Reverend John Brown (Korean name: Byeon Jo-eun) of the Australian Uniting Church, who sowed seeds of hope in the barren Korean countryside of the 1960s by personally transporting breeding pigs and dairy sheep, passed away on the 17th at the age of 92. His life will be remembered as a history of dedication that permeated deep into Korean society, transcending borders through the practice of love that went beyond agricultural development, education, and support for democratization movements.

The late Reverend John Brown passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, at a nursing home in Canberra, Australia, from old age. Born in September 1933 in Australia, he was sent to Korea as a Presbyterian missionary in 1960, beginning a deep relationship with Korea. He was actively engaged in Korea until his return to Australia in 1972.

His early activities in Korea focused on the self-reliance and development of rural areas in Gyeongnam Province. In 1965, he personally transported Australian pigs and dairy sheep to Korea. As he recalled, "When I came to Australia in 1965 and left, I took back pigs and dairy sheep," this was more than simple material support—it was a symbolic event that breathed new life and hope into the Korean countryside. His dedication brought practical change to the barren rural environment.

[Photo=Yonhapnews]

As a pastor and educator, he taught Hebrew at Presbyterian University of Korea and devoted himself to training successors. His self-created textbook "Let's Learn Hebrew" played an important role in helping students at the time learn Hebrew. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of industrial ministry to his disciple Reverend In Myung-jin and recommended it to him. Subsequently, he supported the Yeongdeungpo Industrial Mission in both material and spiritual ways, making a significant contribution to the realization of social justice in Korea's early democratization movement. This is evaluated as an unexpected turning point showing that he, a pastor and Hebrew professor, demonstrated broad dedication not only to rural development but also to human rights and democratization.

Reverend John Brown spoke fluent Korean and demonstrated deep understanding and affection for Korean culture. He also showed deep family love transcending blood relations by adopting a daughter in Korea. Even after leaving Korea in 1972 and returning to Australia, his ties with Korea continued. In 1974, he supported the establishment of a Korean church in the Sydney area, contributing to the creation of a focal point for the overseas Korean community. In Australian society, he also led the Australian church to officially apologize for past massacres and discrimination against indigenous peoples, continuing efforts toward social integration and reconciliation. In recognition of these multifaceted contributions, he received the "Medal of the Order of Australia" from the Australian government, acknowledging his dedication transcending national borders.

The passing of Reverend John Brown marks the setting of a great star of an era who dedicated himself to substantive improvement of people's lives and social justice, going beyond simple missionary work during Korea's difficult times. His life will be remembered as a model of love and service transcending culture and borders, and the warm footprints he left in both Korea and Australia will resonate for a long time to come.