Paul Estabrooks—A Journey of Faith and Courage
Paul Estabrooks, once a familiar face as a crew member at CFPL TV, left behind the comfort of the studio in the early 1970s to pursue a higher calling—a calling that would take him far beyond the confines of television and into some of the most dangerous corners of the world. His journey is one of extraordinary courage, unwavering faith, and an unyielding commitment to helping those most in need.
After his departure from CFPL TV, Paul devoted his life to serving God and spreading the Christian faith, often in places where religious freedoms were severely restricted or outright banned. His work took him to regions where oppressive governments ruthlessly persecuted those who dared to practice Christianity. But Paul was undeterred. He knew that the risks were great, but so too were the stakes. The people he sought to help were often living in fear, their faith forced underground, their lives in constant jeopardy.
Paul’s mission was not just to share the Gospel but to bring hope to the hopeless, to stand with the oppressed, and to show them that they were not forgotten. He risked his life many times, smuggling Bibles and other Christian literature into countries where possession of such materials could lead to imprisonment or worse. But for Paul, the danger was secondary to the cause. One particularly harrowing mission, Project Pearl, took him to China, where he and his team orchestrated a clandestine operation to distribute one million Bibles in a single night. The success of that mission became a legendary story within Open Doors and beyond.
But Paul’s life isn’t just about covert missions and dangerous travels. It is also about sharing the message of hope and faith with as many people as possible. Together with his lifelong friend Jim Cunningham, Paul hosts a radio show, Men Alive, that reaches countless listeners, offering spiritual guidance and support. Their camaraderie and shared passion for their mission make them a beloved duo in Christian broadcasting.
In the midst of these extraordinary endeavors, Paul also spent time as a missionary in the Philippines, living with his family in a country far from the comforts of home. It was there that Paul and his loving wife, Dianne, raised their children, teaching them the values of faith, courage, and compassion. There they adopted a third child, Melinda, who today has come full circle, working in Canada as a producer and host of the TV program: See, Hear, Love on YES TV. The Philippines, with its unique challenges and vibrant culture, became a second home to the Estabrooks family, a place where their commitment to serving others deepened.
Paul’s work with Open Doors has continued for decades, and his stories of faith under fire inspire countless others to join the cause. His life is a testament to the power of faith and the lengths one man would go to share it with the world. Through his radio show, his missionary work, and his tireless efforts to help the persecuted, Paul Estabrooks touches lives in ways that most of us can only imagine.
As Paul once said, “Faith is not just something you talk about; it’s something you live.” And live it he did, with a courage and dedication that continues to inspire those who know him, and those who will hear his story for generations to come.
This chronicle captures the essence of Paul’s life and his incredible journey of faith. It certainly makes for an inspiring and memorable addition to the CFPL TV Chronicles as we track the path of this cherished past employee.
