End of the Spear
While the modern world we live in tends to be civilized, there are still peoples in third world nations that are not plugged in to our technology-laden society.
As recent as fifty years ago, the Waodani people of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin lived very primitively. Cut off from the rest of the world, the tribe was in a constant war with other tribes. By seeking revenge after revenge, the number in the Waodani tribe was slowing rapidly. Soon they would make themselves extinct.
End of the Spear is a gripping story of the Waodini tribe and a group of missionaries who were called to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
One of the more amazing real-life dramas of faith I have had the pleasure to view, End of the Spear is a testimony to the power of love and forgiveness to transform an entire culture.
Beginning in the mid-nineteen fifties, the story follows the missionaries Nate Saint, Jim Elliott and others as they seek to find and then make friends with the Waodani. We really get to know the heart of the missionaries and their families in a way that isn’t preachy or in-your-face. They are real people who experienced a real calling to demonstrate real love to people of one of the most violent tribes ever discovered. We get to know a bit about the wives, but very early we are introduced to Steve Saint, Nate’s son.
Spearing their own to death for offenses to others was not uncommon to the Waodani tribe. And spearing competing tribes was typical as well. Mincayani of the Waodani tribe is a central figure who leads the charge to kill the missionary men when they finally do make contact with them.
The turn of events that take place end up changing both the missionary families and the Waodani tribe forever.
I was first introduced to this story while attending a Steven Curtis Chapman concert back in 2002. As Steven shared the story of Nate Saint, Jim Elliott, Mincayani and the rest, he played a song about forgiveness and hope. At the end of the song, something breathtaking happened. He introduced Steve Saint, the son of one of the slain missionaries, along with Mincayani, the man responsible for killing his father. The two took the stage and love was demonstrated in a powerful way.
End of the Spear is a well-done film with relevant themes that transcend any culture. If it doesn’t move you to appreciate the power of love, you probably don’t have a pulse.
Hi Joel,
Haven’t seen the movie. I’ve read Jim Elliot story as related by his wife when I was preparing for missionary work to Bolivia. Indeed, forgiveness and love demonstrated has done miracles. Did anyone believe that there can be reconciliation and prosperity in South Africa?
Thanks Joel for the article.
I read this story back many years ago. It was amazing to me the wives went back to the village and witnessed to the tribe.
I personally would have been scared to death. However, this was before I learned to put everything in Gods hands.
Thanks for sharing this Joel. Just imagine how many people you are introducing to this amazing story!
I am always interested in watching some good movies. I’ll surely give it a try, thank you for sharing it with us.
I watched and later bought a copy of the movie. It’s amazing. I saw an interview of Steve Saint and his new “father” Mincayani who essentially adopted him and taught him the ways of the forest. Micayani said he and Steve are now on the same “trail”. When you see them together you see the legacy of Steve’s father.
I’m always watching a good Vidio/movies and try it,thanks for you sharing whith us.
Thanks Joel for a great review of an important movie.
I knew Jim Elliot personally – lived in his home with him and his parents.
Recently I had the privilege to edit some of his messages which he spoke prior to leaving for the mission field. They are now available in book form in case any of your readers are interested (“JIM ELLIOT: A Christian Martyr Speaks to You”).
Reading his messages really gives the reader an idea of his passion for his Lord and his motivations.