James Chalmers

Hello, I’m Joe Pursch, and this is a Transforming Moment. James Chalmers and his young wife Jane had prayed for years to be allowed to serve as missionaries on the island of Roratonga in the South Pacific. But in January of 1867, no sea captain could be found who could take them to the island, perhaps because the inhabitants of Roratonga were known as cannibals. Undaunted, Pastor Chalmers found a most unlikely ship to take them, and an unlikely captain as well. The schooner Rona was a pirate ship, captained by notorious pirate Bully Hayes. In the six week voyage, the missionary and the pirate were instantly drawn together. Chalmers preached everyday aboard ship, and Bully often ordered his men to attend services. As Chalmers biographer put it, the missionary and the pirate had something in common: a thirst for adventure and a total indifference to danger. Been sidelined on your way to ministry? Maybe God’s already sent you a boat. I’m Joe Pursch, and this has been a Transforming Moment.