Some stories are so familiar that I assume everyone has heard them, and I fail to mention them. The story of Nate Saint falls in that category. Although I might not agree with everything about his ministry, his love for the Lord was evident. Every Christian should be familiar with his story. Here’s a brief account recorded in the devotional book,”From Generation to Generation”.
In January 1956 American missionary pilot Nate Saint and four missionaries flew into the jungle of Ecuador to make contact with the Auca Indians, an isolated people who distrusted the outside world. The missionaries cautiously dropped gifts and gospel leaflets. After a few days they reported that they had contacted three Aucas. Nothing more was heard from the missionaries. Later a search party found the five men dead and floating in the Curaray River. All had been killed by Auca arrows and lances. Nate had been killed by a lance wrapped with a gospel tract.
The men’s widows continued their husband’s work. Eleven months after the massacre they made contact with the Aucas. The women feared for their lives but God provided protection. The Aucas admitted they had killed the missionaries to preserve their way of life. Through the years the valiant women translated the Scriptures into the Auca language. Then a miracle occurred in the heart of one Aucan warrior. Iketa was fierce. He had lanced Nate Saint. But after hearing the Word of God, Iketa gave his life to Christ. His faith made him a new creature controlled by God’s Spirit.
No one is beyond the love of God. Do you know someone who needs the life- changing salvation of Jesus Christ? Today pray for that person —-.
Sometimes we Christians wonder why more people aren’t saved, and we even complain about it. But, is it not a greater wonder that we who know Christ would fail to mention Him? The New Testament repeated speaks of those who suffered great hardships and risk their lives to make the gospel known to others. Were we to do the same it would make a big difference. Determine today to take advantage of your opportunities to share the gospel with others.
