YWAM: David Livingstone Review

“Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation. But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand” (Romans 15:20–21,KJV).

Several years ago while at a homeschool conference, I was given the Gladys Aylward book by the workers of the YWAM Publishing booth.  The kids and I absolutely loved reading that first Christian Heroes: Then & Now book, so when I was given the opportunity to review another book from the same series I knew we just had to review it!  We chose to review the book David Livingstone: Africa’s Trailblazer and the corresponding Unit Study Curriculum Guide.

If you are not familiar with YWAM Publishing they are a non-profit organization whose focus is to “encourage Christians to make a difference in a needy world.”  A portion of the proceeds from book sales go to help those in need around the world.

Their Christian Heroes series exists to share the exciting and inspiring stories of actual people who have answered God’s call to missions.  This series provides some wonderful examples of true heroes that our children and families can look up to.

David Livingstone: Africa’s Trailblazer Book

David Livingstone was born in Scotland in 1813.  His family was not one of wealth or great stature; however, they worked hard to make sure that each child was able to attend school.  David’s father believed though, that you couldn’t study science and be a Christian, he felt the two contradicted each other.  That is until Reverend Moir read a long letter to their church entitled, To the Churches of Britain and America on Behalf of China.  The letter was an appeal to have more missionaries become doctors before entering the mission field. As a doctor, a missionary could speak to those to whom they ministered not only to  heal their body but to also tell them the Good News of Christ.

David felt called to go into the mission field of China as a doctor from that time forward.  This would not be an easy task for a family that had little money.  However, David was persistent and did complete both courses of study to become a doctor and a missionary.

When the time came for him to travel to China, there was a war raging that delayed his going.  During the time he was waiting to go to China, David had the opportunity to visit with the Reverend Moffat.  Reverend Moffat was a missionary in southern Africa.  After hearing of the great need of missionaries in Africa, David decided this is where he should go.

I will let you read this fantastic story of courage and perseverance yourself.

David Livingstone: Unit Study Curriculum Guide

Each YWAM Unit Study Curriculum Guide is written specifically for the corresponding book.  This particular guide features:

• Key Bible Verses to study and memorize
• Ideas for a Display Corner
• Chapter Questions
• Student Explorations
• Community Links
• Social Studies
• Related Themes to Explore
• the Culminating Event
• An Appendix of additional Books and Resources
• Answers to Chapter Questions
• Social Studies Reproducibles including maps

How Did We Use the Book and Curriculum Guide?

We have used the book as a read-aloud so that even the younger children could enjoy it.  The Curriculum Guide has been a wonderful supplement!  I have been able to use the Chapter Questions to encourage the kids to think more in depth about the story they are hearing.

We have also been using the maps provided in the Social Studies Reproducibles section to follow the travels of David Livingstone.  By following along with his travels, they have gained a better understanding of the geography of Africa.

Would I Recommend this Book and Curriculum Guide?

Absolutely!! It is written in an engaging, delightful way that draws the reader in.  We have loved reading David Livingstone: Africa’s Trailblazer and working through the curriculum guide as a family!!

Other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew also reviewed other books from the Christian Heroes Then & Now Series, as well as, from the Heroes of History Series.  Make sure and check out their reviews by clicking on the banner below.

Jennifer

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