David Livingstone: First to Cross Africa with the Gospel

by J.H. Worcester Jr.

very good reading copy--quick ship-eao84

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1888

Reviews

[Jack W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Livingstone is a hero and deserves wider acclaim. Remarkable missionary who embodied the greatest virtues of the English and of heaven. For good reason was the boy Teedie Roosevelt, like millions of other Christian children, inspired by this man to greatness that would leave the world never the same.

[Timothy Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

While only 125 pages it contained enough of the man's life and missionary work in Africa to inspire further reading. It is a fascinating study when it comes to missionaries and the sacrifices they make for the cause of the Gospel. His time away from home, his wife and family, the loneliness he surely felt away from all that was common to him.

The many afflictions, sickness, and burdens of ministering to a people not familiar with his language or ways. The amount of territory and terrain he covered could be likened to that of the apostle Paul.

David Livingstone was many things, "linguist, physician, astronomer, teacher, explorer and emancipator," but foremost a missionary for the cause of Christ.

David Livingstone died in the field and died with a testimony that will endure forever.

[Bradley McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The name Livingstone is revered outside of Christian circles. His love for Africa, his desire for the abolition of the slave trade, and his usefulness in influencing natives and Europeans for Christ, however, rank David Livingstone among the greatest Christian missionaries in modern memory. Criticized and opposed, Livingstone nonetheless won the devotion and respect of those who knew him well, including his mother-in-law--no mean feat--and Dr. Stanley, one of London's foremost atheists. This book does not shy away from controversy, but it holds Livingstone in esteem without lionizing him.

[Paulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Florence Nightingale called Dr. David Livingstone “the greatest man of his generation.” This brief, inspiring biography conveys his profound wisdom and sheer willpower, deployed in arduous, risky, decades-long missionary work over millions of miles in the heart of Africa.

In addition to recounting these titanic undertakings, the author also zooms in on Livingstone’s interactions with the humble and the mighty. I found the accounts of his dealings with tribal chiefs and healers particularly amusing. Livingstone excelled at winning hearts and minds for Christ, and the author dwells on just how he did it.

Finally, the famous story of his brush with a less-than-friendly lion is also there. His career was almost cut short before it began, but thankfully he survived.

[Johnvano · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, quick overview of an heroic life. Squabbled together from multiple sources for accessibility in home libraries and honestly written too soon after the missionary-explorers’ death... as it is filled with unnecessary/ unkind commentary about the “ignorance” etc of the humans Livingstone lived and sacrificed himself to serve. Strong plus: Really underscores his dedication to abolishing slavery throughout the continent of Africa.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow read but as the last footnote states, the narrative comes mostly from Dr. Livingstone’s own word so as to “best represent the man”. A good intro to diving into more of the opening of Africa to the gospel.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Without a doubt, David Livingstone was one of the greatest pioneer missionaries of all time. He was also one of the greatest explorers and geographers of all time. He and his wife gave their lives serving in Africa, all the while exposing and opposing the cruelty and inhumanity of the slave trade which was decimating parts of Africa. When Livingstone died, his native helpers removed his heart and buried it in Africa, while they carried his body to the coast so it could be carried back to England for burial. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.

I've seen that site in the center of the floor of the main nave near the entrance to the Abbey.

[Andy]

0436

[F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best of the biographies of Livingstone but certainly enough to whet your appetite!