In 1956, five missionaries, all men with wives and children, were brutally murdered by a stone-age tribe of South American natives whom they were attempting to make contact with. And if that was the end of the story, this book certainly wouldn’t be on our list. However, some of the surviving family members made the dangerous journey into the jungles and chose to live with the very men who had killed their husbands and fathers. In time, the tribe’s violent nature was overcome by the kindness and forgiveness of the missionaries. This book, written by Elisabeth Elliot, the wife of one of the slain men, chronicles that incredible story.  

I had the privilege to work with Steve Saint, the son of one of the murdered missionaries, for over two years. And I remember the day he introduced me to Mincaye, the very Indian who thrust a spear into his father’s heart. As I took a hold of the small man’s calloused hand, a grin the size of the Grand Canyon spread across his warm face, and I thought to myself, This man killed Steve’s father, and here they are, laughing and joking with one another. I have never seen, nor do I ever expect to see, such a vivid and beautiful picture of God’s grace. That such a relationship exists is a testament to the reality of the gospel and the power of true forgiveness.

~ Evan Derrick

Purchase "Through Gates of Splendor" here.