Walking His Trail

by Steve Saint, Ginny Saint

Steve Saint, author of the best selling autobiography End of the Spear (which sold over 100,000 copies and was made into a feature film), returns with a series of adventurous, inspiring stories of how God makes himself known through both the dramatic and the seemingly mundane events of life. While walking God's trail all over the world, Steve has spotted the Creator's hand at work in many significant life moments―from finding the love of his life to befriending the tribe that murdered his missionary father; from living in the Ecuadorian jungle to creating a major motion picture and presenting it before the United Nations. Sometimes triumphant, sometimes tragic, Steve's invariably thrilling tales are those of a born storyteller.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Biography Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Inspirational

248 pages, Paperback

First published August 23, 2007

About the author

Steve Saint grew up in Ecuador in close community with the Waodani. His father, Nate Saint, was one of five missionaries martyred in their attempt to befriend the Waodani. After graduating from Wheaton College, Steve launched several successful businesses. He has also been a missionary in West Africa, Central America, and South America. At the request of the Waodani elders, he returned to the Amazon in 1995 along with his family. Steve's experiences living in the jungle led him to establish I-TEC, a nonprofit organization that assists the "hidden church" in its journey toward independence, self-sustenance, and maturity.

Reviews

[Katie Bliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing perspective from Steve Saint (son of martyred missionary Nate Saint) and his wife and how this book is their own little monument toward the "God-sightings" they've seen in their life along the way. Their story, and that of Steve's parents and the other missionaries involved is definitely one of the most obvious evidences of the reality of God available, and I'm glad Saint made a point to catalog so many of these in this book. Not only is it gratifying and exhilarating to see how God worked in his and Ginny's life, it motivates me to see how God has used people and situations for His own glory in my life. Ginny and Steve both seemed like very humble, relatable, normal people who were even surprised when God would intervene in miraculous ways - this was refreshing!

[JoséMaría BlancoWhite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I haven't read a good book like this in many years, whatever the subject, and I'm an avid reader. From the very introduction the writer captured my attention completely, to the point of going back to the beginning and reading the intro three times. The whole book is just wonderful. Images don't stop creating in my head of the scenes described here. I seem to breathe the same air Steve and Ginny breathe along their travels.

Gripping, heartfelt, honest, down-to-earth life stories, but amazingly well narrated. What is the book about? Believe me, if you like good storytelling, read this. But if I should say, I'd say it's the amazing life experiences this man Steve and his wife had along their lives together. A lot of coincidences from the point of view of the agnostic; a lot of miracles, if we understand them as the acts of God in one's life.

I am very thankful to my friend Ed for recommending this book to me. Atheists really don't know what amazing blessings they are missing by walking alone. (Isn't it amazing someone would rather choose to go to hell than to Heaven out of spite?). And Christians need to pay more attention to those signs of His presence. It can be a truly delicious and exciting journey. As a side note, I had to feel some envy at all Americans for the great country they are part of. Seeing the variety of options in life, of possibilities and freedoms to do what they chose with their lives is just awe inspiring. Truly an American is closer to Heaven than anyone else in the world.

[Kim]

If you've ever watched the movie, "End of the Spear," you will love this book. The author was the little boy in the movie whose dad, along with 4 other missionaries died at the hands of savages in the Amazon jungle. Those savages eventually turned their lives around and followed Christ when several of the widowed missionary wives stayed and witnessed to the tribes. In this book, Steve Saint tells many different stories of his life since that tragedy like how he met his wife and what he did with his life. Each story is a testament to the goodness of God in the midst of human doubt, despair and hard times. I loved reading every page and highly recommend this book to every Christian who seeks a closer walk with God.

[Joy Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very informative, A good compliment to "End of the Spear"

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could rate this book 10 stars I would—it’s just that moving! I read “Walking His Trail: Signs of God along the Way” aloud to my husband like I often do; but this book was different. There are many books that make us laugh or cry while reading. There are far fewer books that profoundly move us and cause us to stop at the end of a chapter just to ponder the truth and weight of what was read. There are almost no books we don’t want the end to come too quickly,—but this book fit all those categories. We couldn’t seem to put it down. We put off reading the last chapter several days because we just didn’t want to see Steve and Ginny’s stories come to a conclusion.

I am thankful that we met Steve and Ginny Saint in March. I’ve read his dad’s story in Through Gates of Splendor several times and had seen the End of the Spear movie years ago—but to meet the Saints personally was a joy and great blessing for us. When Steve gave me two books, I was thrilled but had no idea how powerful this one would be. He inscribed the book, “God writes great stories”—He certainly has for the Saint family and for us. This book has reminded us yet again of the many, many signs God has given us along our way, as well. It caused us to rehearse what God has done in our lives, to be thankful, to be hopeful and to be blessed.

Steve Saint is an author with great skill. He is a humble man whom the Lord has used and is still using for His glory. You say you don’t have time to read a book right now? No problem! In a sense, each chapter stands alone so even reading a chapter a day will give you a sense of encouragement and blessing you might need.

