“Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Henry Stanley, the newspaper reporter asked the Scottish doctor. “The whole world is looking for you.”
”I’m not lost,” the doctor replied in his hearty voice, that belied the illness he had been fighting.
Dr. David Livingstone (1813- 1873), born in Scotland, spent most of his childhood working hard in a mill. His heart was set on being a doctor, so after his long days at the mill, he took night classes, eventually graduating with a medical degree.
One day, David heard a missionary doctor speak about how missionaries with medical knowledge were needed in China. As David prayed about it, he felt called, not to China, but to Africa.
David spent many years in Africa, traveling to places that no white man had ever gone before. It was quite an adventure! One time he was attacked by a lion! Another time a terrible accident destroyed his left arm. Best of all, he discovered beautiful rivers and majestic waterfalls.
As David traveled through southern Africa, he took notes and made many maps, in addition to treating sick Africans and sharing the hope of the Gospel with them. He was the first European to map southern Africa.
At one point, Africa with its dangers and humid climate, became too much for David’s wife and children so they moved back to England for a short season. David wrote a book, Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa. This book made Dr. Livingstone famous all over the world, especially in England and America. The book also got many Christians excited about missions which had been Dr. Livingstone’s goal.
David spent the last seven years of his life in the jungles of Africa. No one heard from him for a long time and they got worried. Eventually, Henry M. Stanley, a newspaper reporter went to go look for him and bring him home, but he refused. After spending some time with Dr. Livingstone, Mr. Stanley went home to write his famous “I Found Livingstone” article.
Dr. David Livingstone died in his hut, kneeling by his bedside, praying for his beloved African people.
My children loved learning about Dr. David Livingstone, a true hero for Jesus.
He brought the Good News about Jesus, along with medical care, to the people of southern Africa. He brought knowledge of the African landscape, along with maps, to the Western world.
To teach our children about God’s Heroes, we have a Heroes for Jesus Party every year. Everyone has a blast!
Do you want to have your own Heroes for Jesus Party?
Celebrate Our Christian Superheroes encourages families to give their children true heroes in their lives, shares ideas on how to learn about Christian heroes, gives instructions to host a Heroes for Jesus Party with a list of heroes with monologues, costume suggestions, games, and includes autumn recipes to use. An additional Bonus is Paul’s Missionary Journey to Rome Game with instructions, templates, and rules.
Happy Celebrating!
Meredith Curtis
