A Passion for Flying and Faith
Nate Saint was born into a devout Christian family in Pennsylvania in 1923, where his love for flying was evident from a young age. Despite a leg infection preventing him from becoming a pilot in the U.S. Army during World War II, God redirected his passion towards missionary aviation. After repairing a plane in Mexico, Nate realized how aviation could reach remote areas with the gospel. He believed strongly, stating, "I've always believed that if the Lord wants a guy in full-time service on the mission field, he would make him unbearably miserable in the pursuit of any other end."
Innovating for the Jungle Mission
In 1948, Nate and his wife, Marjorie, moved to Shell Mera, Ecuador, to work with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). There, Nate innovated techniques to safely deliver supplies from his plane to isolated jungle villages. His dedication was evident when he said, "Every time I take off, I am ready to deliver up the life I owe to God."
Operation Auca Begins
In 1955, Nate joined four other missionaries in Operation Auca, aiming to reach the isolated Waodani tribe known for their hostility towards outsiders. Using Nate's bucket drop technique, they established contact by exchanging gifts. On January 3, 1956, the missionaries landed near the Waodani settlement, a moment of hope that ended tragically on January 8 when they were killed by the very people they sought to reach.
Sacrifice Becomes Harvest
Yet, God used their sacrifice to inspire a global missionary movement. Nate's sister, Rachel Saint, and Jim Elliot's widow, Elisabeth, continued the work among the Waodani, leading to many conversions, including some of those involved in the killings. Steve Saint, Nate's son, later lived with the Waodani and was baptized by Mincaye, one of his father's killers. Through these events, Jesus transformed hearts and brought many to faith. As Nate once said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."
