Missionary and explorer, David Livingstone made his mark in the annals of history. Born in the industrial west of Scotland in 1813, his family poor in wealth but rich in beliefs. By the age of 10, David was working in the cotton mills and engaged in every book he could find building his own education through the written word. David went onto to study medicine in London Hospitals and theology in his spare time. Convinced that he had been called to be a missionary combined with his awkwardness in medicine, he became a missionary with the London Missionary Society in 1841.

His first mission stop was in South Africa where he met his wife (the daughter of the the celebrated Robert Moffat missionary). This would be the start of his life as an explorer and missionary. Heading into uncharted territories gaining knowledge of geography, meeting the locals and learning of the slave trade. His travels during 1851 to 1856 marks some of the most remarkable achievements. Walking across Africa from west to east and recording it in his first record journal.

Some were not convinced of his legendary reputation at this time, his own committee were not sure of the missionary relevance to his exploration. Returning to Africa in 1858 he lead an expedition to explore the River Zambesi which he affectionately called 'God's highway into the interior'. This expedition in every respect was a failure. He failed his object, his wife died, and his own enthusiasm wavered.

This time he returned to Zanzibar alone to continue his quests into the African interior where he explored until his death in 1873. The tribal African companions that Livingstone had made over the years, carried his body back to the coast so that it could be returned to England for a proper burial. He was buried in the Westminster Abbey.

To truly appreciate the achievements of David Livingstone one must separate his explorations from his ministry. As an explorer, he is ranked among the greatest of all times. With his walk across South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania and Eastern Zaire, he walked further than any other explorer. What truly gives him his legendary status though is the incredible journal's detailing location, culture, and observations.

As a missionary he quickly realized that his idea of a white settlement being able to cue the ills of the poor in Africa was an illusion, be remained convinced however, that he could make a difference in the 'open sore of Africa' - the Arab slave trade. He believed that trade, developed agriculture combined with sharing of the gospel could make a difference. It was the belief of wanting to liberate rather than exploit the Africans that made a mark. His mark remains today, as after his death the Anglican Universities Mission to Central Africa, The Church of Scotland and the Free Church of Scotland all opened Central African missions which were a direct inspiration and reflection of David Livingston's ideals and vision.