The Autobiography of John G. Paton: Prayer, Perseverance, and the Transformation of Tanna

This new edition of The Autobiography of John G. Paton is a lightly edited version of Part I of this missionary classic, from Paton's godly upbringing in Scotland through his four difficult years on the island of Tanna. This annotated edition also provides helpful new content, including... - A new Preface, which is included in full below. - Insights from the Editor’s personal visit to the island of Tanna in late 2023, found in the final two chapters. PREFACE I remember the first time I sailed the South Seas, trudged along a black coral beach, traversed Tanna's mountains on a jungle trail, and climbed up that old chestnut tree by moonlight to hide from angry cannibals. All this I experienced vicariously (while bouncing along in a Chinese train circa 2013) via the storytelling of John G. Paton, as he shared his remarkable adventures on the island of Tanna. I have recommended The Autobiography of John G. Paton ever since, and have shared snippets of his story in countless missionary meetings, as I encourage others to persevere in both praying for missions and staying faithful to Christ in the face of tribulation and persecution. But merely talking about Paton and sharing his story never seemed to be sufficient. I would often daydream about someday visiting the islands for myself, and that desire recently became reality. Here are three things that helped bring about my short pilgrimage to Tanna in late 2023: First, I was deported from China in 2018(Unbeaten.vip) and am now unable to visit my adopted home in the foothills of Tibet, much as Paton was forced to abandon his beloved Tanna in 1862. I can relate to how he felt departing the island, not knowing if he would ever be able to return. And his testimony of faithful perseverance was so encouraging that I wanted to see for myself how much fruit, if any, could be found all these years later. Second, desire met opportunity when I was (again) denied entry into China in late 2023. While my family visited China without me, I found myself with enough free-time to get to Vanuatu (formerly, the New Hebrides) for about a week, including a solid four days following Paton’s footsteps on his beloved island of Tanna. Third, when I saw that John G. Paton was born on May 24, 1824, I hoped that just maybe I would have enough time to put together a new edition of his classic autobiography in time for his 200th Birthday. This is my attempt to fulfill that desire, as well as add a tiny bit of value to what has long been a treasured missionary story. I share what I discovered during my visit to Tanna in the final two chapters. Feel free to skip ahead, although I highly recommend that you first journey through the original story for yourself. If you have not yet rocked and swayed across the swirling sea, faced the feverish heat of a tropical jungle, wept over the grave of the grieving missionary's young wife and newborn son, stared down the pointed spear of an angry cannibal, and persevered through four years of unimaginable toils and trials, then you will not truly appreciate the transformation of Tanna. B.F. Westen May 24, 2024
ASIN: B0DYQBZ8BL
VSKU: BVV.B0DYQBZ8BL.VG
Condition: Very Good
Author/Artist:Paton, John G.|Westen, B.F.|Sumpter, Toby
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: Book has little sign of wear or use