I’d like to thank Christian Focus Publications for giving me a copy of Robert Moffat: Africa’s Brave Heart by Irene Howat in return for my honest review.
Robert Moffat (1795-1893) was a missionary to Africa during the 19th century–a time when missionaries didn’t generally live long in the tropical climate amongst violent tribes. Yet Moffat served the Lord ministering to tribes in South Africa for over 50 years.
Robert Moffat Biography
Irene Howat’s Robert Moffat: Africa’s Brave Heart (Christian Focus Publications, 2014) is a wonderful story of the life of Robert Moffat and his wife Mary, written for 8-14 year olds. He certainly was brave, facing dangers and challenges that would dissuade most people right away.
Robert Moffat’s story is inspiring. Reaching the people he was to serve required marching through the desert and wilderness for months, only to hear terrible tales of the murderous chieftain he was being sent to minister to.
Robert Moffat persevered, even in the face of promised certain death.
Robert Moffat the Missionary
His impact was astounding, as he learned the local language, shared the gospel, translated the Scriptures, and discipled the local people. The murderous chieftain? He became a loyal follower of Christ.
Throughout his time in Africa, Robert Moffat dealt repeatedly with murderous and thieving tribes and fought to stay alive in a harsh and dry environment.
The Lord provided for and protected the Moffat family, although they did suffer the loss of three children. Robert Moffat had ten children and adopted others (at least two) from the local tribal people.
His eldest daughter Mary became the wife of David Livingstone, who was headed for missions in China until God sovereignly intervened through Robert Moffat.
Another son also stayed in Africa as a missionary.
Robert Moffat returned home to England reluctantly for his final 13 years of life, raising support for missions in the country he loved.
Robert Moffat: Africa’s Brave Heart coordinates with studies involving:
- South Africa
- David Livingstone
-
The 19th Century
- Courage, faith, and/or obedience
I love Christian Focus’ Trail Blazers series (and their Torch Bearers series on Christian martyrs). Currently, the Trail Blazers series has 62 books! That’s enough to keep your middle grade child reading great, God-honoring, character-growing material for a long time. I find that reading Christian biographies with my children helps us all grow in character, in perspective, and in our understanding of God’s hand in history.
Purchase Robert Moffat: Africa’s Brave Heart
Robert Moffat: Africa’s Brave Heart (Trail Blazers)
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Our family loves the Christian Focus Trail Blazers books. They’re perfect for ages 7-14. We read them as we studied history! Check them out.
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Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids
Christian History Matters for Our Kids.
History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible.
Here’s why:
- God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings.
- Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
- Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.
- Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.
- Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history.
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