MR.
CHRISTOPHER:
"Wow! This is truly amazing!"
PENNY: "What is, Mr. Christopher?"
MR. CHRISTOPHER:
"Well, I've been reading this biography on the life
of David Livingstone titled, 'David Livingstone:
The Truth Behind the Legend.' He was an amazing
man and he had some very prophetic words that seem
to directly point to the work of modern missionaries
in Southern Africa."
PENNY: "I vaguely
recall the name David Livingstone from some of my
missions research, but refresh me. Who was he?"
MR. CHRISTOPHER:
"Ahhh yes, well, David Livingstone was perhaps the
most famous missionary and explorer to the continent
of Africa. At the first part of his career, Livingstone
was employed by the London Missionary Society to
bring the gospel to the continent. He arrived to
South Africa on March 17, 1841."
PENNY: "That
was four years before the International Mission
Board was founded!"
MR. CHRISTOPHER:
"That is correct!"
PENNY: "So,
you mentioned that he had some prophetic words?"
MR. CHRISTOPHER:
"Yes, I did. Listen to what David Livingstone wrote
in his journal some 150 years ago: Future missionaries
will see conversions follow every sermon. We prepare
the way for them. May they not forget the pioneers
who worked in the thick gloom, with few cheering
rays to cheer except such as flow from faith in
God's promises. We work for a glorious future which
we are not destined to see, the golden age which
has not been but will yet be."
PENNY: "Wow!
And, from what I hear, in places like Zambia, this
is exactly what's happening!"
MR. CHRISTOPHER:
"Yes it is! And, you're right Zambia is a great
example of Livingstone's prophecy. See, David Livingstone
was not very successful in bringing the African
people to new faith in Jesus Christ. But, today
in places like Zambia, along some of the very same
routes that Livingstone discovered for the European
world, missionaries are having great successes!
They are literally seeing 'conversions follow every
sermon' as Livingstone predicted!"
PENNY: "Way
cool!"
SURFER
BOB: "By Jove, I think that I've spotted
it! My good man Chief Sechele's directions were
impeccable. But wait, it is time for a spot of tea
before I continue to trudge down the Zambesi River
toward the falls, known to the locals as 'THE SMOKE
THAT THUNDERS'!"
PENNY: "Um,
Surfer Bob. What's with the get up and why do you
have all of that gear loaded onto your surfboard?"
SURFER BOB:
"Ah.well.good day my lady. I am trekking down the
Zambesi River, through Western Zambia in search
of the majestic Victoria Falls."
PENNY: "It's
been done before Bob."
MR. CHRISTOPHER:
"Yeah, Bob.150 YEARS AGO to be exact!!!"
PENNY: "But,
since you're already packed.why don't you round
up some info on missionaries serving in that part
of Africa. I was checking the International Mission
Board's Web site earlier and it made mention of
a family by the name of Davis I think."
SURFER BOB:
"AHHHH.DAREN DAVIS I PRESUME!!!!"
PENNY: "Yes,
I presume!"
SURFER BOB:
"Fine.fine. While you wait, see if you can come
up with the correct answer to this Kids On Mission
Kid Quiz. Tallyho!"
PENNY:
"I think that I know the answer, how about you gang?"
MR. CHRISTOPHER:
"It's a tough one. But, I think that I have it as
well."
PENNY:
"Before gaining independence in 1964, Zambia was
known as Northern Rhodesia!"
MR. CHRISTOPHER: "Bravo Penny! You're right!
And, Zimbabwe.Zambia's neighbor to the south.was
known as Southern Rhodesia."
SURFER BOB:
"Jolly well done, amigos. Now here is that morsel
of missions media you requested. Enjoy!"
SURFER BOB:
"Back.back.steer clear you savage beasts! OFF.OFF.YOU
SLIMY AND SMELLY SERPENT!"
PENNY: "Ahem,
is everything OK Bob?"
SURFER BOB:
"Crocodiles, snakes and hippopotami infest these
waters like flies infesting a picnic basket! They
are everywhere! And, the heat.the despicable sun
glares his vicious rays into my eyes, blinding me.draining
me of every ounce of energy."
PENNY: "That's
pretty dramatic, Bob. But, don't you think you're
overdoing it a bit?"
SURFER BOB:
"Aw c'mon, Penn-acita! I'm really getting inta this!
I'm trying to feel David Livingstone's pain!"
MR. CHRISTOPHER:
"Livingstone did undergo many hardships, while on
his journeys. He was nearly killed by a vicious
lion, narrowly escaped attacks from hostile tribal
people, and even suffered the loss of his wife in
Africa."
PENNY: "But,
he always seemed to persevere."
MR. CHRISTOPHER:
"Yes, but only by the grace of God. Just like missionaries
today. The area along the Zambesi is not easy country.but
God's servants, like the Davises, continue to labor
because of a strong conviction that the Lozi people
need to know Jesus Christ. They are true mission
heroes."
PENNY: "And,
pioneers.just like Livingstone!"
MR. CHRISTOPHER:
"They sure are! And, as Southern Baptists we need
to make an investment in their work. An investment
through prayer and through our tithes and offerings.
You can make an investment in the work of the Davises.
And, what an investment it would be. David Livingstone
knew that our KOM partners would some day see the
value in supporting missionaries. Listen to this:
H envisioned that the time would come when rich
men and great men would think it an honor to support
whole stations of missionaries, instead of spending
their money on hounds and horses."
PENNY: "Cool!
I think of it as an honor to give through the Cooperative
Program and to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®!
What about you! Give it some thought and pray for
the Davises."
MR. CHRISTOPHER:
"Great idea! Why don't you pray for them right now!
We'll see you next time, gang. Bye!"
PENNY: "Bye!"
®Lottie
Moon Christmas Offering is a registered trademark
of Woman's Missionary Union. |
