John G. Paton: Missionary to the Cannibals of the South Seas

‘Few books are more inspiring to the Christian reader than a compelling missionary biography. This book is no exception. Paul Schlehlein has given us a heart-moving, soul-stirring survey of the life and labours of the famed missionary to the flesh-eating cannibals of the South Sea Islands, John G. Paton. Paton’s zeal for reaching this remote people group with the good news of the gospel will both encourage and motivate you in your own Christian walk. These pages will challenge your commitment to Jesus Christ and intensify your zeal to live for the glory of God. You simply must read this book and, by God’s grace, learn the lessons Paton’s extraordinary life sets forth.’– STEVEN J. LAWSON

 

REVIEW

‘I am grateful to Paul Schlehlein for providing a new look at the life and ministry of John G. Paton. Early in my life I was enduringly impacted by Paton’s autobiography edited by his brother, James. The story was a stunning account of dedication, desperation, sacrifice at the most extreme level, and selfless love to Christ. I was marked for life by the amazing missionary adventure and the far reaching and lasting gospel impact of that one man empowered and protected by the Holy Spirit. In this age when giving a trophy to everyone is standard, and when minimal Christian dedication is celebrated, all believers need to go back to the past to see what true devotion to Christ and the gospel really looks like. You will see it in John Paton.’ , JOHN MACARTHUR

John Paton and My Dad—the Invincibles—and Me — Review by Madeline Arthington

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements       xi
Introduction: The Haunts of Savagery     xiii
Part one – PATON’S LIFE              
1              The Early Years  3
2              The Painful Years             21
3              The Fruitful Years             45
4              The Final Years  65
Part two – LESSONS FROM PATON’S LIFE             
5              Paton’s Godly Home      79
6              Paton’s Clear Calling       89
7              Paton’s Undaunted Courage      103
8              Paton’s Pensive Risk       119
9              Paton’s Gospel Strategies            135
10           Paton’s Relentless Evangelism   155
Appendix A: Timeline     167
Appendix B: Paton’s Family Tree               171
Appendix C: A Poetic Tribute      173
Appendix D: A Defence of Paton’s Eloquence     175
Bibliography       181