Born 1813 Blantyre near Glasgow, Bonny Scotland
Dr David Livingstone’s studies/ reports were sent to the Royal Geographical Society in London
He always brought with him a Bible, a magic lantern, compass, and sextant: two small mirrors and a telescope used for surveying navigation measuring the altitudes of celestial bodies and their angular distances.
The Dark Continent,
1840
Many people saw Africa as a land of impenetrable jungle of ferocious animals, bloodthirsty black savages, and disease.
The Great White Hope
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Never walking alone, since he was aided by exceptional others
For he saw the local witchdoctors as his professional brothers
By boat, by ox, by foot he travelled over a colossal distance
To establish Christian missions and provide medical assistance
As much as a man of god, he was also a man of science
Spreading the gospel, studying Geographic environments
Mauled by myriads of mosquitoes, baffled with malaria campaigning
Still he established churches and schools, helped hygiene and sanitation
He fought disease then wrote decrees, and carried a magic lantern
Married the daughter of a fellow missionary, they had six children.
When this missionary saw the atrocity, an Arab slave trade could give
He felt pissed, and resolved to fight slavery as long as he should live
Dude didn’t do it for money, that’s just what Mr Livingstone did
He’d take the rain with the sunny, and made this place as his home is
When his baby daughter died while travelling, David sent his family to Britain
But he stayed in Africa upon mission at hand… so farewell he wished them
Gripped by Wanderlust
Left Upon a quest to track down the source of the River Nile
Things went wrong, his bearers fell ill, oxen withered and died,
Many servants ran away, rather than face warlike tribes over yonder…
The places now known as Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda
Scared of what was ahead, some started blinding and F’in, and left
Two more servants ran off, taking his quinine and medicine chest
Now supplies exhausted with almost all hope diminished
His small party crept to where they lay up in the Ujiji village
…
Meanwhile the so-called civilised world wondered, people shed tears
To children and mother dad had apparently disappeared for five years
The Herald sent top reporter Henry Stanley to find the white Doctor
The head of an expenditure of 192 men, he set of from Zanzibar
Their search lasted eight months, untill Stanley saw an emaciated figure
Stanley: “I thank God Doctor that I have been permitted to see you”
Dr Livingstone: “I feel most thankful that I am here to welcome you”
…
The rescue was none too soon… for after two years minus medicine
Doc was ill; he still refused a return to London to dine on fine venison
Back home now known, national hero, his name widely mentioned
Africa salutes the same; yet he disused fame and holds Holy intentions
In this jungle far over the sea, “I still have much work to do” said he
So, provided with all sorts of provisions needed - supplied by Stanley
David pressed ahead on his mission, seeking the source of the Nile
But got somewhat lost in miles of Congo, now in remorse not a smile…
At Chitambo village, clear morning May 1st 1873, the final day and year
His bearers found him kneeling by his bedside in an attitude of prayer
His head rested in his hands, and alas, not a soul can rouse this man
Such artisan, this artists plan now paints an ending doused with sand
Word spread, as converts came by the thousands to pay final respects
And, his body would be sent back to Britain, with less one vital aspect
As the Doctors heart was removed… and buried in the soil of Africa
Then began a funeral parade that took nine months to reach Zanzibar
His heart borne across the wild land - by hordes of Africans chanting
Singing hymns - he had taught them, they merged drums and dancing
His Soul rests where it belongs, since this is where he was ever happy
Plus, his physical body was buried in London - at Westminster Abbey
Good people are Sooooooooooooooo Hard to find nowadays…
So come now let US remember… the Bones of the Brave
David the Doctor forever remains a Living Cornerstone of faith
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Peace
