Grasping for the Wind

Maynard Owen Williams

Christians have always been at the forefront of trying to understand our world and everything in it. Many scientific discoveries and successful enterprise came from Christians wanting to understand the why of the world.

This is also true in the field of travel. National Geographic, in its very early stages, hired a young man by the name of Maynard Owen Williams to be its first foreign correspondent. Williams was actually a former Baptist missionary, who learned that while he was not called to a spiritual service, he could still serve God in a secular one, while still pursuing his passion for travel.

Williams was there at the opening of King Tut's tomb, he recreated the path of Marco Polo across Asia, and reported for National Geographic on many other wonders all over the world.

At the same time, even when those around him lived hedonistic lives, Williams continued to follow his Christian beliefs.

One story is told of his attempt to recreate the Marco Polo trip. He was only an adjunct to the party, which was led by a wealthy Frenchman. When the group reached China, the leader was very happy and excited as they were nearing their goal. As a result, he called for everyone in the party to have a drink in celebration. Williams refused because of his religious beliefs. This included the belief that the governing authority placed over him must be obeyed (this was the era of Prohibition in the states) and so he refused because he wanted to follow the laws of his country and his God even while halfway around the world! After his refusal he was ordered to drink by the Frenchman. Williams still refused, and rather than start and argument, walked away. The leader finally calmed down and everyone finished the journey, but Williams never compromised on following the law and God.

Maynard Owen Williams is a good example of what it means for a Christian to pursue excellence in one's calling whether it be sacred or secular.

Much of this information comes from Explorer's House: National Geographic and the World It Made by Robert M. Poole. You can also read many of Williams articles at National Geographic.com, in particular the one on King Tut.

"Never grieve for me if it is my good fortune to die with my boots on. That's what I most hope for."

- Maynard Owen Williams in a letter to Gilbert Grosvenor, editor of the National Geographic (1948)

Posted by John on August 21, 2007 11:53 AM | Posted to History
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