David Livingstone: Christian missionary, physician, explorer

Scotland was the home of David Livingstone (1813-1873), born into a Christian family whose members worked in the town cotton mill. His Christian faith led him to believe God was calling him into missionary service to the people of Africa. He pursued and completed theological school and then medical school. Thus, he felt ready to follow God’s leading for missionary service. 

He was endorsed and appointed by the London Missionary Society (LMS) in 1841, and sent to Africa at the age of 27. As he landed on the shore of this great continent, he saw “the smoke of a thousand villages” and recommitted himself to minister to the bodies and souls of the people of Africa in those villages. During those early years of travel and ministry, he was once attacked and mauled by a lion and suffered a broken arm in that attack. His arm always had the scars of that attack. 

Four years after arriving, David met and married Mary Moffat, daughter in another missionary family serving Africa, and David and Mary had five children all born on that mission field. Living was at times very difficult and dangerous for the family as they faced opposition from hostile natives who misunderstood their mission of caring and serving. This opposition led to the burning of some of his books and medical supplies by those who did not understand his Christian commitment to serving those very people. For the safety of his family, he sent them back to Scotland, and four year later he returned home to join them, but only for a short while. All of England honored him when he returned, and soon he was speaking in churches and in other places about his ministry and pioneering experiences in Africa. He also let it be known that he strongly  opposed slavery and the slave trade. He also wrote two book on Africa and his travel experiences. 

In 1858, David, Mary and their youngest son returned to Africa to continue missionary service. Malaria took its toll on the family when Mary died at age 41. David continued his dedicated ministry to the people as he himself was wearing down. In 1871, at 58, American reporter Henry Stanley came to Africa to find David Livingstone for interviews, and when they met Stanley said these memorable words: “Dr. Livingstone I presume.” In 1872, Stanley left Africa carrying David’s journals, notes and letters. 

On April 30, 1873, while on his knees in prayer, David Livingstone went home to Jesus. His body was miraculously preserved and carried overland by committed African friends and then taken by ship back to England. His body was laid in honored rest in Westminster Abbey as one of England’s most beloved and respected citizens who had made such a positive influence on the world. 

In response to the Great Commission of Jesus: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surly I and with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). David Livingstone was led by God to Africa as his mission field. What a wonderful example of Christian dedication and service. Peace!

Writer’s note: The book “David Livingstone: Africa’s Trailblazer” by Janet Benge was very helpful in preparing this sketch.