Did you know that at BST, our lecture rooms and buildings are named in honour of faithful missionaries from across history? From McConaghy and Caufeild House to the William Carey and Amy Carmichael rooms, each space tells a story of Christ-centred service and sacrificial mission.
This week, we were delighted to add to that tradition as we dedicated our dining room to the memory of Robert Jaffray—a missionary whose legacy continues to shape the church across Asia.
Jaffray served in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia during the early 20th century—planting churches, training leaders, launching publishing ministries, and establishing what is now Jaffray Theological Seminary in Makassar. His life was marked by courage, conviction, and a deep love for Christ. Even as a prisoner of war during World War II, he remained committed to the gospel until his death at age 71.
At the dedication, sessional lecturer Chris Luthy shared more of Jaffray’s story and the remarkable fruit of his ministry. Today, Jaffray Theological Seminary—one of BST’s formal partners through the Centre for Asian Christianity (CAC)—trains over 800 students for gospel ministry across Indonesia each year.
Grace Lung, Director of CAC, reflected on how Jaffray’s impact stretches far beyond Makassar—including her own family’s story of faith through the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
As we dedicate this space—the Robert Jaffray Dining Room—we pray it becomes more than just a place to share meals. May it be a space where community is formed, where mission is imagined, and where students are reminded daily of the call of Christ to go into all the world and share the Good News.
As Jaffray himself said:
“The supreme and crying need of this lost world is the Gospel. Shall we not rise at Christ’s command to carry the blessed saving news to every perishing one?”
