Virgil Robinson was born on January 9, 1908 and first traveled to Africa at age thirteen. After graduating from Pacific Union College in 1934, he returned to Africa where he served as director at the Malamulo Mission Training School, and later, as a principal in Kenya. He taught history for six years in South Africa before taking on the position as senior editor of a correspondence school called the Home Study Institute. Robinson was the great grandson of Ellen White and beloved author of nineteen books, including The Restless Missionary, Cabin Boy to Advent Crusader, Luther the Leader, and John Nevins Andrews.