Readability
Original Sources
Devotional Quality
Avoids Hagiography
Biblical Clarity
| Field | Vanuatu |
| Missionary | John Paton |
| Author | John Paton |
| Era | 1850s–1890s |
Overview
If you want to read harrowing adventures of missionaries running from cannibals, then this is the missionary biography for you. However, this book contains much more than just action. John Paton recounts how the Lord protected and used him to bring the gospel to Vanuatu in the South Pacific. As he writes, Paton gives us a glimpse of his walk with God which will challenge you as you read. Even though Paton wrote his autobiography in 1892 and at times tends toward verbosity, the book is not difficult to read. You will learn much from the faith of this daring servant of God.
Highlights
- Paton spending a night in a tree while cannibals searched for him in the plantation below.
- Paton’s miraculous escape from Tanna.
- The account of the gospel advance on Aniwa which led to cannibals coming to Christ in great numbers.
Quotes
- “Looking up in unceasing prayer to our dear Lord Jesus, I left all in His hands, and felt immortal till my work was done.” (p. 108)
- “With regard to my life amongst the Cannibals, as I had only once to die, I was content to leave the time and place and means in the hand of God who had already marvelously preserved me when visiting cholera patients and the fever-stricken poor; on that score I had positively no further concern, having left it all absolutely to the Lord, whom I sought to serve and honor, whether in life or by death.” (p. 53)
Other Sources
The kindle version of John Paton’s autobiography is free on kindle.
John Paton is also highlighted in Daring Devotion, Day 4.