Who Were Some Christian Missionaries in Africa?
Many believe that one of the first Christian missionaries in Africa was the Ethiopian eunuch of Acts 8:26–40. After he was baptized, the eunuch returned to Queen Candace’s Ethiopian kingdom. He shared the Gospel message with her. He passed on what Philip had shared with him. His witness stands as one of the earliest examples of cross cultural ministry in Africa. Since then, many other people have worked to bring God’s love to Africa.
By the 19th century, organized missionary society efforts expanded across the continent. Anglicans, Methodists, and Baptists were active in Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Presbyterians also set up missions in Ghana, Gambia, and other regions.[7] The Church Missionary Society arrived in Sierra Leone in 1804. They focused on education and sharing the Good News with freed slaves and indigenous communities. These early workers laid foundations for lasting christian mission work. Their efforts combined spiritual teaching with practical service to meet both immediate and eternal needs.
Dr. David Livingstone
One of the best-known of these missionaries is Dr. David Livingstone. He focused on finding a path to and through the interior of Africa. This opened the way for legitimate commerce, which helped undercut the slave trade.[1] This also allowed other missionaries to follow in the villages he visited along the way.[2] Livingstone’s cross cultural approach bridged divides between European and African communities. He recognized the importance of understanding local languages and customs. This helped him connect meaningfully with the people he served.
In addition to three great missionary journeys, Dr. Livingstone wrote books and traveled around England. He spoke about Africa and the need for missions there.[3] His stories raised awareness and influenced many after him to reach the continent with the Gospel. His writings inspired both short term and long term missionary commitments. Many who read his accounts felt called to serve in Africa themselves. His legacy demonstrates how God can use one faithful servant to inspire generations of workers.
Mary Slessor
Mary Slessor answered that challenge and continued missions work in Africa after Livingstone died. She lived and worked in places no European had been before. She stayed with the Okoyong and Efik people for 15 years. During this long term commitment, she invested deeply in understanding the community. She learned their languages, resolving disputes and fighting to end superstitious practices like twin killing.
Learning the local languages allowed her to address cultural issues with wisdom and respect. She served among people groups that had little contact with outsiders. Her ability to speak their language showed genuine care for their culture and identity.[8] “Mighty Mary” earned their respect and love.
Because of this, she could spread the Gospel to places no other missionary could have.[4] Her faithfulness demonstrated that genuine transformation requires patient, sustained presence among those being served.
Lott Carey
Another missionary to Africa was Lott Carey. He was the first African American missionary there. Years earlier, he was so moved by the story of Nicodemus that he went to night school to learn how to read it for himself. There he studied the Bible and felt a pull toward missions. Carey’s calling reflected a growing movement of African Americans embracing christian mission work in Africa. Many freed slaves felt a deep burden to share the Gospel with their African brothers and sisters.[9]
Before he left for West Africa, Carey said, “It may be that I shall behold you no more on this side of the grave. But I feel bound to labor for my brothers.” He went on to establish a church and several schools in Monrovia, Liberia.[5] His efforts brought the Good News to communities eager for both education and spiritual guidance.
Carey’s schools provided pathways out of poverty while also nurturing faith. His legacy inspired generations of African American missionaries who followed. Through his ministry, many found hope in Christ and experienced personal transformation.
Missions work continues in Africa, including the initial ministry GFA World has been in the continent. We have begun to establish ministry in Rwanda, starting with a child sponsorship program. From there, we will reach out to those living in countries throughout the rest of the continent.[6] GFA is partnering with local officials to address some of Africa’s most pressing needs. These include limited access to water, healthcare and education.
Through clean water projects like Jesus Wells, families gain access to safe drinking water. This transforms daily life and reduces waterborne diseases. About 340 million Africans lack reliable access to safe water.[10] Each well becomes a gathering place where neighbors can draw water and experience God’s kindness through practical care.
Medical ministries bring healthcare to remote areas where it was previously unavailable. In 2015 alone, preventable diseases claimed about 1.6 million African lives.[11] GFA’s medical camps offer basic care to people who need it most. Healthcare training seminars help local communities build sustainable health practices.
Education programs help children break cycles of poverty. In sub-Saharan Africa, 32 million children do not attend school.[12] GFA’s Child Sponsorship Program provides nutritious meals, tutoring, and school supplies. These resources help children grow, learn, and flourish with dignity. Our aim is to help end cycles of poverty and show people the love of God as we serve them.
Many who receive these blessings find hope in Christ as they experience His compassion in tangible ways. As families gain access to clean water, medical care, and education, they also encounter renewed hope. Step by step, communities begin to change from the inside out through God’s power.
Consider joining in this effort through your gift and your prayer. Whether through short term support or ongoing partnership, every contribution makes a difference. With your support, GFA World can change lives and impact even an entire continent. Your prayers strengthen missionaries serving in challenging environments. Your financial gifts provide clean water wells, medical care, and educational resources. Together, we can bring hope and transformation to African families in need.
Learn more about GFA’s missionaries in Africa
[1] Shepperson, George Albert. “David Livingstone.” Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Livingstone. September 13, 2022.
[2] Chantel. “15 Missionary Heroes and Their Inspiring Stories.” Kindred Grace. https://kindredgrace.com/missionary-heroes-stories/. Accessed October 27, 2022.
[3] Shepperson, George Albert. “David Livingstone.” Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Livingstone. September 13, 2022.
[4] Chantel. “15 Missionary Heroes and Their Inspiring Stories.” Kindred Grace. https://kindredgrace.com/missionary-heroes-stories/. Accessed October 27, 2022.
[5] Shiles, Matt. “Notable African-American Missionaries Throughout History.” Northland Church. https://www.northlandchurch.net/resources/notable-african-american-missionaries-throughout-history. February 17, 2022.
[6] “GFA World Expands Ministry to Africa.” GFA World. https://www.gfa.org/africa/. Accessed October 27, 2022.
[7] “6: Christian Missionary Activities in West Africa.” History Textbook. https://wasscehistorytextbook.com/6-christian-missionary-activities-in-west-africa/. Accessed January 29, 2026.
[8] “Why is Language Learning in Missions so Important?” SIM USA. https://www.simusa.org/learning-center/why-is-language-learning-in-missions-so-important/. November 18, 2025.
[9] “Ten Ways Missions Has Influenced Africa.” IMB. https://www.imb.org/2018/09/07/ten-ways-missions-influenced-africa/. October 14, 2025.
[10] “Africa’s Priorities for Sustainable Development.” UN: Africa Renewal. https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/april-2012/africa’s-priorities-sustainable-development. April 2012.
[11] Pheage, Tefo. “Dying from Lack of Medicines.” UN: Africa Renewal. https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/december-2016-march-2017/dying-lack-medicines. December 2016-March 2017.
[12] “Ten Ways Missions Has Influenced Africa.” IMB. https://www.imb.org/2018/09/07/ten-ways-missions-influenced-africa/. October 14, 2025.