Samson Occom's Conversion and Ministry (1768)

Samson Occom, a Mohegan, converted to Christianity at age 16 during the Great Awakening, feeling a "Divine Influence" and "Saving Conversion."
He self-taught English to read the New Testament and developed a strong desire to instruct his "poor Kindred."
At 19, he studied with Mr. Wheelock for four years to further his education, originally intending to stay only a short time.

Occom became a missionary, minister, teacher, judge, and scribe among Indigenous communities.
His school method involved prayer, hearing students through alphabets to reading, encouraging mutual help, and daily sessions (8 times in summer, 6 in winter).
Religious meetings on Sabbath and Wednesday evenings included singing, reading psalms/hymns with explanations, scripture reading with plain discourse, prayer, and more singing.

Despite successful ministry and a "remarkable revival of religion" among his converts, Occom faced significant discrimination.
He received only $180$ pounds for 12 years of service, an amount equal to what other missionaries received for one year.
Occom served as a "Schoolmaster and Minister to the Indians, yea [their] Ear, Eye & Hand, as Well as Mouth" and Interpreter.
He attributed the unequal treatment to being a "poor Indian," despite his dedicated efforts.