Robert Moffat - The Missionary Hero of Kuruman

by David J. Deane

Robert Moffat: The Missionary Hero of Kuruman is the story of a courageous man who came to Africa with the strength of his convictions. He endured wild beasts, hunger, savages, and emotional tribulations. Moffat was born in Scotland in 1795. After becoming a Congregational missionary he was sent to Africa. Moffat was a builder, carpenter, smith, gardener, and farmer. His work helped the natives develop a civilized society with a written language and appreciation for the arts. His religious faith was a strong role model, which led his son-in-law, David Livingstone to follow in his footsteps.

Genres: Christian, Biography

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 27, 2008

Reviews

[Hulda Gilca]

”We shall have all eternity in which to celebrate our victories, but we have only one swift hour before the sunset in which to win them.”
-Robert Moffat

”Oh, that I had a thousand lives and a thousand bodies! All of them should be devoted to no other employment but to preach Christ to these degraded, despised, yet beloved mortals.” -Robert Moffat

”I will place no value on anything I have or may possess, except in relation to the kingdom of Christ. If anything will advance the interests of that kingdom, it shall be given away or kept, only as by giving or keeping it I shall most promote the glory of Him to whom I owe all my hopes in time and eternity.” - Robert Moffat

[Jeff Shelnutt]

As a collector of missionary biographies, I actually have a first edition of this book. A penned note inside my copy reads, "Presented to George Tevendale for collecting on behalf of the London Missionary Society -July 1900." As far as mission collectibles are concerned, it doesn't get much better than that!

It's been a few years since I've read the book, so presently I'm not able to comment on the writing style and readability. What I do remember is Robert Moffat's incredible endurance against the harsh realities of doing pioneer mission work in a hostile region of South Africa. He and his wife started with literally nothing but a tent and a few supplies. They almost starved to death on several occasions, the climate making it very difficult to grow crops and no one willing to lift a finger to help them obtain food.

During fifty years of ministry, Moffat preached, educated, built, farmed, doctored, translated the Bible, literally stopped tribal wars by standing in the middle of battlefields with arms held high, and encouraged another missionary, his son-in-law, David Livingston, to explore Africa. But I don't really do his bio justice.

So if you're interested in mission history and wonder about the cost paid for the gospel to go forth, Robert Moffat's story is an ideal one to read.

[Nathan Saint]

Good Testimony of God's Provision

I didn't mind the Old English one bit but found this story very straightforward. Of is the story of how one life, fully committed to God and nothing else, can change the world

[Sonja Shaw]

Informative Victorian biography.

[Bradley]

Must read

If you want a vivid word-picture of Godliness and masculinity beautifully interwoven, read this account of the life and work of Robert Moffat.