Passion for the Lost of John Paton (1824-1907)

John Paton a missionary to the New Hebredes Islands had the right attitude when God calls us to missions.

He already had a successful ministry in Scotland and one of the elders Mr. Dickson exploded when he heard of his calling, "The cannibals! You will be eaten by cannibals!" Williams and Harris were missionaries who were killed and eaten by cannibals shortly after they arrive on the Island.

But to this Paton responded:

"Mr. Dickson, you are advanced in years now, and your own prospect is soon to be laid in the grave, there to be eaten by worms; I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving and honoring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by Cannibals or by worms; and in the Great Day my Resurrection body will rise as fair as yours in the likeness of our risen Redeemer. "

Surely he did not get eaten but months after he arrived he buried his sick wife and new born child with his bare hands. He did not end his pursuit of the Cannibals but saw the whole Island turn to Christ over the period of about 15 years.