Born in the northeast of Scotland, John Ross arrived in Manchuria in 1872 and spent 40 years of his life there. He left behind an amazing legacy of culturally sensitive evangelism, established presbyterian churches, innovative missionary principles, valuable publications, and a rich vein of translations, including the first version of the New Testament in Korean.
John S. Ross’s riveting biography tracks not only his life, but also the social, political and spiritual influences which shaped his life and work. God is still using John Ross’s labours to grow his Kingdom in South and North Korea today.
Endorsements
Packed solid with carefully documented information, the author has written in a narrative style which draws you to read on. With its many helpful theological and cultural insights, it is a book set to become a classic.
David Ellis An engineer, former minister of the Church of Scotland and Director of OMF International UK
For the first time in the English language, we finally have a comprehensive retelling of the life and work of John Ross, the important Scottish missionary to Manchuria (Northeast China) and Korea (then, the ‘Hermit Kingdom’). This is a meticulously researched and immensely readable book that weaves together the fascinating biography of the man John Ross with the social, religious, and imperial history and context which shaped him and his mission. We are told of the ways he relied on and empowered local Chinese and Korean coworkers in the work of the Gospel, the intellectual contributions he and his collaborators made—not least the first Korean New Testament—and the enduring legacy which has been left behind.
This is such a wonderfully captivating read.
Alexander Chow Senior Lecturer of Theology and World Christianity, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh, and editor of Scottish Missions to China (Brill 2022).
… goes well beyond a simple biographical statement of his life, but thoroughly sets him and his missionary work in the church, social,
and cultural context of his time, both in the Scotland, and in China. This is a must read for anyone interested in missions and Christianity in East Asia.
James H. Grayson Professor Emeritus, School of East Asian Studies, The University of Sheffield
… an inspiring, engaging and realistic portrait of a missionary namesake who left a profound legacy in the Chinese and Korean churches.
Donald John MacLean Adjunct Professor of Historical Theology, Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Newcastle
This is a thrilling story, taking the reader through the God–given successes of Ross’s labours, as well as the immense challenges he faced, including the Boxer Rising. It is a thoroughly worthy memorial to Ross, the missionary and translator, but supremely a timeless and inspiring testimony to the fruit which follows the faithful sowing of Gospel seed.
Donald Meek Professor Emeritus, Scottish and Gaelic Studies, Edinburgh University
John Stuart Ross has fifty years’ experience in mission (in Nigeria, international Jewish evangelism, and South Africa) and pastoral ministry (Belfast and Scotland). His PhD, from the University of Wales, Lampeter, is on Scottish Missions to the Jews. He has written books and many articles. Married to Elizabeth, they have three children and nine grandchildren.
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