Product Description

This may be the most important narrative of missionary work you will ever read. Though John G. Paton's accounts of evangelism among the South Sea Cannibals are extraordinary, what sets this book apart is that it contains one of the finest testimonies of multi-generational love and devotion between a father and son found outside the Scriptures. In this autobiographical account, Paton describes how his father's love and training prepared him to endure bitter hardship, to persevere against unspeakably difficult circumstances, and to resist sin. Because of his father's faithful example, Paton was able to love and lead to Christ the very people who tried to eat his wife and child.

"The appearance of my father when we parted has often through life risen vividly before my mind, and does so now as if it had been but an hour ago. In my earlier years particularly, when exposed to many temptations, his parting form rose before me as that of a guardian Angel. It is no pharisaism, but deep gratitude, which makes me here testify that the memory of that scene not only helped to keep me pure from the prevailing sins, but also stimulated me in all my studies, that I might not fall short of his hopes, and in all my Christian duties, that I might faithfully follow his shining example."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #326005 in Books
• Published on: 2001-12-05
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 524 pages

From the Publisher
Evangelist for Jesus Christ Among the South Sea Cannibals

An Autobiography

This may be the most important narrative of missionary work you will ever read. Though John G. Paton's accounts of evangelism among the South Sea Cannibals are extraordinary, what sets this book apart is that it contains one of the finest testimonies of multi-generational love and devotion between a father and son found outside the Scriptures. In this autobiographical account, Paton describes how his father's love and training prepared him to endure bitter hardship, to persevere against unspeakably difficult circumstances, and to resist sin. Because of his father's faithful example, Paton was able to love and lead to Christ the very people who tried to eat his wife and child.

"The appearance of my father when we parted has often through life risen vividly before my mind, and does so now as if it had been but an hour ago. In my earlier years particularly, when exposed to many temptations, his parting form rose before me as that of a guardian Angel. It is no pharisaism, but deep gratitude, which makes me here testify that the memory of that scene not only helped to keep me pure from the prevailing sins, but also stimulated me in all my studies, that I might not fall short of his hopes, and in all my Christian duties, that I might faithfully follow his shining example."

Customer Reviews

Well worth reading
If you like missionary biographies, you will find this missionary story to be one of the best you have ever read. I highly recommend it for families. Parents could read aloud to children who cannot yet read this level yet. Although sometimes the subject matter could be distasteful, Mr. Paton uses delicate terms as any gentleman would, but he tells the plain truth about the cannibals without denying them their dignity. Mr. Paton was a godly Christian man, and he tells his story with clarity, honesty, sensitivity and winsome humor. His Christ-like love for the cannibals and his perseverance through unbelievable trials will grip you and carry you through this book. His is a life that we in comfortable, apathetic America need to consider and take to heart. He was totally sold out to the Lord Jesus Christ and he was willing to die serving Christ in foreign lands. You will be inspired and and your faith strengthened by this story!

A Wonderful and Convicting Autobiography
John Paton is a shining example that will not fade with time. His love for people, his wit when dealing with the child-like cannibals, and his never dying enthusiasm for the mission convicted me. I enjoyed every page of this book. Paton wrote in a way that was interesting, encouraging, and refreshing. The book might look large, but it is worth it to pick it up and read all the way through it. I loved it!