Subject:  American Minute - Apr. 20 - David Brainerd, Missionary, & his Indian Interpreter
Date:  Thu, 19 Apr 2007 22:07:29 -0500
American Minute with Bill Federer

April 20

His interpreter, Moses Tinda Tautamy, helped him minister to Indians
along the Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers, camping at night.

Born APRIL 20, 1718, David Brainerd wrote in his Journal:

"FORKS OF DELAWARE, Pennsylvania, Lord's day, July 21, 1745.

Preached to the Indians...Divine truth seemed to make very
considerable impressions and caused the tears to flow freely.

Afterwards I baptized my interpreter and his wife, who were the
first I baptized among the Indians...

Though before he had been a hard drinker...it is now more than six
months since he experienced this change; in which space of time he
has been exposed to strong drink in places where it has been moving
free as water; yet has never desired after it...

He discourses feelingly of the conflicts and consolations of a real
Christian."

David Brainerd contracted tuberculosis and was nursed at the home of
Princeton president Jonathan Edwards.

Dying at age 29, his diary inspired millions, including John Wesley,
William Carey and Oswald J. Smith.

David Brainerd wrote: "Oh, how precious is time, and how it pains me
to see it slide away, while I do so little to any good purpose. Oh,
that God would make me more fruitful."