Overview

Author Paul Schlehlein provides an overview of the life and ministry of John Paton, missionary to Vanuatu (then New Hebrides). After a few chapters of summary, the author makes observations and applications from Paton’s ministry to God’s leading, the Christian family, and missions philosophy.

If you want to read the riveting story of Paton’s adventures in Vanuatu, read Paton’s autobiography (see my review). However, if you want a broader analysis of Paton, his day, and missions in general, this book is for you. Really, the two books belong together. Read Paton’s autobiography first which will provide helpful context to Schlehlein’s observations. While Schlehlein leans heavily on the autobiography, he extends his research to works written by Paton’s contemporaries as well as his son, Frank, as seen in the end notes and the bibliography in the appendix. The final chapter reflects both Paton’s and the author’s reformed soteriology.

Other Sources

John Paton is also highlighted in Daring Devotion, Day 4.