I want to thank Christian Focus Publications for providing me with a copy of Nate Saint: Operation Auca by Nancy Drummond in return for my honest opinion.
I read a lot of middle grade and young adult Christian biographies. A lot of them.
They all tend to be edifying, to point my mind toward Christ, and to help me contemplate how I spend the hours of my own life. I’ve found they tend to do the same for my children.
Few of them touch me so deeply that I cry.
Nate Saint Biography
Nancy Drummond’s new biography of Nate Saint is a rare emotional gem. Nate Saint: Operation Auca (Christian Focus Publications, 2012) is written for ages 9 to 14 (or to be used as a read-aloud for younger children) for Christian Focus’ Torchbearers line. The Torchbearers series covers the lives of Christian martyrs in a narrative fashion.
Nate Saint Facts
- Nate Saint gave his life to the Lord at a summer camp when he was thirteen.
- He committed to follow God’s leading in his life, and proceeded to pursue his life’s passion, flying.
- Nate followed God’s leading into the military during World War II.
- He then served with Christian Airmen’s Missionary Fellowship.
- Nate’s work for CAMF in the jungles of Ecuador allowed missionaries on the ground to continue their work in a way they had been unable to without airborne support.
- During his time in the jungle, Nate invented a number of safety and communication features which improved aviation everywhere.
Nate Saint the Missionary
It was Nate Saint’s passion for reaching an isolated, violent tribe that drove Operation Auca forward. Nate and five other missionaries conspired to make contact with the tribe, repeatedly dropping gifts. Eventually, they felt it safe to proceed with their plans to land on the ground and make physical contact with the Auca people. The plan was to create an outpost and visit the Aucas regularly.
If you haven’t heard the story of Nate Saint and Jim Elliot, I’m not going to ruin it for you. It’s inspiring to say the least. In fact, you can find the story of Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool in the same series. Nate Saint’s sacrifice for the Auca people had far-reaching consequences. His life impacted the lives of others in amazing and unexpected ways.
Nancy Drummond does a fantastic job of running the theme of God’s sovereign guidance and provision through Nate Saint: Operation Auca. She repeatedly points to God’s hand in Nate’s life, even in the unpleasant events such as when Nate contracts pneumonia. Her writing allows kids to see the purpose in the pain.
That’s what made me cry.
Nate Saint’s martyrdom should be a terrible loss for humanity. It should be a pointless tragedy. We should shake our heads in horror at the savage loss of his life. Yet, Nate Saint’s martyrdom was a victory for the Gospel of Christ. It’s a heroic tale of a man and his wife, sold out for Jesus and willing to give all for the cause of Christ. It’s the story of how God uses people to bring glory to His name.
It’s the story of how our humble service in His name can continue generations after we have joined Jesus after our lives here are done.
I highly recommend Nate Saint: Operation Auca by Nancy Drummond. Bravo, Nancy.
Purchase Nate Saint: Operation Auca
Nate Saint: Operation Auca (Torchbearers)
OR, at Christian Book:
More Christian Focus Trail Blazers Books for Your Kids
Our family loves the Christian Focus Trail Blazers books. They’re perfect for ages 7-14. We read them as we studied history! Check them out.
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Barbie says
April 8, 2013 at 7:58 amThanks for the review Danika. This makes me want to Hoo and get the book and read it myself, even if it is for middle readers. I love your heart for reaching our children.
Danika Cooley says
April 8, 2013 at 4:53 pmBarbie,
Oh, thanks, friend. It is a really good book. You’d like it… and I’d bet a few of your smaller people would as well.
~ Danika
chandra says
April 8, 2013 at 9:14 amLOVE the story of Jim Elliot. Need to get my hands on this one right away!!! Thanks for sharing your heart for Christ and all the great ways we can learn about Him and others who served him. Someday Mrs. Cooley, your life and service will be written about.
Danika Cooley says
April 8, 2013 at 4:57 pmChandra,
It’s an excellent story. I don’t know that my life is very exciting (I’ve never reconstructed an airplane from broken pieces in a basket!), but I certainly hope the Lord will use my words in whatever way he chooses. I am very sure that He uses whoever He wants to bring glory to Himself. How exciting that we all get to be a part of His great plan!
~ Danika
Bella Grace says
April 10, 2013 at 3:30 amReblogged this on Walking On Water Ministries and commented:
Definitely sounds like a great read. I pray I am able to purchase this for my children and our school. Thank you Danika.
mastersquill says
April 12, 2013 at 10:55 amMany years ago I read the book, Through Gates of Splendor, written by Jim Elliott’s wife, Elizabeth. A powerful recounting of their sacrificial dedication to the Lord in Ecuador. Today, you can watch a documentary with actual footage called, “Beyond The Gates of Splendor.” This video not only tells about the men and women who invested themselves in serving the Lord in Ecuador but goes beyond the ultimate sacrifice of the missionary men. This is well-worth watching. Thanks for sharing this book with us.
Danika Cooley says
April 16, 2013 at 10:03 amMy boys and I will be looking for the documentary. Thank you!
~ Danika
mastersquill says
April 16, 2013 at 11:45 amYou will need hankies.
David