Robert Moffat (1795–1883) was a Scottish missionary, explorer, and linguist renowned for his pioneering work in southern Africa. Serving with the London Missionary Society, he devoted over fifty years to translating the Bible, establishing mission stations, and advocating for indigenous rights. As the father-in-law of famed explorer David Livingstone, Moffat helped lay the groundwork for future missionary efforts across the continent, and his legacy remains significant in the history of Christian missions.
Early Life and Background
Robert Moffat was born on December 21, 1795, in Ormiston, East Lothian, Scotland. Raised in a devout Christian family, Moffat grew up with a strong faith that would eventually lead him to missionary service. As a young man, he trained as a gardener, working at estates in Scotland and England. During this time, he encountered a recruiter from the London Missionary Society (LMS) and felt called to missionary work.
In 1816, at the age of 21, Moffat officially joined the LMS and was assigned to South Africa. Before departing, he met Mary Smith, a young woman from Manchester who would later become his wife and lifelong partner in ministry.
Early Missionary Work in South Africa
Moffat arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1817, where he began studying the Dutch language, which was necessary for communication in the colony. After a year, he was assigned to work among the Tswana people in the northern regions of South Africa. When Mary joined him, they were married in 1819, and together they began their work at Kuruman, a region near the Kalahari Desert. They faced harsh conditions, including extreme heat, drought, and health challenges.
Despite these difficulties, the Moffats were committed to establishing a mission station that would become a center for Christian teaching, medical assistance, and agricultural education. Kuruman would grow to be known as the “fountainhead” of Christian missions in southern Africa.
Language Work and Translation of the Bible
One of Moffat’s major contributions was his dedication to learning and documenting the Setswana language spoken by the local people. Realizing that literacy could be a bridge to evangelism, he and Mary developed a written form of Setswana and began translating the Bible into the language, a monumental task that took several decades.
Moffat completed the translation of the entire Bible into Setswana in 1857, making it one of the earliest complete Bibles in an indigenous African language. This translation allowed the Tswana people to access Christian teachings in their own language and culture, an approach that was innovative for its time. The Setswana Bible had a lasting impact and is still celebrated as a foundational text for Christian communities in the region.
Advocacy and Social Impact
Beyond evangelism, Moffat was a passionate advocate for the rights and well-being of the indigenous communities he served. He opposed the mistreatment of African people by colonial authorities and settlers, working to establish relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. Moffat’s mission station at Kuruman served as a refuge for local communities during periods of conflict and provided medical care, agricultural training, and education.
Moffat believed in integrating practical skills with Christian teaching, which he demonstrated by introducing new farming techniques and developing local industries. The Kuruman mission became a self-sufficient community, symbolizing Moffat’s commitment to holistic ministry. This approach influenced future mission strategies and set an example of respecting and working within indigenous cultures rather than imposing Western practices.
Influence on David Livingstone and Other Missionaries
In 1840, a young David Livingstone arrived in Africa as a new missionary with the LMS and was warmly welcomed by the Moffats. Livingstone eventually married Robert and Mary Moffat’s daughter, Mary, and became one of the most famous explorers and missionaries in African history. Moffat’s influence was significant in shaping Livingstone’s approach to mission work, exploration, and African advocacy.
Through his work and mentorship, Moffat inspired a new generation of missionaries who carried forward his commitment to cultural sensitivity, language study, and holistic ministry. His example encouraged others to venture further into unexplored territories and fostered a lasting legacy of Christian service in Africa.
Later Years and Return to Britain
After more than fifty years of missionary work, Moffat and his wife Mary returned to Britain in 1870. Their contributions to the Christian missions and the welfare of African communities were widely recognized, and Moffat became a celebrated figure in Britain. He spent his later years speaking, fundraising, and promoting missionary work, drawing public attention to the need for missions in Africa.
Mary Moffat passed away in 1871, and Robert continued to write and speak on missions until his own death on August 9, 1883. He was buried in Norwood Cemetery, London, where his contributions to missions were commemorated.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Robert Moffat’s impact on missions in Africa was profound. His translation of the Bible into Setswana remains a lasting legacy, as it provided the foundation for the growth of Christianity among the Tswana people and helped preserve their language in written form. The Kuruman mission station became a model for other missions in Africa and demonstrated the importance of language study, cultural respect, and practical service in missionary work.
The principles Moffat lived by—such as cultural respect, advocacy for justice, and providing tangible support for communities—set a precedent for future missionary efforts in Africa. His life of service, dedication, and resilience is remembered as a vital part of the history of Christian missions, influencing mission philosophy and practice across the globe.