Was It Worth It?

The old Protestant cemetery in Pinang Malaysia has graves of many pioneers of the British colony there.

Some came as merchant adventurers with the East India Company and more to seek their fortune. Others came to build an empire as soldiers and administrators. Doubtless many were escapees.

It was a long journey for all and the risks were real. Many graves contained people who lived less than 45 years.

One family grave is noteworthy ..

John Ince died on 24 April 1824 aged 29.

His wife Joanna died on 1 June 1822 aged 27. She shared her coffin with an unnamed infant son.

Their daughter Caroline Rachel died on 4 December 1820 after 5 months and 26 days of life. Her younger sister Eliza died on 23 May 1821 aged one month and four days.

What cause took the Ince family to all this?

John and Joanna were Christian missionaries. They went to build the greatest empire in God’s kingdom and to share the riches of heaven.

Was it worth it? ‘He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep in order to keep that which he cannot lose.’