American missionaries in Burma
When the American Christian missionaries arrived in Burma in the early 1800s, they found a country that was very different from what they were used to back home. The people here were animists, which meant that they worshipped a variety of spirits and had many different gods. The missionaries were not sure how to best approach the people, but they eventually decided to try and learn the local language and culture in order to better communicate with them.
The missionaries were not always well-received, as the people here were often suspicious of outsiders. In some cases, the missionaries were even attacked. But they persevered, and slowly but surely they began to make converts. By the mid-19th century, there were a number of Christian churches and schools in Burma, and the missionaries had made a significant impact on the country.
The American Christian missionaries who came to Burma in the early 1800s faced many challenges. The first challenge was the language barrier. The Burmese language was very different from English, and the missionaries had to learn it in order to communicate with the people. They also had to learn the local customs and culture, which was very different from their own.
Another challenge was the climate. Burma is a very hot and humid country, and the missionaries were not used to the extreme weather conditions. They often got sick and had to deal with insect pests.
The political situation in Burma was also a challenge for the missionaries. The country was ruled by a monarchy, and the king was not always friendly to the missionaries. There were also periods of political instability, which made it difficult for the missionaries to work.
Today, American Christian missionaries are still present in Burma, although the number has decreased significantly from what it once was.