David Livingstone: A Missionary Monologue
Use Your Drama Skills for WORLD MISSIONS!
Has anyone in your family ever wanted to perform in a school play or drama production, but your location or homeschooling schedule has not made this possible? Have you ever dreamed of using your dramatic skills and desires to benefit God’s kingdom purposes, or would you be interested in helping to promote God’s heart for world missions?
Well, here is a solo theatrical opportunity you could perform — on your own time, and right in your local area. You could even perform in the privacy of your home. Or, you could present this 2-3 minute monologue LIVE during a church service in your local area, or as a special feature for a nearby youth group, children’s church, or Christian school chapel. Just imagine the possibilities!
Here is an example of this month’s Missionary Monologue (DAVID LIVINGSTONE: The Great Missionary Explorer), presented by our family friend, Craig Rodenmayer, a former stage performer for Wycliffe Bible Translator’s Dinner Theater.
DAVID LIVINGSTONE (1813-1873)
The Great African Missionary Explorer
Famous Quotes & Missionary Mottos:“The mission of the church is missions!”
“Anywhere, provided it be forward!”
“This generation can only reach this generation.”
–David Livingstone
DID NOT YOUR FOREFATHERS KNOW?
A classic missions excerpt from David Livingstone’s Journal
“I was from the first struck by his intelligence, and by the special manner in which we felt drawn to each other. This remarkable man has not only embraced Christianity, but expounds its doctrine to his people . . .
On the first occasion in which I ever attempted to hold a public religious service, Cechele (the tribal chief and a new convert) remarked that it was the custom of his nation to put questions when any new subject was brought before them. He then inquired if my forefathers knew of a future judgment.
I replied in the affirmative, and bean to describe the scene of the Great White Throne, and Him who shall sit on it, from whose face the heaven and earth shall flee away.
“You startle me,” he replied; “these words make all my bones to shake; I have no more strength in me; but my forefathers were living at the same time your were, and how it is that they did not send them word about these terrible things sooner? They all passed away into darkness without knowing wither they were going.”
High School Bible/Missions Lesson
Kid-Friendly Resources
David Livingstone: Courageous Explorer (Heroes for Young Readers Series)
David Livingstone: Africa’s Trailblazers (Christian Heroes: Then & Now Series)
Wholesome Words website, Children’s Corner – David Livingstone
David Livingstone: Missionary to Africa (Faith Biography Series)
MISSIONARY MONOLOGUE DRAMA
Costume:
Khaka clothes, a safari-style helmet, a dark mustache, a few props (such as a rope over the shoulder, a machete, and a well-worn journal), and an Old-English/Scottish accentSetting:
As Livingstone enters, it seems he is in the middle of an exploration, slashing imaginary jungle leaves with his machete and breathing hard
LIVINGSTONE:
Whew! Getting through this jungle is quite an adventure–with so many valleys and mountains, fierce lions, and, ah yes, those dreadful mosquitoes! But I tell you, “The mission of the church is missions!”
I’m David Livingstone, and I have a heart for Africa. I’m a missionary explorer, and I like to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially in remote tribal areas.
It’s actually quite remarkable that I could get all the way here, since I was born into a humble family near Glasgow, Scotland. When I was a boy, I had to work in a textile mill from six o-clock in the morning until eight o’clock at night. That was hard! But I was a determined young lad. And do you know what I bought with my very first paycheck? A Latin grammar book! You see, I wanted to learn all about the world.
My family always went to church, and I was converted to Christ during my youth. Then a preacher named Robert Moffat (who is now my father-in-law) told me about his adventures in Africa. One time he said, “On a clear morning, the smoke of a thousand villages could be seen where the name of Christ had never been heard.” That really challenged me–so much so that I’ve spent my whole life traveling across the interior of Africa, covering over fourteen thousand miles and one-third of the continent! I’ve learned all kinds of things–about animals, plants, places, and people–but most importantly I’ve been able to share with unsaved people who had never heard of Jesus.
It’s been difficult at times. I’ve been attacked by a lion; I’ve been sick; and people close to me have died. but I must keep sharing God’s Good News of salvation, because This generation can only reach this generation.
And even now, I must go; and like I’ve written in my journal, I will go anywhere, provided it be forward!
Approximate time length: 2-3 minutes
