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 …