DISCUSSION GUIDE© TCFHE. All rights reserved.

End Of The Spear is a true story abouta small band of missionaries whosought to bring God’s message oflove to the primitive violent tribesof darkest Ecuador in 1956; but fortheir compassionate act the men weremercilessly slain. Years later, thewives of the fallen men return to thevillage to continue their husbands’missionary work, bringing theirchildren to live amongst the tribes-men in the hope that through theirforgiveness the natives might findfaith.

Based on Elisabeth Elliot’sinternational best-seller, ThroughThe Gates Of Splendor, End Of TheSpear is the remarkable journey of anAmazon tribesman who becomesfamily to the son of the NorthAmerican man he kills. Mincayani(Louie Leonardo) is a Waodaniwarrior who leads the raid that killsSteve Saint’s father and four othermissionaries. Through a suspenseful

series of events, young Steve Saint(Chase Ellison) is able to visit andlive with Mincayani’s tribe as a child.In 1994, Steve returns to theWaodani as an adult (Chad Allen).Together Mincayani and Steveconfront the true meaning of the lifeand death of Steve’s father, and theother men who were killed, while alingering question is finally answered.

The free Bible Study Guide drawsfrom themes in the film, touchingon important topics such as God’scall and the cost of that calling, theimportance of forgiveness, the powerof Jesus Christ to change the humanheart, and how God is glorified evenin the midst of tragedy. Each topicis complete with thought-provokingquestions, related scriptures, andhelpful lessons, making this guideperfect for parents to lead their familyin discussion.

For more information and additionalchurch resource material, go towww.foxfaith.com.

© Every Tribe Entertainment

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End Of The Spear is a true story abouta small band of missionaries whosought to bring God’s message of loveto the primitive violent tribes ofdarkest Ecuador in 1956; but for theircompassionate act the men weremercilessly slain. Years later, the wivesof the fallen men return to the villageto continue their husbands’ missionarywork, bringing their children to liveamongst the tribesmen in the hopethat through their forgiveness thenatives might find faith.

Based on Elisabeth Elliot’s interna-tional bestseller, Through The GatesOf Splendor, End Of The Spear is theremarkable journey of an Amazontribesman who becomes adopted asfamily to the son of the NorthAmerican man he kills. Mincayani(Louie Leonardo) is a Waodani warriorwho leads the raid that kills SteveSaint’s father and four othermissionaries. Through a suspensefulseries of events, young Steve Saint(Chase Ellison) is able to visitMincayani’s tribe as a child. In 1994,Steve returns to the Waodani as anadult (Chad Allen). Together,Mincayani and Steve confront thetrue meaning of the life and death ofSteve’s father, and the other men whowere killed, and a lingering questionis finally answered.

End Of The Spear is a film for teens andadults. It provides an opportunity todiscuss how God calls each of us to aspecific purpose that ultimately is partof a bigger plan – one that God seesfrom beginning to end. Understandingthe themes of the film – God’s calland the cost of that calling, theimportance of forgiveness, the powerof Jesus Christ to change the humanheart, and how God is glorified evenin the midst of tragedy – is the reasonthese and other topics are addressedin the movie and why we’ve createdthis Discussion Guide. With thisbooklet, you or any other leader canutilize the messages in End Of The Spearas a group discussion tool.

The lessons are supplemented withmovie clips you’ve either received ordownloaded online. These clips werespecifically selected to help you setthe tone and furnish the context foryour discussion or Bible study. Thereare also suggested scriptures for yourgroup to study in-depth, and we’veprovided several discussion provokingquestions based on the differentscenes. This guide is an easy-to-useway to kick-start interesting discus-sions within your small group, andit works without any of your grouphaving seen the film. However, it isrecommended that you announce yourintentions of using the film clips aheadof time. For example, the week beforeyou intend to have a clip-orienteddiscussion, you might show the filmtrailer (included with the clips) to

First of all, introduce the discussionby saying something like this: “We’regoing to talk about several topics –God’s call and the cost of that calling,the importance of forgiveness, thepower of Jesus Christ to change thehuman heart, and how God is glorifiedeven in the midst of tragedy. We havesome scenes from the movie End OfThe Spear that we are going to watchand then analyze to see what we canlearn from them.”

Next, give a brief overview of the film.Then, play the clip you have selected.Once the clip plays, then open thefloor for discussion, using the ques-tions and scriptures that are provided,or use some of your own. To finish,you can close each session by givingthe brief “Lesson to Learn” providedat the end of the topic.

NOTE: Since some of your groupmembers have likely not seen thefilm, it is a good idea to providethem with the context of the clipbefore watching it. This can be foundin the italicized text that precedesthe questions and scripture referencesfor that particular clip.

Please keep in mind that you do nothave to get through all the clips inorder to have a successful discussion.Also, you do not need to sacrifice agood conversation to finish the scenes.As we mentioned above, discussiontimes go best when you allow

your group or congregation and letthem know that you will incorporateit into your discussion the followingweek (or the next time you meet).This will allow your members theopportunity to view the film them-selves (rent or purchase) if they sodesire.

Discussions:In an effort to help you reinforce thethemes and messages of End Of TheSpear, we have chosen clips from thefilm that you can show to your group.These clips can be downloaded onlineor shown through a specially madeDVD that you can request at the samewebsite. These DVD clips are followedup with questions and scripture foundin the Discussion Guide. The questionsshould draw your group members intoa conversation about what they havejust seen. It is not necessary to tacklethese topics in a row, or all in onesession. If you would prefer just tocover one or two, feel free. It is allup to you.

ABOUT THE F ILM

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One may ask why God wouldcommission these five men to bringthe gospel to these violent natives.The answer is the same as when hesent his Son, Jesus to die for us: Heloves the whole world. That’s why Heasks us to share the good news tothose who haven’t heard it before.In the case of the missionaries, theircalling from God to reach theWaodani people in faraway Ecuadorwas so these natives could know loveinstead of hate, peace instead of chaos.

For each of us, God’s call is unique.God’s call for us may be right here inour hometown, to listen to the heartof a friend in need and share withthem that Jesus is the answer. Or, itmay be reaching out to someone alonewho needs a connection, while lettingthem know that Jesus is the best friend

freedom, but still provide the frame-work that will point to lessons in God’sword.

GOD iS CALL

First ContactIn the early 1950’s five missionarieshave answered God’s call to serve inEcuador. End Of The Spear takes us toShell Mera where Nate Saint, his wifeand children, serve at a base camp.As an experienced bush pilot, Nateprovides supplies to other missionariesin remote locations. He and four ofthese missionary families are particu-larly intrigued with the Waodani tribewho is known for their vicious society.After finally locating the elusive tribein the rainforest, Nate Saint andJim Elliot plan how to make contactwith the natives from the air. Then,armed with a few phrases they havelearned from Rachel Saint’s work withDayumae, who fled this same tribeas a child, the missionary men attempttheir first communication with thenatives.

Questions:

The five missionary men, Jim Elliot,Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, RogerYouderian and Nate Saint feel anurgency to make contact with theviolent Waodani people. Why? Is itonly the current situation that createsthis urgency or is it part of God’s callto their hearts? Discuss.

Read the scripture Matthew28:16-20 that is known as the GreatCommission. Discuss what Jesus wasasking of His disciples in this passage.What is God calling Christians todo today?

God has a mission or purpose forall of us. Think about what God hascalled you to do in His name. Haveyou listened to that inner voice – thatnudge from the Holy Spirit – that canlead you in the path He desires foryou? Share your thoughts on thesequestions.

Lesson to Learn:God doesn’t always call us to an easypath. Such was the case of the fivemissionaries, Nate Saint, Jim Elliot,Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and RogerYouderian. Not only were they servingin the South American country ofEcuador, but they were in very remotelocations, as well. Still, God placedon their hearts an even more difficultcalling: to reach the Waodani – oneof the most vicious tribes known tothe civilized world.

they will ever have. In some instances,following Jesus can be leading a Biblestudy group, teaching a Sunday schoolclass, or mentoring youth.

Whether the call is to the missionfield far away or the one here at home,God is calling each of us to use ourstrengths, talents, and abilities for Hispurpose. When we do, we act as Hisdisciples, bringing the good news ofHis love to those who, in Nate Saint’swords, “aren’t ready for heaven yet.”

THE COST OF THE CALL

TragedyNate Saint and Jim Elliot have madepositive contact from the air with theWaodani natives, exchanging giftsthat include a parrot from the tribe.With weeks of this successful inter-action, the decision is made by NateSaint, Jim Elliott, Roger Youderian,Jim McCully and Pete Fleming tomake one-on-one contact. Also, themissionaries agree to not take up armsagainst the natives, even if it iswarranted, because the Waodani“aren’t ready for heaven yet.” Fearingfor his dad’s safety, young Steve Saintteaches his father a Waodani phrasethat he has learned from his AuntRachel, then begs his dad to use it ifhe gets into trouble. With tendergood-byes, the five missionary menleave their wives and children behind,flying deep into the rainforest to land

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Gimade’s sister, was alive. Butsomething went wrong. Sin enteredinto the picture.

Because the tribesmen caught Nenkiwiand Gimade together without achaperone, it ignited a family feud.To protect themselves, the two loversblamed the missionaries for theirsituation, lying that the men hadattacked them. Since the Waodani’smethod for problem solving was tospear, Mincayani and the othersattacked the missionaries.

But even though Satan was at workto defeat God’s message of love forthese people, the five men demon-strated it fully by refusing to shootthe Waodani in their defense. Evenin his last moments, Nate Saint spokewords of kindness to Mincayani,telling him that he was a “sincerefriend.” This approach was new toMincayani and it troubled him greatlythen, and in the days ahead.

The Bible speaks about taking up ourcross and following Jesus. The scrip-tures also add, If you cling to your life,you will lose it; but if you give it up for me,you will save it. (LB) Certainly, thesemartyred missionaries gave up theirlives for Jesus Christ, but found aneternity with their Lord and Savior.And, their example of what it meansto love others, even in the face ofdeath, has lived far beyond the grave.

CHANGED HEARTS

The VisitYears earlier in the midst of tribalconflict, a little girl named Dayumaemakes a choice to flee to the “foreigners”rather than stay with her tribe andface certain death. In her new environ-ment with missionary Rachel Saint,Dayumae learns about Waengongi,His carvings, and how to walk Histrail. In turn, Rachel is able to studythe primitive language of the Waodanitribe. Then, in 1956 when Dayumaeis an adult, she learns the tragic newsthat her Waodani family members are

on a strip of river beach they’venicknamed “Palm Beach.” The shock-ing story that unfolds there in January1956 is heard around the world.

Questions:

Nate Saint and the four other menmake a pact that they will not takeup arms against the Waodani tribe.How are their actions in completecontrast to the way the Waodani tribelives? Give an example from End OfThe Spear of how the Waodani solveproblems.

When Nate Saint lies dying, heutters the words that his son, Steve,has told him to say. What are they?What impact does this statement offriendship have on Mincayani?

Read Matthew 10:38-39 & Mark 16:15.Explain how these five missionarieswere walking “the trail of Waengongi”(God’s path) according to thesescriptures. How can you walk “thetrail of Waengongi” today?

Lesson to Learn:It appeared, after many encounterswith the Waodani from the air, thatthe five missionary men could expectto be welcomed on the ground. Theirlanding, camp set-up and first encoun-ters with the Waodani seemed to gowell. They took Nenkiwi for a flightin their “wood bee.” Also, the menspoke Waodani phrases in an attemptto communicate that Dayumae,

responsible for the deaths of thefive martyred missionaries. As a result,she wants to return to her tribe toteach them about God’s love andforgiveness. Rachel Saint and ElisabethElliot, family of the martyredmissionaries, agree to go with her,hoping that the Waodani tribe willnot harm women and children.

Questions:

After the deaths of the missionarymen, Dayumae talks about returningto her tribe to stop the cycle ofviolence. But, when Rachel Saint,widowed Elisabeth Elliot, and Dayumaego to the Waodani village, they en-counter resistance from Mincayani andthe others. What does Dayumae saythat convinces them to let the womenand children stay?

The way of the Waodani is oneof desperate violence – spear or bespeared. Still, Kimo begins to changeas he learns about “Waengongi’scarvings” from the women. How doeshis new demeanor affect the othermen? Why are they unsettled abouthis changed heart?

The Bible says in II Corinthians 5:17that when we accept Jesus Christ asour Savior, we become a new creation;the old ways are gone. What specificchanges and actions do we see inKimo after he becomes a Christian?Think of biblical examples of individ-uals who were changed once they met

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Jesus. Read Acts 9:1-19 about Pauland his encounter with the Lord.

Lesson to Learn:A changed Waodani heart firstbegan with Dayumae as she learnedabout the “Creator God.” Years later,Dayumae realizes that although shehas changed, her family is still livingin violence – violence that has killedmembers of the missionary familythat she loves.

Because of this tragic incident, shefeels strongly that she and themissionary women should return toher people to share God’s love –love that could stop the cycle ofviolence. With her sister Gimade’sarrival at the missionary homeunharmed, Dayumae realizes that,likewise, the safest method forreturning to the Waodani is withwomen and children only.

What convinces the Waodani to allowthe “foreigners” to stay unharmed wasthe Truth that pierced the tribesmen’shearts. Dayumae tells Mincayani andthe others that Waengongi, theCreator God, does not want violence.She says the martyred missionaries“…came to tell you that Waengongihas a Son. He was speared, but hedidn’t spear back, so the peoplespearing him would one day live well.”

Coupled with Dayumae’s words andwhat some of the natives have seenon “Palm Beach” when the missionarymen offered no resistance, new ideasare set in motion. Change occurs intheir village. This proves to be troub-ling for Mincayani and the other menin the tribe as they see Kimo’s alteredbehavior. “They want us to be weak,”says Mincayani, referring to themissionaries and the Waodani beliefthat spearing increases their strength.Based on years of tradition, it isunderstandable that changing fromtheir old ways would prove to befearful to the Waodani and causeopposition.

Still, as Kimo grows closer to God,his demeanor and actions notablychange and he becomes an exampleto the others. Instead of becomingweaker, Kimo turn out to be strongerin his determination to stand upagainst the cycle of violence. Insteadof being a follower, he becomes aleader. This transformation is not loston the tribesmen.

Questions:

The news reaches the Aenomoniwomen that the Waodani tribe andmissionaries do not have the “fever.”Out of desperation, the women bringtheir sick children and loved ones tothe Waodani village. Who is the firstperson to step forward and offer help?How difficult would it be for Kimo,a tribesman with a history of hostilityagainst the Aenomoni people, to setaside hatred and help his enemy?

It is a short time after the deathof their brother and husbands. Now,Rachel Saint, Marj Saint and ElisabethElliot find themselves ministering tothe same people who killed their lovedones. Explain their actions in viewof Philippians 3:13-14, Luke 6:27, 35 &Matthew 22:37-39.

The Christian walk stresses thatwe show forgiveness and mercy. ReadMatthew 18:21-22 & Ephesians 4:32.Discuss how you (or someone youknow) have faced a situation thatrequires forgiveness or compassionwhen it was undeserved. What were

Indeed, this conversion is what theBible promises us when we acceptJesus Christ into our hearts. We onlyhave to look to the scriptures forexamples. One is Paul, the apostle,whose life changed dramatically. Eventhough that was in biblical times, it’sno different today. God is still in thebusiness of changing lives. Our cycleof unholy living can end when wemeet Jesus face-to-face. If you’relooking for a “new trail” in your life,then turn your heart over to Him.Like Kimo from the Waodani tribe,the results will be amazing.

forgiv ing the past

Love Thy NeighborYoung Steve Saint and his mother,Marj, travel from the United States.to visit his Aunt Rachel, but they findthemselves in the midst of warringtribes. There is even internal conflictas Kimo refuses to fight the Aenomonitribe to avenge the spearing of a fellowWaodani tribesman. Then, after anight of being threatened by theAenomoni tribe, the Waodani women,Kimo, and the missionary families findsilence as the morning dawns. The“fever” has made the Aenomonitribesmen too weak to attack. But,word spreads to their tribe that theWaodani are well. Before long, theAenomoni bring their sick to theWaodani village. In spite of theAenomoni’s hostile actions, the mis-sionaries, Kimo, and the Waodaniwomen show mercy and love to anage-old enemy.

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the feelings and dilemmas that cameto the forefront?

Lesson to Learn:When the Aenomoni men came inthe darkness of night to the Waodanivillage, it was with the purpose toavenge their sickness. But, two womenwho had formerly belonged to theirtribe, pleaded for the safety of theothers, saying that the Waodani tribewas well. By dawn, the Polio “fever”had weakened the attackers. TheWaodani, along with the missionaries,were safe.

In desperation, the Aenomoni womenbrought their sick families to theWaodani for help. As a result, Kimostepped forward to offer assistance.First of all, this took remarkableforgiveness and a strong desire to followWaengongi’s “carvings.” Secondly, ittook tremendous courage to stand-upto the rest of the male Waengongi,risking the possibility of being spearedby Mincayani and the others.

Because of his determination, theAenomoni were allowed to stay whilethe missionaries and the Waodaniwomen cared for their sick. As a result,the Waodani and the Aenomonidiscovered a new way of life, one thattheir hearts had unknowingly yearnedfor. In this situation, past grievanceswere set aside and new relationshipswere formed. It was the beginning ofchange between the two tribes.

We can’t help but be amazed at thelove and forgiveness that was exhib-ited by the missionary women as theyworked side by side with the verypeople who had murdered their lovedones. But, because of their willingnessto forget the past and follow Christ’steachings, a tradition of violence wasbroken.

It has been said that change happenswhen “we let go and let God.” Thescriptures specifically tell us to forgive,to love and pray for our enemies, andto show compassion. When we followthese commandments, setting asideour anger and hurt, God can move inways far beyond our expectations.

GOD iS plan

AnswersIn 1994 Rachel Saint dies after alifetime of ministry with the Waodanitribe. Steve Saint returns for herfuneral and confronts the question ofwho will continue her work. It is onlyafter Steve and Mincayani revisit thepast that Steve has the answer to thatquestion and many others.

End Of The Spear brings us full circleto see God’s plan from beginning toend.

Questions:

The Waodani tradition says thatthe son of a murdered father shouldavenge his father’s death. Knowingthis, why did Mincayani take SteveSaint to the location where his fatherwas killed?

On “Palm Beach,” Steve realizesthat Mincayani is responsible for hisfather’s death. After struggling withthis revelation Steve says, “No onetook my father’s life. He gave it.” Whatattitude toward Mincayani is revealedby these words?

Discuss what Steve Saint meanswhen he says in the film, “My fatherlost his life at the end of the spear.And it was at the end of the spear thatMincayani and I found ours.” ReadJeremiah 29:11 and discuss how thedeaths of the missionaries were partof God’s ultimate plan for good.

Lesson to Learn:The tragedy of the martyred fivemissionaries on an isolated river beachin the Ecuadorian rain forest seemedsenseless at the time. The questionof why God would allow this tohappen was heard around the world.Yet, God had a plan for good to comeout of evil.

Nate Saint and the others willinglygave their lives, knowing that they

would meet their Savior, Jesus Christ,in heaven. These men knew that theWaodani people still needed time tomeet Him here on earth. The mission-aries’ act of sacrifice and their families’courageous compassion for theirmurderers, ultimately brought downthe walls of resistance to the gospel.

As a result, the Waodani tribe wasbrought back from the brink ofextinction because the spearing ended.Rachel Saint and Elisabeth Elliotcontinued to bring the natives to theLord. And, Steve Saint returned toEcuador to live with the Waodanipeople as his Aunt Rachel had hoped.Not only did the natives learn valuableskills from Steve, but he and Mincayanibecame fast friends as well, extendingeven to Steve’s son. Without loveand forgiveness, the story may havebeen different.

As seen in End Of The Spear, God hasan ultimate plan in every life story,even in the midst of tragedy. We maynot always see the final chapter,but we know that God knows thebeginning and the end. He sees the“big picture” and we can rest in theassurance that “…in all things Godworks for the good of those who lovehim, who have been called accordingto his purpose.”(NIV) Because of thispromise, we can trust God to havethe perfect plan and purpose for eachand every life.

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