Last week, I was listening to the biography story of a missionary, John Paton here. And as the story unfolded, I was touched with the impact that this man’s father had in his life.
John Paton’s life as a missionary was fraught with fear, pain, and many reasons why he could have given up. But from his father’s example and teaching came great courage. Courage to overcome criticism, to risk losing loved ones, his own sickness and courage for the almost constant threat on his life from the hostilities of the natives. But through it all, Paton made great strides for the kingdom. An entire island turned to Christ. His endurance resulted in a story that awakened thousands to the call of missions and strengthened his home church in some incredible ways.
This man’s father touched his life through example and many conversations and shaped him into a great man of courage – a great man of God. “The impact,” as John Piper rightly states, “of his father’s faith and prayer and love and discipline was immeasurable.”
And as I listened to the making of this man, who touched so many lives, I couldn’t help but think about some of our boys at Kpoux. They were asked to share what they wanted to be when they grew up. More than one responded: “I want to be a preacher like my Dad.” Their dad. Their second father, not by blood, but by love.
We’re not just about placing kids in a loving environment where their needs are met. Those things are incredibly valuable, but there’s SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT. In our Home of Hope families, we’re seeing parents raise up their children in the way they should go. We pray that they teach their children the power of a GREAT God, and the character of courage.
Who knows? Maybe there’s another ‘John Paton’ growing up in Kpoux today.
Take Action:
-Invest in the lives of these former orphans regularly. Sponsor a family through our Hand of the Shepherd Program.
- Become a prayer partner with us for these children and their parents. Learn more here.
