SHILOH HOUSE MISSION

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David Livingstone was a pioneer of faith missions in Africa. Livingstone traveled by ship to the African continent during the early 1840s. He overcame discouragement, sickness, and financial lack for nearly 30 years because he loved his missionary work in Africa.  Hostile tribes and colonial rivals sought to kill him.  In his later years, he was asked about the continuity of his ministry.   He responded,

“I feel sometimes as if I am only the first evangelist to attack central Africa, ‘crying in the wilderness,’ and that other evangelists will shortly follow.  And after those, there will come a thousand evangelists.”- page 197

One historian articulates,  “Livingstone was driven by a burning sense of mission.”

-page 297   History of Africa written by Kevin Shillington, PhD

It is important to honor Dr. David Livingstone’s tireless work and persistence.  He became fluent in Bantu (a common language group found throughout Africa).   In his lengthy travels it is likely he heard renditions of the Swahili sayings below.  Swahili is a trade language that was birthed in East Africa, and is a mix of African Bantu and Arabic.  No doubt, Livingstone enjoyed communicating with local tribes and even Arabic traders in their own language.  During his 30 year+ mission, he stood unwavering against slavery and hatred while preaching the eternal Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was the first white missionary in many regions from present day South Africa, Congo, and Mozambique.

Wema hauozi.
-”Kindness never goes bad.”

Vita vya panga haviamuliwi kwa fimbo.
-”A fight with swords cannot be settled with sticks.”

Usitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo.
-”Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth continues.”

Sitafuga ndwele na waganga tele.
-”I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound.”

Penye wengi pana Mungu.
-”Where there are many people, there God is.”

Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako na mwema wako hakosi.
-”Where there are enemies, you will surely find a friend.”

Ni njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu.
-”A good purpose is like a doctor- but evil corrupts.”

Mwamini Mungu si mtovu.
-”He who trusts in God lacks nothing.”

Bandu! Bandu! huisha gogo.
-”Little strokes fall great oaks.”