End of the Spear

by Steve Saint
Available from Amazon
*****
I've often read that a good author should be able to bring his readers to both laughter and tears, and this book did that for me several times. Not necessarily because Steve Saint is a great writer; with his heritage and experiences anyone should be able to write a great book.

"End of the Spear" is a book of many genres. It is the continued story of "Through Gates of Splendor", a missionary autobiography, a Waodoni history, and a commentary on so many aspects of life. There are several pictures, although it is too bad the ones on the cover are actors from the movie.

Speaking of the movie, if you have seen it, don't expect the book to parallel it. The book begins with Aunt Rachel's funeral, and jumps around a little. After Steve decides to bring his family to live with the Waodani, he learns more and more of the stories and accounts, so many of which are heartrending, that appear throughout the movie.

But then he continues with how he tried to them, and how he learned from them. What he did teach, and why he had to leave. How his children lived in the jungle, and the mutual love between them and the Waodani.

When he returned to the states, Mincaye made several visits, and they spoke at conferences together. Mincaye continued to be a part of his life, supporting him during a crisis he least expected.

If you have read about Nate Saint, Jim Elliot or the others of the 5 who were martyred, the Waodani or "Aucas", if you have seen the "End of the Spear" movie, if you enjoy missionary stories, if you are interested in the unreached peoples of our time, then this is a book you must read.

If you saw the movie and didn't like it, read the book anyway. It's much better, and I promise you'll be blessed by it. The power of God is illustrated so beautifully.