David Livingstone was one of the greatest explorers who ever lived. His exciting exploits in Africa tell a story of unsurpassed courage and determination.
At first, it looked like David Livingstone would spend his life in the little town of Blantyre, Scotland. At age ten he began working in the cotton spinning mill. His workday began at 6 AM. The ending whistle didn't sound until 8 PM. After work he attended school for two hours.
He was told he'd never escape the daily toil of the cotton mill. Yet with only slight formal education, he succeeded in gaining admission to college. He studied to be a medical missionary. He attended a lecture by Robert Moffat, who was from Africa. Robert Moffat said, "I have sometimes seen, in the morning sun, the smoke of a thousand villages, where no missionary has ever been."
The phrase "the smoke from a thousand villages" caught David's imagination. He decided to go to Africa. Africa was being explored one cautious step at a time. David Livingstone made bold, sweeping trips far beyond the established line. Within a few months he'd gone deeper into Africa than any other missionary.
He left the comfortable missionary stations and lived with the African people. He learned their language. He treated their sick, helped them build a better life for themselves and told them about Jesus. He made plans to explore Africa, to preach the Gospel, and learn the scientific secrets of this great country.
David Livingstone described in vivid detail the unusual plants and animals of the African landscape. Using the same skills as a navigator on the ocean, he recorded his route into Africa so carefully it can be retraced today. His methods set a standard in the way exploration should be done.
As he grew more confident, David made a daring decision. He would cross from one side of Africa to the other. Many people said it couldn't be done. David had learned to think for himself and never give up. He said, "I will open a path into the interior or perish." How he succeeded against all the odds is an exciting story. Read on and let the adventure begin!
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