Adoniram and Ann Hasseltine Judson birthed the concept of missions for Alabama Baptists in the early 1800s. But what they never would have known would be how their influence would still be touching lives today, said Judson College President David Potts.
During his report to the Alabama Baptist State Convention annual meeting in Mobile Nov. 18, Potts introduced messengers to Ruth Saga via video clip, a Burmese Judson student who is a descendant of one of the converts the Judsons led to the Lord when they served in Burma (now Myanmar). “She is the first student who is a descendant of the missionary work of Ann Hasseltine Judson and Adoniram Judson to come to Judson College,” Potts noted.
The fourth generation in her family to know the Lord, Saga carries a Burmese translation of the Bible. ‘Ruth knows the truth because of the translation of the Old and New Testaments done by Adoniram Judson,” Potts said.
While Saga symbolizes the work of Judson College’s namesake, Ann, and her husband, Adoniram, she also depicts the missions efforts happening at the women’s college in Marion.
Saga led Vacation Bible School with Burmese children in Atlanta this summer, Potts noted. Other Judson students worked in Montgomery and New Orleans over spring break this year. Twenty-one students participated in summer missions throughout the country and in Canada. And six recent graduates are Journeymen with the International Mission Board, according to the Book of Reports.
“The missionary zeal and calls among our students is very much alive,” Potts said. “It is something that is real and dynamic on our campus today,” just like when the first missionaries to China and the first North American missionaries had connections to Judson.
As the students, faculty and administration keep missions at the forefront, they also recently celebrated some renovations on campus.
After a 10-year effort to “improve every inch of academic space on campus,” the initiative culminated with the Oct. 15 dedication of the newly renovated Jewett Hall.
Potts said refurbishing Jewett Hall meant redoing 70,000 square feet of classrooms, technology and services. “We eat there, go to class there and worship there,” he explained.
Also taking place this year was “the transformation of a dated complex into the foremost academic space on the campus and among the finest in the state,” according to the Book of Reports. Known as The Harrison Center for Academic Excellence, the facility holds three of the five academic divisions — education, humanities and social sciences — and 10 of the 19 majors.
Judson College trustee chairman Roy Barnett offered a note of gratitude to Alabama Baptists during the report. “Your generous support makes possible a unique opportunity for young women from 26 states and six foreign countries to attend Judson college,” he said.
“This college’s faculty, administration and students have a tremendous impact on the community and the quality of life of others,” he noted. “We are most thankful you are a part of it. You are making a difference in the lives of young women who attend Judson College.
“These young women will touch this world — and are touching this world — for Jesus Christ,” he said. “Thanks for what you do as individuals and collectively for Christian higher education.”
Students at Judson College continued their tradition of serving doughnuts during the morning hours of the state convention. They could be found in the exhibit area participating in this effort they consider an opportunity of service.
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