“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

Jim Elliot

On Tuesday, April 28, former Waodani warrior Mincaye passed away in his home village in Ecuador. Born into the violent tribal culture of the Amazon Rainforest, Mincaye converted to Christianity and became known for preaching to other tribes in the region as well as sharing his testimony throughout the world.

In 1956, five young missionaries: Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Roger Youderian and Ed McCully moved to the jungle of Ecuador. Two days after they arrived, they were viciously martyred.

“People who do not know the Lord ask why in the world we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives … and when the bubble has burst, they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted,” said Nate Saint on his reason for going to Ecuador.

The Waodani had been described as the most violent people on record. Mincaye was one of six warriors who participated in spearing the missionaries. What happened next transformed the tribe.

Armed with forgiveness, Elisabeth Elliot (widow of Jim Elliot) and Rachel Saint (sister of Nate Saint), moved into the village to share the Gospel with those who took away their loved ones. The Waodani listened to the story of God’s Son speared for their sake, believed and then their lives were radically changed.

“We lived angry, hating and killing, ‘ononque’ (for no reason), until they brought us God’s markings. Now, those of us who walk God’s trail live happily and in peace,” Mincaye shared in his testimony.

Steve Saint, son of Nate Saint, called Mincaye one of his “dearest friends in the world. He killed my father, but he loved me and my family.”

Mincaye was between 88 and 91 years old. His life story is told in the book and film, End of the Spear. He is survived by his wife, Ompodae, 13 children, more than 50 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Photo: Steve Saint and Mincaye