Alexander Duff 1806 – 1878By: Fernanda Anwar – 2SB1Alexander Duff, usually called Duff, was born in Moulin on April 25, 1806 and died on February 12, 1878 in Sidmouth. Born with an intelligent and diligent character, Duff studied at the University of St. Andrews. He was ordained in 1829 and volunteered for missionary service in India. Missionary Duff succeeded in the method that would be followed by many Protestant missions throughout the world. Duff remained in India until 1863, although his tenure was interrupted by long leaves of absence in 1834–39 and 1850–55. Duff believed that education was the key to responsible missionary work and nation-building. He focused on his graduate studies in English. As Duff came to present the Gospel to the people of India, he chose to work with the upper caste (Brahmin) because he envisioned building an Indian Christian elite that would be versed in the Orient. philosophy, Western science and Christian faith. Ultimately, he started with a small, high-quality group that was to become the source of evangelization on the Indian subcontinent. Duff also benefited from the support of India's best-known early reformer, Raja Ram Mohun Roy, and the effects of the British colonial government's educational reforms (1833 and 1854). Duff, as a missionary, hoped that with the new style of education, it could "undermine" Hindu society. For him, a non-Christian religion was not so important. His method did not convert many people, but during his work in India he converted 33 people and they became founders of Christian families. Apart from this, his work also resulted in the establishment of a number of Protestant colleges in India. Duff continued to work to put together a grand strategy... middle of paper ... Duff's father and Duff's faith in God. Even though he was quite young, he felt God's heart for people. The reality of a vision from God confirmed his mission in life, his response to a vision revealed to him by God proved similar to the story of Isaiah, in the Old Testament. God always gives me the best thing to do in life and ultimately we only need to follow His will. Just as God used Duff as a successful person, He used him to change many people in India. Through his school and his life, he showed many Hindus and Muslims the “one and only way”. God, his parents, his wife, and the people of India all helped strengthen Alexander's faith. Would India be the same today if Duff fled God's will for his life? And the answer is no. From now on I wanted to follow what God asks me to do because I know his miracles and his mighty works and therefore my life would not be so pathetic..