In 1986, Stephen Saint traveled to Timbuktu, Africa, on a mission trip. Stephen had dedicated his life to Christian missions, just as his father, Nate, had done before him. Nate Saint was one of five missionaries who had been murdered by members of the Auca Indian tribe in Ecuador. As little Stephen Saint grew up, he sorely missed having a father to guide and love him. In his darkest moments, he sometimes wondered if his father's death had served any purpose.

At one point on his African trip, Stephen found himself stranded in a small town among hostile people. He made his way to a nearby Christian church. The African pastor welcomed Stephen, and the two men began discussing their faith. The pastor had come to Christianity at a young age. Afterwards, the townspeople shunned him, his teacher beat him, his family tried to kill him. But the pastor mentioned that he found great inspiration in the stories of Christian martyrs. For instance, he asked, had Stephen ever heard of a missionary to Ecuador named Nate Saint? Stephen was speechless. At that moment, he realized the gift that God was giving him. He had traveled halfway around the world to hear from a stranger's lips that his father's death had been used for a profound purpose.  Nate Saint had not settled for the mid-range of human needs. He had aimed much higher. He gave his life for others. Not everyone who does that is martyred. Many people serve Christ and serve others in their daily lives right in their own community. It matters not where service is given, only that we give our best.