John G. Paton, missionary to the South Sea Islands, grew up in a humble cottage in Scotland. In that home was a little room with only a bed, a small table and a chair. A tiny window let in some daylight.
In that little room John’s father would retire each day to pray and talk with the Lord. He would shut the door and the children would tiptoe through the house as long as he was in there. They knew he was asking God to bless his home and children.
Each day, morning and evening, John’s father would gather the children around him and read the Scriptures to them. Then they would all kneel and pray. John never forgot the godly influence of that Christian home.
When he was a young fellow, John left home to go to work forty miles away. He had to walk all the way and his father accompanied him the first six miles. Then these two, who loved each other so dearly, parted.
“May God bless you, my son,” said his father, “and may your father’s God be with you and keep you from evil.”
After saying good-bye John walked on for some time. Then he climbed a hill to see if his father was still watching him. Just at the same time his father climbed a wall for one last look at his boy. The two waved to each other.
As John continued his journey his eyes were filled with tears. He told the Lord that by His grace he would not grieve or dishonor his dear father.
The time came when John, a true child of God and faithful servant of Christ, went to the South Seas Islands to preach the gospel to the natives who had never heard of Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. God used him much and many Islanders were won for Christ.
Many of God’s servants, like John G. Paton, had their beginning amidst the mighty influence of a godly Christian home.
ML-05/13/1979