Subscription Lists
Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Decades have passed since missionaries Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Nate Saint, Ed McCully and Roger Youderain were killed by Waodoni spearmen in the wilds of Ecuador. (Ironically only ten years after five other young men had been killed in a Bolivian jungle by other antagonistic tribesmen.) But their witness and example lives on; related in biographies, statues, commemorative speeches and eventually a movie in 2005 titled, “End of the Spear.” Countless people around the world were both horrified and inspired by these five ordinary men (and countless others) serving an extraordinary God and many lives were forever changed on that day; including the Waodoni spearmen who killed them. The consequences shown to be far-reaching for those on both ends of the spears thrown that day.
When asked beforehand how far they would go to defend themselves in the event the aggressive Waodoni tribesmen responded violently to their attempts at establishing contact, these men replied that they would never use killing force to stop an attack but would attempt to merely frighten the Waodoni if they became hostile; for they were prepared to meet their Maker whereas the Waodoni were not. (A statement of faith shared by untold numbers of missionaries around the world then and now.) What a resounding declaration of faith that challenges us yet today to re-affirm our commitment to Christ in faith-filled service through missions, regardless of the potential sacrifices inherent in that profession.
The relevance of their drive and commitment to succeed in the face of insurmountable odds is mirrored in the comments made by experts concerning what it takes to excel in leadership roles all these years later; whether they be in the military, government offices, business enterprises or the church. The place to be in seeking the reality of success and the thrill of accomplishment as well as the, “Well done, good and faithful servant” from our Lord is at the crucial point of contact – at the point of the spear – where the ideas, plans and preparation for an endeavor are actually applied to the reality of people’s lives. Therein however, lies the greatest risk and danger as well, the spear point likewise suffering the initial charge of the opponent in return. It must be noted too that no attempt is made here to discount the importance of the “shaft” in this assessment, from which the spearhead derives much of its power for the thrust and parry during battle; symbolic of the support staff, financial backers and prayer warriors that are so indispensable to missionaries and many other successful enterprises.
The witness of these men was ultimately increased then by the actions of several of their family members, some of whom went back amongst the tribe and individuals directly involved in the deadly attack on their loved ones; modeling for us the confidence we can all possess, even in the midst of what would appear to be devastating defeat, by facing the real enemy – Satan – with the faith and resolve of David; who in confronting his own insurmountable challenge declared, “You (Goliath) come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty,…” so that “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves…” 1 Samuel 17:47; “…but by my spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6
Rate it:
Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Point of Reference" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.