David Livingstone: Missionary and Explorer

Recently when looking over a shared bookshelf, I made choice to read something I intended to be simple and quick. I was not disappointed. This short book was both simple and quick. A bit of a cross between a long magazine article and a children's book. It did however satisfy a basic understanding of David Livingstone's life. The series title 'Heroes of the Faith' certainly gives some insight into where the reader is about to embark. Mr. Wellman's run of Mr. Livingstone's life is full of excitement and adventure. It is a surface account, yet manages to be well written to provide flow and continuity. If one wishes to get a good general idea of this remarkable man's life and accomplishments this book would be an excellent choice to provide quick satisfaction. I do believe the author accomplishes a goal of providing the reader with the admirable aspects of Livingstone's life in a easily digestible format. The book also creates a desire to do further reading on David Livingstone. The series title 'Heroes of the Faith' also provides insight into shortcomings of this work. David Livingstone is painted in a very positive light. Even when the author does mention some of his shortcomings or faults the reader finds themselves wondering if he is really mentioning a shortcoming. The intention is to portray a hero, not to provide a critical look at his life and work. One is however able to read between the lines that perhaps Mr. Livingstone was not the easiest individual with which to get along. I do not feel the author was trying to hide this from the reader, but rather focus on Mr. Livingstone's strengths. I would definitely suggest this book as an introduction to David Livingstone's life and work. I give it 4 out of 5 stars as I feel the author accomplishes his goal of portraying a hero in a very easily read format. Minus one star for at times minimizing Livingstone's faults too far.

David Livingstone's life is all but forgotten in this generation that despises anything missionary or Christian but this is a shame. For Mr. Livingstone was ahead of his time in his treatment of the lovely African peoples. He treated them with sensitivity and respect in an age when most white men wanted to 'steal' the blacks and sell them into slavery or abuse them for their own greedy purposes. Livingstone showed the patience, kindness, and mercy that are required of those who heed God's calling as missionaries. Sam Wellman presents the life of this extraordinary man in layman's terms. A beautiful book about a beautiful human being and the people that his life touched.

I found this biography to be an interesting glimpse into the life of Dr. David Livingstone. Having no prior knowledge of this Missionary to Africa, I found this to be a very informative book. With admirable strength and courage balanced with humility, all supplied by the Holy Spirit , Dr. Livingstone hiked through the wilderness of Africa, intent on showing the natives the love of Christ. By his kindness and fairness to the African tribes, and by oral preaching in their own languages, he brought the saving news of Jesus Christ to them. He helped to heal animosity between neighboring tribes, and sought to replace the horrible slave trade with honest commerce by searching out water routes to the interior of Africa. Overall, following him through his struggles and sorrows built an attitude of respect for Dr. Livingstone and his work, making for an excellent book.