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Trailblazers
John G. Paton: South Sea Island Rescue
'They plan to kill you all! You must get out!' With that warning John Paton and his friends grabbed what little possessions they had and fled into the jungle. The Warrior Chief of Tanna was taking revenge on the mission man who threatened his power and the hold he had over the ordinary men and women of the island. John has to run for his life!
In the heat and humidity of the South Sea Island, John G Paton is far away from his Scottish home. And as he runs for his life he is thinking of rescue... a rescue for himself from the dangers all around and a rescue for the thousands of South Sea Islanders who still don't know about Jesus Christ and the love of God.
In the heat and humidity of the South Sea Island, John G Paton is far away from his Scottish home. And as he runs for his life he is thinking of rescue... a rescue for himself from the dangers all around and a rescue for the thousands of South Sea Islanders who still don't know about Jesus Christ and the love of God.
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 6, 2020
The plot was very enticing and incredible but sadly it was poorly written and hard to follow at times.
June 22, 2011
First of this series I read.
As far as literary quality goes, it was rather poor. The narrative was choppy and dialogue was abrupt.
As far as content goes, this was a compelling story of a Scot missionary committed to a cannibalistic tribe on a south sea island. What happens to him and his response is faith-inspiring. Paton laid down his life to get people to see and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. He remained committed when people would backslide into murder and revenge. I think I enjoyed the well-digging scenes the most.
Recommended for 8-12 year old exposure to foreign lands, worldviews, and missionaries.
As far as literary quality goes, it was rather poor. The narrative was choppy and dialogue was abrupt.
As far as content goes, this was a compelling story of a Scot missionary committed to a cannibalistic tribe on a south sea island. What happens to him and his response is faith-inspiring. Paton laid down his life to get people to see and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. He remained committed when people would backslide into murder and revenge. I think I enjoyed the well-digging scenes the most.
Recommended for 8-12 year old exposure to foreign lands, worldviews, and missionaries.
March 27, 2018
Read this for an easy crash course on Paton! 5 stars because the man was awesome!
January 5, 2020
I didn't know much about Paton before reading this, so this was a great introduction. I'll definitely be checking out more of the Trailblazers series.
January 29, 2023
written for teens I believe but hard to stay with the book. I finished out of discipline not delight
February 11, 2025
Obviously not a top notch literary masterpiece but kids were enthralled by the comings and goings of John Paton and the cannibals! Simple writing but details well his life story!
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January 31, 2026An encouragement to all to look to God as protector and provider in all times and circumstances.
March 28, 2016
John Paton had an amazing life. His life work was as a missionary in the South Sea Islands yet he had to leave the island for which he had a special love, Tanna and his most apparently successful work was done on another island, Aniwa. John Paton was a missionary, builder, defender of the South Sea Islanders against the slave trade, fund raiser, linguist and Bible translator. He encountered poverty, cannibals, earthquakes and lost his first wife and baby son soon after arriving on the island of Tanna.
In this book, Kay Walsh introduces children to Paton's life. The book is easy to read and compelling, particularly, as it starts with John being hunted for his life by some cannibals. It doesn't hesitate to document some of the appalling treatment of the Islanders by the slave traders, such as the deliberate introduction of measles. It also shows how the Gospel brought so many benefits both spiritual and societal.
Highly recommended for children from about age eight. Do preread for very sensitive children but although the material could be disturbing it is not treated in a scary or over sensational manner.
In this book, Kay Walsh introduces children to Paton's life. The book is easy to read and compelling, particularly, as it starts with John being hunted for his life by some cannibals. It doesn't hesitate to document some of the appalling treatment of the Islanders by the slave traders, such as the deliberate introduction of measles. It also shows how the Gospel brought so many benefits both spiritual and societal.
Highly recommended for children from about age eight. Do preread for very sensitive children but although the material could be disturbing it is not treated in a scary or over sensational manner.
October 18, 2010
Great, great, great children's book. What more could you ask for than a true tale, filled with adventure and courage, and a sidekick dog. Oh, how about the fact that hero's of Christ's Kingdom such as Paton - missionary to the South Seas - are hardly ever put forth as role models for kids. The narrative can be a bit choppy at times (likely because the author is trying to condense a rich life into a brief read), never-the-less, the story soars far past most any other offering out there.
May 8, 2016
A great read for kids, an inspiring true story of a missionary who stuck at his work and followed Gods will even when he though another way might be better. I really liked how the book told us what happened after he died and how his children continued on with his ministry and finally accomplished what he started.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews