Rachel Saint was born on January 2, 1914, in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. From a young age, she felt a distinct calling to serve others, a call that would eventually lead her into the heart of the Ecuadorian jungle. Educated at the Philadelphia School of the Bible, Rachel's early ministry involved working at a rehabilitation facility in New Jersey, but her heart was set on missions.
Called to the Waorani Tribe
In 1942, she joined the Summer Institute of Linguistics and was sent to Peru, where she worked with the Piro and Shapra tribes. It was during this time that she had a vision of helping "brown skinned people in the jungle." Her dedication was unwavering; she even turned down a large inheritance to follow this path, believing in "giving up things she could not keep to gain things she could not lose."
Faith Through Missionary Martyrdom Tragedy
Rachel's heart was particularly drawn to the Waorani people of Ecuador, a tribe known for their isolation and violent history. Moving near Waorani territory in February 1955, she was met with tragedy when her brother, Nate Saint, and four other missionaries were killed by the very people they were trying to reach. Despite this devastating loss, Rachel felt a spiritual bond with the Waorani and was determined to continue her brother's mission.
God Transforms Violent Tribe
With the help of Dayuma, a Waorani woman who had left her tribe, Rachel began learning their language. In 1958, she and Elisabeth Elliot, the widow of Jim Elliot, moved in with the Waorani. Rachel's dedication bore fruit as she translated the Gospel of Mark and the book of Acts into their language. The Waorani referred to these translations as "God's carvings." Through Rachel's efforts, the tribe saw a dramatic transformation. Once known for their violence, many Waorani, including six of those involved in the missionary killings, embraced Christianity, leading to a significant reduction in tribal violence.
Despite facing criticism and controversy over her methods, Rachel remained committed to her mission. She worked independently after being asked to retire by her sending organization in 1976. Rachel's legacy is one of profound faith and perseverance, culminating in her burial among the Waorani after her death in Quito on November 11, 1994. As she once said, "I loved the Lord Jesus with all my heart, and I trusted Him completely." Her life stands as a testament to the power of faith to bring about real, lasting change.
