Missionaries, Madness and Miracles Vol. II

“This work is not to be quickly read,” it says at the end of the Preface. Good advice, but time spent reading Missionaries, Madness and Miracles is time well spent. In bringing to light the written reports and correspondence of Adolf Hermann Kempe, pioneer missionary at Hermannsburg-Ntaria, great-grandson Bob Kempe has made a remarkable contribution to the history of mission in Australia. His comprehensive introduction enables readers to appreciate the absolute courage and commitment of Kempe and his fellow Hermannsburg missionaries in bringing the Christian gospel to Aboriginal people in the Red Centre. The correspondence reveals much about the complexity of the deeply human relationship between Kempe, WF Schwarz, LG Schulze, mission superintendent GA Heidenreich, their long-suffering wives, and the people they were serving. In his commentary Bob Kempe does not flinch in truth-telling about both achievements and failings in the establishment of a mission that continues even today. Also to be commended is the painstaking translation work of Vic Pfitzner, who found the right voice in English for the unique form of 19th century German used by the missionaries.’ - Dr Dean Zweck, Emeritus Church History Lecturer, Australian Lutheran College, Adelaide

Robert J. Kempe is an emeritus pastor of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand, and an emeritus lecturer in pastoral theology at Australian Lutheran College, Adelaide. He is also an education Consultant within Clinical Pastoral Education.

Victor C. Pfitzner is an emeritus pastor of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (65 years), a lecturer in New Testament theology (38 years), and has been the Principal of the Australian Lutheran College, Adelaide, for nine years.