Allen Gardiner - The Missionary of Failure

Allen Gardiner - The Missionary of Failure

Allen Gardiner's early life and calling were shaped by a blend of adventure, personal tragedy, and profound spiritual experiences that ultimately led him to dedicate his life to missionary work, particularly among aboriginal tribes.

Early Life and Aspirations:

 Born in England in 1794 into a Berkshire squire's family, Gardiner exhibited a strong adventurous spirit from a young age. He "devoured adventure stories" and idolized "great men of the sea," determining to become a sailor himself. Even as a small boy, he intentionally sought out hardship, sleeping on the floor to accustom himself to the "privation and to forego normal comfort" that he knew sailors endured. He entered naval college at age 14 and went to sea at 16, traveling extensively and experiencing "all parts of the world" and the "rowdy life of a sailor".

Formative Experiences and Conversion: 

A significant turning point occurred during a battle with a U.S. ship, the Essex, where the sight of "dead and dying seamen greatly affected him". This experience prompted him to secretly acquire a Bible in the U.K. and read it when alone, signaling an early spiritual search. His conversion to faith in Christ came in 1820 at Penang Malane Strait, within a Chinese temple where he had sought solitude after receiving news of his mother's death.

Developing a Missionary Calling:

His travels continued to deepen his spiritual convictions and clarify his calling. He was "deeply impressed with the needs of the aboriginal tribespeople, particularly those in South America". He also witnessed the "sins of the Roman Catholic Church," which left a "deep impression upon him". Critically, his journey through the South Sea Islands exposed him to the powerful results of missionary work by the London Missions Society. He saw firsthand how islanders had transitioned "from savagery and cannibalism to a quiet, peaceful life, trusting in the Lord Jesus". These observations solidified his conviction that his purpose was to bring the Gospel to neglected indigenous populations.

Initial Challenges and Unwavering Commitment: 

Despite this clear calling, Gardiner faced significant hurdles. After leaving the Royal Navy in 1826 and experiencing the death of his first wife in 1834, he "offered to serve in South America but was turned down by the mission societies of his day". Their reluctance stemmed from his status as a layman, as they "were looking for ordained men." This was a "keen disappointment to him," but it did not deter his resolve. He remained "disappointed but not cast down," writing, "Thankful for having been permitted to engage in any work that might contribute to the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom on earth".

First Missionary Endeavors: 

Undeterred, Gardiner embarked on his first significant missionary endeavor in South Africa, aiming "to win the Zulu chief to Christ". He successfully "made contact with Dingran, the king of the Zulus," gained his confidence, negotiated peace between warring tribes, and even brokered a peace treaty between Dingran and England. This "remarkable work of missionary statesmanship" opened the door for missions among the Zulus, demonstrating his unique abilities and commitment to his calling, even if subsequent conflict forced him to leave the area. His spiritual journey, therefore, was marked by an early and persistent calling to evangelize, even in the face of institutional rejections and the inherent dangers of the mission field.

FAQ

Who was Allen Gardiner and what was his early life like?

Allen Gardiner (1794-1851) was an English missionary known for his persistent vision despite facing many perceived failures. Born into a squire's family in Berkshire, he had a strong desire for travel and adventure from a young age, idolizing sailors and even sleeping on the floor to toughen himself up for a naval career. He joined naval college at 14 and went to sea at 16, traveling extensively and experiencing the harsh realities of naval life, including battle. His faith journey began in 1820 when he secretly read a Bible after his mother's death.

What inspired Gardiner's missionary calling, and why did he face early rejections?

Gardiner's travels exposed him to the "sins of the Roman Catholic Church" and deeply impressed upon him the needs of aboriginal tribes, particularly in South America. He also witnessed the positive impact of London Missions Society missionaries in the South Sea Islands, where many islanders had converted from "savagery and cannibalism" to a "quiet, peaceful life." After leaving the Royal Navy in 1826 and his first wife's death in 1834, he offered to serve in South America but was turned down by mission societies because he was a layman, not an ordained minister.

What were some of Gardiner's significant, though often challenging, missionary endeavors?

Gardiner's missionary work began in South Africa, where he successfully gained the confidence of Zulu King Dingran, fostering peace between warring tribes and negotiating a treaty between the Zulus and England. He also established a school for native children. However, conflict between Dutch settlers and Zulus eventually forced him to leave. He then embarked on an ambitious journey across South America to reach aboriginal tribes, but faced obstruction from the Roman Catholic Church. He also attempted work in New Guinea, but was denied permission by the Dutch government, who scornfully dismissed the intelligence of the native people. Later, his attempt to establish a mission in Patagonia with Robert Hunt was met with hostility, forcing them to abandon the area. He also faced a setback in the Gran Chaco region due to government overthrow.