The Story of End of the Spear
End of the Spear is a 2005 book by Steve Saint, son of American missionary Nate Saint. It is the story of how his father and four other missionaries were martyred by a group of Waodani Indians in Ecuador in 1956. The book is an account of Steve Saint’s journey to reconcile with the Waodani, the people who had killed his father.
The story begins with the death of his father, and how the Saint family dealt with their grief. The book then moves on to the impact the death had on the Waodani people, and how they were transformed from a violent and warring tribe to a peaceful one. Steve Saint then recounts his own journey to Ecuador, and how he learned to understand and love the people who had taken his father’s life.
The Waodani People
The Waodani people, also known as the Auca, are an indigenous tribe of people living in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. Before the arrival of the missionaries, the Waodani lived a traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, and were known as a very violent and warring people. They had a long history of tribal warfare, and were known to have killed many outsiders who tried to enter their territory.
When the missionaries arrived, they brought with them a message of peace and love. Despite their initial hostility, the Waodani eventually accepted the message and began to transform into a peaceful people. This transformation was largely due to the influence of Steve Saint’s mother, Marj Saint, who stayed with the tribe and taught them about Christianity and the importance of peace.
Steve Saint’s Journey
In the mid-1980s, Steve Saint traveled to Ecuador to meet the Waodani people. Despite his initial fear and hesitation, he began to build relationships with them and learn their language. He eventually became close friends with Mincaye, the man who had killed his father, and who had been deeply affected by the death.
Steve’s mission was to reconcile his family with the Waodani and to bring healing to the tribe. Through his efforts, he was able to bridge the gap between two cultures, and the Waodani accepted him as a son. Since then, Steve and his family have worked closely with the Waodani to help them develop and preserve their culture.
The Impact of End of the Spear
The story of End of the Spear has had a profound impact on both the Waodani people and the Saint family. It has shown how two cultures can come together in peace and understanding, and how love and forgiveness can have a powerful and lasting effect. The book has also increased awareness of the Waodani people and their culture, and has helped to bring them into the mainstream.
The story of End of the Spear is an inspiring one that reminds us of the power of love and forgiveness. It is a story of hope and reconciliation, and serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting different cultures.
Conclusion
End of the Spear is a powerful story of love, forgiveness, and understanding. It is a reminder of the importance of respecting and understanding different cultures, and of the power of love and reconciliation. It is a story of hope and inspiration, and serves as an example of how two cultures can come together in peace and understanding.