Hello and welcome to episode 77 of the Giants of the Faith podcast. My name is Robert Daniels and I am the host of this show where we look back at Christians from the past that have made an impact for the kingdom of God. Today we're looking at the life of Scottish missionary John Paton.
John Gibson Paton was born on May 24, 1824, in Kirkmahoe, Dumfriesshire, Scotland to parents James, a stocking maker, and Janet Paton. John was the oldest of 11 siblings. He grew up in a devout Christian family, deeply influenced by the teachings of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. In fact, at one point his father James was a colporteur - or someone what rides around the countryside selling religious books and pamphlets. This religious upbringing played a significant role in shaping Paton's worldview and later inspiring his missionary endeavors.
As a boy John worked in his father's stocking business. He worked long days - up to 14 hours - assisting his father and learning his trade. But, not content as a stocking boy, John devoted himself to study during the break times he was given for meals and in the evenings. From a young age, Paton showed a strong interest in missions and evangelism. He was particularly inspired by the stories of missionaries like David Livingstone, who ventured into distant lands to spread the Christian faith. This early fascination with missionary work planted the seeds for Paton's future calling.
Paton received his education at the University of Glasgow, where he studied theology and prepared himself for a life of ministry. During his studies, he became increasingly passionate about the idea of taking the Gospel to those who had never heard it before, especially in far-flung regions of the world. After completing his education, Paton began his career as a missionary by serving in the Glasgow City Mission, where he worked among the urban poor, providing spiritual guidance and practical assistance to those in need. This experience deepened his commitment to social justice and reinforced his desire to serve as a missionary abroad.
1858 was a momentous year for Paton. On March 23 he was ordained in the Reformed Presbyterian Church. A little over a week later, on April 2, he was married to Mary Ann Robinson. Then two weeks later, on April 16, Paton and his wife embarked on his most famous mission to the New Hebrides, where he would spend the next four decades of his life. Paton was the second missionary from Reformed Presbyterian Church, after John Inglis before him. This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and enduring impact on the lives of the islanders.
The New Hebrides are a group of islands in the South Pacific - about as far from Scotland as one can get - that were jointly ruled by England and France. Today they are the independent Republic of Vanuatu. They were known for their hostile and often violent indigenous population, who practiced cannibalism and resisted outside influences. Despite the dangers, Paton was undeterred in his mission. He worked tirelessly to learn the language and culture of the islanders, often facing hostility and danger from those who opposed his presence. Paton's approach to missionary work emphasized building relationships with the islanders, demonstrating compassion, and living among them as a friend and neighbor.
In 1859 his wife Mary Ann and newborn son tragically died within a few months of each other due to tropical diseases. Paton buried his family near his home and spent many nights sleeping on their grave in order to protect their bodies from the cannibal tribes. Despite this devastating loss, Paton remained committed to his mission and continued his work among the islanders.
In 1862 Paton returned to Scotland, by way of Australia, in order to raise awareness, funds, and to recruit new missionaries. His goal was to build a ship that was to be used to assist in the travel amongst the islands that was required by his missionary work. While fundraising he found time to woo and marry Margaret Whitecross in June of 1864.
Finally, in 1866, Paton and wife number two left Scotland for New Hebrides. They setup base on the island of Aniwa. God used a well to bring the local people to Christ. The Aniwans lacked a source of fresh water and relied on rain collection to survive. Paton told them he would dig a well to provide water. They laughed at him, like they had laughed at the Bible stories he told them. But he dug anyway. After much prayer, thirty feet down he struck fresh water. The people were moved to destroy their idols and to listen with purpose to what Paton had to say.
It took three long years of work but then Paton made his first converts. He wrote in his autobiography, "for three years we had toiled and prayed and taught for this. At the moment when I put the bread and wine into those dark hands, once stained with the blood of cannibalism, but now stretched out to receive and partake the emblems and seals of the Redeemer’s love, I had a foretaste of the joy of glory that well-nigh broke my heart to pieces. I shall never taste a deeper bliss till I gaze on the glorified face of Jesus Himself."
Over the years, Paton faced numerous challenges, including threats to his life, but he persevered, eventually seeing significant success in his efforts. He established churches, schools, and medical facilities, and he played a key role in ending practices such as cannibalism and infanticide among the islanders. Paton's missionary work in the New Hebrides had a lasting impact, with many islanders converting to Christianity and the establishment of a strong Christian presence in the region.
During his later years, Paton dedicated himself to writing and speaking about his missionary experiences. His autobiography, "The Autobiography of John G. Paton," published in 1889, became a bestseller and inspired many with its tales of faith, perseverance, and adventure in the South Pacific. After spending many years in the New Hebrides, he returned to Scotland in 1892.
In his autobiography, Paton recounts several instances where he was protected by divine intervention or angels during his missionary work. One of the most famous stories involves an incident when Paton and a colleague were threatened by hostile islanders. As they hid in the branches of a tree, fearing for their lives, Paton later reported that he felt a supernatural presence calming his fears and believed that angels protected them from harm.
Another more dramatic account from Paton's memoir describes an occasion when a tribe of natives surrounded his house, intending to kill him. Paton prayed fervently for protection. During the night his assailants inexplicably left, never to return. A year or so later, the chief of that tribe converted to Christianity. When Paton questioned him about that night the chief said that they'd seen many men with swords walking around Paton's house. The tribe didn't know where the men with swords had come from but they knew they'd better flee. It's very reminiscent of the army of angels and their chariots of fire that the Prophet Elisha saw surrounding Dothan and protecting him from the Arameans.
Paton also remained active in missionary societies and organizations, advocating for missions and raising support for missionary endeavors around the world. He continued to travel and speak extensively, sharing his stories and promoting the cause of Christian missions.
In addition to his missionary activities, Paton was involved in various humanitarian efforts. He supported education and healthcare initiatives in the South Pacific islands and worked to improve the lives of the islanders he had served during his years as a missionary.
In 1899 the New Testament was translated and published in the Aniwan language. Inspired by Paton's tireless work other missionaries spread throughout the islands of the New Hebrides and continued to preach the gospel to previously unreached people.
John Paton passed away on January 28, 1907, at the age of 82. His legacy as a pioneering missionary and advocate for the people of the South Pacific islands continues to be remembered and celebrated. Through his writings and his example, he inspired generations of Christians to dedicate their lives to spreading the Gospel and serving others.
And that's it for this episode. Thanks very much for listening. Until next time, God bless.
RESOURCES
Ligonier: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/missionary-john-paton
All Nations Interational: https://allnations.international/blog/the-story-of-john-paton-whose-god-made-rain-come-from-the-earth
Wholesome Words: https://www.wholesomewords.org/missions/biopaton2.html
