End of the Spear [Hardcover]

Steve Saint (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2005

2005 ECPA Retailer's Choice Award winner for best biography/autobiography!
Steve Saint was five years old when his father, missionary pilot Nate Saint, was speared to death by a primitive Ecuadorian tribe. In adulthood, Steve, having left Ecuador for a successful business career in the United States, never imagined making the jungle his home again. But when that same tribe asks him to help them, Steve, his wife, and their teenage children move back to the jungle. There, Steve learns long-buried secrets about his father's murder, confronts difficult choices, and finds himself caught between two worlds. Soon to be a major motion picture (January 2006), End of the Spear brilliantly chronicles the continuing story that first captured the world's attention in the bestselling book, Through Gates of Splendor.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this heartfelt memoir, Saint writes about growing up with the Ecuadoran tribe whose members killed his father in 1956, and about taking his wife and teenage children back to Ecuador in the 1990s to live among them again. Many of Saint's readers will be familiar with the spearing deaths of five American missionaries by Auca Indians a half-century ago, a story recounted by Elisabeth Elliot in Through Gates of Splendor (1996 revised edition). Saint, who was four years old at the time of the murders, adds to that familiarity with this account of his deep, familial bond with his father's assassin. Specifically, Saint debunks myths about the tribe. He explains that Auca, which means naked savage, is a derogatory name given to the tribe by outsiders, and that they are actually called the Waodani. While he does not dispute that they were vicious killers before they converted to Christianity soon after they murdered Saint's father, he takes pains to help his readers understand what led the Waodani to their murderous worldview. In a long passage, he tells the story of the 1956 murders from the Waodani perspective. Most of the book is devoted to his latest experiences with his Waodani family. Although Saint is not a very accomplished writer, his voice is authentic and humble, and his story will undoubtedly inspire many. (Dec.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From the Back Cover

“When I was a boy, I cried. But now I see it well.”

Steve Saint was only five years old when his father was brutally killed by the most savage culture of people ever known. But in a story almost too amazing to be true, Steve came to know—and even love—the very men who had driven the spears into his father’s body.

In End of the Spear, Steve embarks on an adventure story that is part Indiana Jones, part love story, and part spiritual quest. Decades after the spearing, Steve and his family leave the United States to live among the Waodani. Striving to mesh these two worlds, Steve finally discovers the truth surrounding his father’s tragic death.

Also the inspiration for a major motion picture, Steve’s incredible true story is one of daunting challenges, agonizing losses, and thrilling rewards—all scripted by the One who weaves together the story of every life. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: SaltRiver; 1St Edition edition (December 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842364390
• ISBN-13: 978-0842364393
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #288,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Steve Saint grew up in Ecuador in close community with the Waodani. His father, Nate Saint, was one of five missionaries martyred in their attempt to befriend the Waodani. After graduating from Wheaton College, Steve launched several successful businesses. He has also been a missionary in West Africa, Central America, and South America. At the request of the Waodani elders, he returned to the Amazon in 1995 along with his family. Steve's experiences living in the jungle led him to establish I-TEC, a nonprofit organization that assists the "hidden church" in its journey toward independence, self-sustenance, and maturity.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely amazing, December 23, 2005

By 

Ken Myers (Covington, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: End of the Spear (Hardcover)

Holding the distinction of being the most homicidal people group ever, until the Gospel penetrated their culture, the Huaorani of Ecuador have about six thousand years' worth of catching up to do. And they know exactly who is going to help them do it. The man is Steve Saint, their adopted "cowodi" son... whose father they killed, along with four other missionaries in 1956.
The book is captivating as it brings the THROUGH GATES OF SPLENDOR story up to date. I really liked Steve's honesty in relating his story and the frequent use of Huaorani terms. I would like to have a glossary as well, though.
The book includes many color photos, but it would have been nice to see more names along with the photos. I also would have liked to see more current photos of some of the people who appeared in THE DAYUMA STORY, such as Dayuma's sisters and Tyaento ("Sam") and Bai. A Mincaye family photo would have been very interesting as well. It would have made a lot more sense for the dust jacket to feature pictures of real people instead of movie actors.
This remains one of the greatest stories of our time, if not the Second Greatest Story Ever Told. But before getting into this book, I really believe one needs to read THROUGH GATES OF SPLENDOR and THE DAYUMA STORY, at least.

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible true life story!, December 20, 2005

By 

Sarah Sutton (Oklahoma City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: End of the Spear (Hardcover)

If I could do anything in the world, I would spend a week sitting at the feet of Steve Saint just listening to his life stories. This book is the next best thing. The stories are captivating - once one begins reading, it is difficult to put the book down. Steve has an incredible, enviable walk with God, but it has come at a high price. The book depicts part of that walk. This book is a great gift and great reading for anyone.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Grace, January 29, 2006

By 

Robert W. Kellemen "Doc. K." (Crown Point, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: End of the Spear (Hardcover)

Steve Saint has penned a penetrating presentation of the biblical concept that God works God even out of the worst imaginable evil. In fact, if the story weren't 100% true, one might think it impossible. But with God, all things are possible.

By now, readers know the outline of the story. Steve Saint was four years old when his father and four other missionaries were killed in 1956 by Auca Indians. Powerfully told by Elisabeth Elliot in "Through Gates of Splendor," Elliot, Saint, and others offer the tribe the amazing gift of grace and forgiveness.

Saint writes from multiple perspectives--his own, the Bible's, and the Waodani's (Auca). As a result, readers are invited into the drama from several new angles. Additionally, this allows Saint to honestly present the complexity of the story.

The movie by the same name, though savaged by some critics, also powerfully presents this true life story of almost unbelievable forgiveness. Both the book and the movie are inspiring accounts of the power of God's amazing grace.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."