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J. G. Paton and his wife were missionaries to a chain of islands in the South Pacific known to us as the New Hebrides. The islands were known to the population of natives as "Vanuatu." Paton had grown up in Scotland. When Paton had announced his intention to go to the islands, he had been warned by a church member, "The cannibals, the cannibals. You will be eaten by the cannibals." Paton had replied, "Whether I am eaten by cannibals or by worms it makes no difference to me, for in the great day of resurrection my body will rise as fair as the likeness of our risen Redeemer."

Its true! There were quite a few cannibalistic natives on the island where the Patons settled, and the Patons began to try to preach the gospel to them. One night while the Patons were in their hut, they heard the sounds of the natives gathering outside. Nervously, they tried to decide what to do. Their little hut was surrounded by warriors, and they had no weapons. They decided to pray, and they stayed in the center of the hut praying to God all night long. They could hear the warriors moving restlessly outside most of the night. In the morning, however, the warriors had left.

It took years, but finally, Mr. Paton saw the chief converted to Christ. He asked about that night, and about why his family had been saved. The chief said, "I couldn't get my men to go near the men outside the hut." Surprised, Paton asked what men he meant. He said, "The hut was surrounded by big men in shiny white garments, armed with swords."

Whether it be from men or from lions, the Lord is able to work through the power of prayer. Both Daniel and Mr. Paton were saved miraculously from certain death by the power of God.

The God who preserved Daniel and who also preserved the Patons centuries later, has not changed. His power is not only over lions, but over nations and nature. To know Him not only as a powerful God but as a loving Father is the greatest privilege we can have. Do you know Him as your Father? It is only through coming to the Lord Jesus CHrist as Savior, John 14:6.

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