Mary Slessor: Light for the Dark Continent

by Sam Wellman

Mary Slessor had every reason-except one-to be afraid. Her God was with her in Calabar, West Africa, in 1876 as He had been during her dreary upbringing in Scotland. Surrounded by warring tribes governed by witchcraft and barbaric rites, Mary Slessor nonetheless went where few others dared-to bring hope and light to the once Dark Continent. Armed with a relentless faith, abetted by her medical skills, linguistic abilities, and a contagious sense of humor, Slessor succeeded in opening Africa to healthy trade- and the message of Christ. And, like David Livingstone, with whom she shared an abhorrence of slavery, she was committed to breathing her last while charting new territory for the Lord.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, History, Classics, Childrens

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1998

About the author

Sam Wellman, PhD, is a writer of numerous biographies. He has traveled to Germany many times and twice stayed for several months (in Berlin and Wittenberg). He blogs and tweets on Martin Luther and Frederick the Wise. He lives near Wichita, Kansas.

Reviews

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life of Mary Slessor is told in a straightforward, concrete, manner for readers of all ages (child through adult) in this Sam Wellman biography. Mary admired Livingstone and sought to emulate his endeavors to take the Gospel into the interior to open Africa to trade and curb the pagan tribal practices that caused people to live in fear.

Rather than getting bogged down with a modern assessment of Mary's work, which was closely tied to imperialism, Wellman chooses to tell Mary's story in her time, through her point of view. His efforts are effective and interesting. Mary is courageous, but grieved by violence of the Africans. She is dedicated to her ministry, yet mourns the loss of her family remaining in Scotland. She is hardworking, but plagued by her childhood that was marred by an alcoholic father. And while her efforts are, ultimately, successful, she struggles with physical ailments, loneliness, the weight of responsibility and the hardness of many Africans who accept changes to tribal life yet refuse the Gospel upon which the new laws are based. Her greatest joys seem connected with the children she was able to save from death, most of whom went on to walk with the LORD.

The subject matter may cause difficulty for some children. Child sacrifice, particularly, but not limited to twins, human sacrifice, slavery, alcoholism, violence and the constant fear that pervades tribal life are all presented.

I have also read Sam Wellman's biography of David Livingstone, and was similarly impressed. I will certainly be seeking out his additional titles as we continue our homeschooling journey through time. Highly recommended.
David Livingstone, Wellman, 1995
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

For a first person account of a missionary in the generation to follow Ms. Slessor, but in nearby Congo, see...
Give me this Mountain, Roseveare, 1966
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

For a glimpse of the long shadow of Slessor's ministry in Nigeria today, see this August 2019 article...
https://world.wng.org/2019/08/one_wom...

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary Slessor was certainly a little spitfire. She was obviously abused by her own drunken father as a child, though not much is talked about on that in this book except for that it was strong enough that she hated to speak in front of ment when she was on her furloughs; usually declining from doing so. That's definitely a sad thing.

Mary Slessor grew up in Scotland loving and admiring the missionary work of David Livingstone. Her mom continually let her daughter know that God would want her to go to the same place he had been to in Nigeria, Africa. She allowed the missionary group she worked for decide where she was to be placed and it just so happened, it was in that area her mom prayed and hoped for.

While in Nigeria, Mary did not try to chnge the people like a lot of missionaries did. . .well she did in certain ways in regards to their rituals, but she would end up living a lot like them in mud huts, walking barefooted, wearing African clothing, and having a better understanding of trying to change their hearts rather than their culture, which I truly believe is admirable. That actually drives me crazy when missionaries of old especially wanted to change how people acted and dressed as if they could become British or whatever country they were originally from.

I do however have a hard time with the mindset of even missionaries and Christians of the 1800s as Mary Slessor was a missionary in the late 1800s/early 1900s. They would call them "heathens" and "savages" and the book says such words too much for me to really enjoy this book!

Anyway, I love that Mary adopted loads of orphans and that she stood up when there were a lot of fights, murders, and brutalities around her. She certainly made a big difference in that area. I wonder why I hadn't heard of her before reading this book, honestly. I do think she was not enough "turn the other cheek" compared to how many missionaries are and should be, but she definitely tried at times to be so. This was a good story and I am glad that she was called to do the work she did.

[The Jesus Fandom · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good to revisit the story of Mary Slessor. This book is a bit oldfashioned in its language regarding Africans, but I enjoyed reading it none the less. It's interesting to see things now that I didn't see before, for example how hardened she became later on. Since I've now also lived in rural Africa (altho only for 5 yrs) I understand her actions better, although I still feel sometimes she went too far, haha!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique missionary story about a very strong-willed woman who gave up so much and had true love for the Africans. The author did a great job telling her whole story which included the failures of other missionaries and Mary's determination to follow the Lord's leading. There is even a short-lived romance which lended to Mary's humanity and realness.

[Karen Langlois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. The courage and sheer determination that Mary showed was truly amazing. She was young, small in stature and confronted all situations with such strong faith! The Lord really was her strength. An amazing read!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading stories about Mary Slessor, a very brave and kind missionary determined to go into the heart of Africa where only her favorite missionary, David Livingstone, had gone. This story added some things to the others that I had read and I enjoyed it very much.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed her spirit of not giving up and how the uniqueness of her being a woman helped her leadership skills.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Inspiring testimony of a woman's courage and faithfulness in full service to the Lord Jesus Christ.

[Madelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Slessor felt God had called her to go to Africa to take the gospel to the black people in a time when women were not permitted to go on their own. She persevered and was able to go, giving up the life she knew Europe, but she said felt more at home in Africa. She was able to go inland where a white woman with red hair had never been seen before. She greatly loved the people and they loved her, sharing the story of Jesus.

[Zany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it for school.. it was cool

[Matthias · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book “The Queen of Okoyong - Mary Slessor” was written by W.P. Livingstone. It was published in London and it is the ninth edition. It is a true story of adventure heroism and faith. The author puts a big weight on Mary’s courage. She was a woman who was always afraid but the author made sure to emphasize how much courage she had when she went to help others who were in danger. The book is divided into 11 Chapters. It is written in a way thats easy to read. The authors language is clear and understandable. The information is very accurate, because it is Mary Slessor received a Medal of honor. A star that stood for doing good things. This is written down in the history of England. Also there are several organizations which are named after her. These organizations keep helping kids in need and Marry Slessor was the one that built the foundation.There are a few drawings included, which help to imagine what it was really like in the wilderness of Africa even though they are not very clear.

[Ann Platz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about a missionary that I had not heard of before. The story was engaging and inspirational.

[Josette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The topic was fascinating, but the author's writing style was annoying.

[Nicola Tayebwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well worth a read.....

An inspirational story. What an amazing testimony of a surrendered life! She fought until the very end.... A classic missionary story.