William Carey was a missionary to India in the late 18th and early 19th century, known as the father of modern missions. He helped spark renewed missionary activity through his publication of an essay arguing for the Christian obligation to spread the gospel worldwide. Carey went to India in 1793 and established a mission station in Serampore, where he faced many challenges but had his first Indian convert. Through his linguistic studies, translation work, educational efforts like founding Serampore College, and social reforms, Carey had a significant impact and established a model for modern Protestant missionary work.