This book tells the heroic story of William Carey’s passionate advocacy of world mission. While the details of his missionary work in India are familiar, what is less well-known is the earlier story of how almost single-handedly he put world mission at the heart of the church’s concern for a fallen world. It is for this that he is often referred to as ‘the father of modern missions’. The single most urgent need of our world is to hear the gospel of the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Daniel Webber, Director of the European Missionary Fellowship, is concerned that the church is in danger of losing sight of the primacy of this particular responsibility. In an age in which media and celebrity attention counts for so much, too often the church seems mesmerised by the world’s agenda. The example of William Carey – who was far from being unconcerned about the world’s general plight – may yet have the power both to clarify our vision and arouse our compassion in favour of the ultimate needs of mankind.