instrumental in bringing those heavy afflictions upon us, I can only state, that if I ever acted from a sense of duty in my life, it was at that time; for my conscience would not allow me any peace [at the thought of leaving]...Pray for us, that these heavy afflictions may not be in vain, but may be blessed to our spiritual good, and the advancement of Christ's church among the lost.
While God has certainly used and redeemed those heavy afflictions, its present application remains difficult. Wouldn't prudence have necessitated they flee, especially with such sound warning? Missions agencies and other organizations would certainly pull their people out today in similar circumstances - is this therefore inadvertently "preventing" God from obtaining greater glory, as in the Judson's case? I think the answer is undoubtedly no, and to think so would be to think far too little of God. The key in either decision, whether to endure despite credible warnings or to leave to steward people and resources wisely, appears to be Spirit-filled, prayerful discernment. While it is difficult to put myself in Ann's shoes and say that I would not have left in those circumstances, I hope to emulate her unwavering trust in the Lord and her assurance in the absolute sovereignty of God.
Notable quote:
"A little while, we are in eternity; before we find ourselves there, let us do much for Christ."
Reading method: book
January 31, 2024
I loved this biography - I haven’t read many missionary biographies, but I am definitely going to start reading more. This is a great book to read if you’re considering going overseas or even if you’re called to stay as a sender. Ann and Adoniram definitely counted the cost of going & didn’t see fruit for many years. They lost children and friends & faced much hardship. Some parts are definitely hard to read as you read Ann’s diary entries & letters back home recounting a lot of what they went through. Yet, it is so evident in her writings that she kept her eyes transfixed on Jesus’ face. She wanted Him to be known among the heathen!
What a woman of God who picked up her cross daily to follow Him who is worthy of it all - even our lives.
What a woman of God who picked up her cross daily to follow Him who is worthy of it all - even our lives.
February 6, 2024
The lives of missionaries is so inspiring and Ann Judson & her husband are no exception. For me, it is not the schools, the translating, the one on one witnessing even that moves me to a deeper love of the Lord. All of those things are quite inspiring, but what inspires me to the uttermost is when Ann was brought to the absolute depths of despair and STILL knew with resolve that God IS good. Starving, death lingering, illness, imprisonment and she knew the earthly trials were temporary and for her sanctification in some way.
September 17, 2018
I was thankful to learn about Mrs. Ann Judson and how God led her and was faithful to her both in her efforts to serve him and in her many trials. Her confidence in God gave her hope to keep obeying him even when enduring unspeakable hardships. And praise the Lord for his using her to further his kingdom in immeasurable ways!
February 10, 2024
This was a hard read. Ann and Adoniram’s journal entries and letters are beautiful, vulnerable, and full of deep theological truths. Their faithfulness to the Lord in the midst of extremely painful circumstances is convicting. Specifically, Adoniram’s quote about enduring the cup of suffering ordained by the Lord was sobering. Both Ann and Adoniram had their gazes fixed on eternity, giving them strength to endure.
My biggest takeaway is to pray that the Lord would purge from me the affections that keep me so tethered to this temporary world. I need to be anchored in His kingdom, ready and willing to lay down whatever he asks in order to follow him.
My biggest takeaway is to pray that the Lord would purge from me the affections that keep me so tethered to this temporary world. I need to be anchored in His kingdom, ready and willing to lay down whatever he asks in order to follow him.
January 22, 2025
Ann Judson’s life is an inspiration to any who desire to live a life completely given over to the gospel mission. Her determination in difficulty and desire for the lost of Burma to know the joys of salvation were inexhaustible.
This particular biography of her life is well written. The bulk of the work is from Ann and Adoniram’s own hands in letters and journal entries, which provides a raw and genuine depiction of their story.
This particular biography of her life is well written. The bulk of the work is from Ann and Adoniram’s own hands in letters and journal entries, which provides a raw and genuine depiction of their story.
May 21, 2022
Missionary biographies are my favorite genre of books and although I have read many on Ann Judson, this was so much more complete and contained her writings to her family as well as her own diary. What a blessing it was!
May 24, 2024
Great biography on Ann Judson and her life. The author does an excellent job connecting all the dots and tying events together. A great book covering the life of an often unknown missionary who helped shape the modern era of Baptist missions.
January 8, 2025
“Yet take the bitter cup with both hands, and sit down to your repast. You will soon learn a secret, that there is sweetness at the bottom. You will find it the sweetest cup that you ever tasted in all your life.”
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July 23, 2022
I want to be Ann Judson
May 24, 2024
What an encouraging read! You can see through the pages of this book the deep hope Ann and Adonairam had in the Lord despite the seasons they went through! If you see it, get it and start reading it! They both are a great example of what it practically means to count everything as loss for the sake of Christ.
June 28, 2024
the most convicting and faith-building book i have read in a while. such a solid perspective of how suffering grows us and is actually what Christ has called us to, for He has set the example! cannot say enough good about this book so if you want to hear more lets chat haha. it was almost 300 pages and i read it in a matter of hours. i recommend to EVERYONE!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews