Missionary to the New Hebrides
Full Name: John Gibson Paton
Birth: May 24, 1824
Birthplace: Scotland
Parents: James Paton and Janet Paton
Wife: English
Death: January 28, 1907
Age at Conversion: 12 years
Early Life and Calling
John Paton was born into a devout Christian family in Scotland. His father, a small businessman, lived a holy life and spent much time in prayer. Inspired by his father’s example, John accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 12. While helping his father in business, he studied Greek and Latin, and later pursued theological studies to serve God.
Missionary Vision and Preparation
Paton had a heart for the lost. He longed to take the Gospel to places where people had never heard of Christ. He prayed earnestly for guidance and became aware of the spiritual needs of the New Hebrides islands, where tribal cannibals lived. Though warned that the people might kill him, he boldly trusted God, saying that even if he died, his body would not matter as long as he lived for Christ.
Missionary Work in the New Hebrides
In 1857, at the age of 33, John Paton and his wife sailed to the Tana Island. The island was inhabited by many warring tribes who practiced cannibalism. Paton faced extreme danger but pressed on, showing Christ’s love with patience and courage.
The people followed many superstitions and practiced rituals, but Paton began to teach them about Jesus using gestures and simple communication since he did not know their language at first. Over time, he learned the local languages and continued his work. Many attempts on his life were thwarted, and God protected him repeatedly.
Later, he also went to Aneityum Island, learning the language and ministering diligently. The people there lived primitively, worshipped snakes, and offered their children as sacrifices. Through prayer, teaching, and patient service, Paton led them to accept Christ as their Savior. Even local chiefs, like Namakai, were converted, which influenced the entire community. Eventually, the whole island population embraced Christianity.
Challenges and Achievements
Paton faced personal tragedy when his wife and child died due to illness. Despite his grief and ongoing health struggles, he continued his work, translating the New Testament into the Aneityum language in 1899. Even in his later years, he traveled, wrote letters, visited homes, and worked on Bible translation tirelessly, often working late into the night.
John Paton’s life was marked by constant service to God. He continued his ministry until his final breath, leaving a legacy of courage, faith, and devotion. He passed away on January 28, 1907, at the age of 83.
Famous Saying:
“The Lord is supporting me; wherever His presence is not, my mind would falter.”