David Livingstone: Explorer, Missionary and Abolitionist

After David died, his African helpers carried his body more than 1,000 miles to the coast. From there his body was taken by boat all the way to England, to be buried in Westminster Abbey.

White Man's Graveyard
A few days after arriving in Cape Town, South Africa, I was ready to travel into what most missionaries considered dangerous territoryï¬fl deep into the heart of Africa. It didnâˆ⁄t scare me one bit that the interior of Africa was called "the white man's graveyard." After purchasing a wagon, oxen, and supplies, I headed north with my African helpers. The African wildlife and the oddly shaped trees and grasses were remarkable! Having loved nature since I was a boy, I wanted to see every inch of God's glorious creation. I knew I was exactly where I belonged and wanted to travel to every village and tell the people about Jesus. I traveled farther and farther inland, following the plan God had placed in my heart. I made friends with many village chiefs and used my medical knowledge to heal the sick. Learning the African languages and adopting their customs was my way of showing them the deepest respect.

The Slave Trade
Much to my surprise, I soon discovered that I was not the only white man who had found his way into the interior of Africa. The Boers (Dutch farmers) had come to Africa thinking all the Africans lived on the coast. They attacked the inland villages, and since the Africans' spears were no match for the Boers' guns, they killed many Africans and made others their slaves. I hated the slave trade and the Boers hated me because I told the rest of the world what they were doing. If they could have, they would have killed me.

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postscript
David Livingstone traveled thousands of miles by boat and by oxen, exploring Africa and telling the Africans about Jesus. His most famous discovery was what the Africans called 'Mosi-oa-tunya' ("the smoke that thunders") or Victoria Falls. Livingstone received a gold medal from the Royal Geographical Society of London for being the first person to cross the entire African Continent from west to east.

Livingstone died thirty-three years after first setting foot in Africa. His African helpers found him several hours after he died, still kneeling by his bed in a praying position. They returned his body to England, where he was buried with great honor in Westminster Abbey, a famous church in London.

Make It Real! Questions to make you dig a little deeper and think a little harder.

• Suggested reading:
  • David Livingstone, Africa's Trailblazer by Janet & Geoff Benge (Christian Heroes Then and Now series, YWAM Pub.)
  • Ten Boys Who Changed the World by Irene Howat (Christian Focus Publications)
• Websites:
  • Livingstone at Christian History Institute.
  • Livingstone at Mr. Dowling's Passport.
  • David Livingstone, African Explorer
• Activities:
  • Map Game
  • Livingstone quiz