[Marie Carmean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book by Steve Saint expands on the blessings of Through Gates of Splendor and End of the Spear with amazing personal stories related to the years after his father's tragic death. It is so uplifting and brings the reader closer to our wonderful Maker! I loved every page of this testimony of a life in Christ and the wonderful work the Saint family has done not only for the Waodani people but for all of us they have shared their life with. So many miracles fill the pages! I was especially moved by the amazing faith exhibited by Grandfather Mincaye who as a savage, murdered Nate Saint, but as a redeemed child of God tells us all that God's trail is marked with Christ's blood and it is a very good trail to follow.

[Liz Hauschild · Rating 4 out of 5]

The organization, writing style, and editing of this book left something to be desired. But the story? Wow.

I think that’s the point of a book like this. It’s a story about God showing Himself to man in miraculous ways. As you read this book, the book seems to read you. It reminds you about the ways that God reveals Himself to you in unique ways that only you can understand.

The stories told are incredible, emotional, and inspiring. In the end, I don’t mind that the writing wasn’t perfect, because the story manages to fade as the entire book elevates God. This is what I loved so much about reading Walking His Trail: It’s a book about Steve and Ginny, sure, but it’s more than that— it’s a book about God.

[Lauren Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Steve Saint's writing. This collection of short stories from his life and his wife Ginny's life was a quick read, but a comforting and encouraging reminder that God works in our daily lives. Born out of a challenge from an atheist college student, "Walking His Trail" recounts some of the little (and big) ways God's leading and presence have been clear in the Saint family story.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely undone by this book. 10/10. This book was written by Nate Saint’s son Steve. Nate was among the five missionaries who were spears to death by the Waodani Indians in Ecuador. Steve used this book to lay stones of remembrance of all God has done in his life. I was in tears multiple times.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! If you ever wondered if God sees us, cares about us or answers prayer, this book will leave you with no doubts. It's an extremely encouraging book about the personal experiences of one couple. I highly recommend this book for anyone, whether you believe in God or not.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book of stories of faith. Each chapter was a stand-alone. In places the book dealt with the aftermath of Steve's father's death with the five missionaries in Ecuador. The fallout from such an event lasts for years and years in the lives of children and others. Very touching book in places.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Rachael Marsceau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really sweet short stories of God's provision.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each chapter was a short vignette about Steve and his families journey with God. Knowing some of his backstory made this book all the more poignant.

[Marsha Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful testimony

This is a powerful testimony of how God changes your heart when you allow him. Recommended reading for Christians and non Christians alike.

[Kaylah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that shares stories of how God works in every day life

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoir from the author of one of my favorite books, End of the Spear.

[Judie Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1956, Nate Saint and four other missionaries flew a plane into the jungle of Equador in an attempt to reach out to the Waodoni - one of the most violent Stone Age tribes on earth. They were speared and hacked to death by the tribesmen, but the love and forgiveness shown them by the families of the men caused a huge impact on the tribe. They are now largely Christian and peaceful and have had a worldwide impact.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Steve Saint, Nate's son. In the fly leaf of my book he wrote "God writes the best stories". Steve is now an intimate friend of the man who killed his father and they have ministered together to share that through God's love, forgiveness and reconciliation are possible.

Walking His Trail is a series of short stories that resulted from the larger story. They are monuments of remembrance when God has worked in the lives of the Saints and those around them. They are an inspiration to want to write my own stories of remembrance.

Inspiring and faith building! Excellent read!

[Lady_lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Walking His Trail isn't a book of eloquent prose, but of inspiring insights hidden in the stories of the authors' lives that will change the reader looking for these truths, to consider things different. To meditate on what true love and forgiveness is, and what can happen when a person is obedient above all else.

I'm not saying that I agree with contemporary martyrdom or the Saint's theology (of which isn't mentioned, but more my perception of martyrdom,healing etc), but I found it personally beneficial regarding insights. It gave me some strength and determination that was needed along the way.

I did find the narrative simplistic and easy to follow,while having a preference for Ginny Saint's more natural flair for writing than Steve's matter of fact relay.

Overall, not constantly gripping, but a beneficial read.

[Donna Pingry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking His Trail: Signs of God along the Way
The story of the missionaries who lost their lives witnessing to the Waodani has stayed with me though I read it years ago. After End Of The Spear came out, I wanted and needed to know more. Steve Saint and his wife renew the original story and share their own in an easy to read way. "I can see it well" the lives of three generations of committed people entwined by the love of Christ and the mission to spread His love and message of freedom and salvation to the world.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is interesting and inspiring in parts and is grammatically well written, but--like too many spiritual memoirs that I've read--it lacks narrative focus and cohesiveness. I'm also troubled by the use of sandcastles as a metaphor for remembrances of God's working in one's life. They're too fragile, too likely to be washed away by the wind and the sea. The Old Testament speaks of Ebenezers, made of stones/rocks, much more likely to stand to serve their purpose.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is another book I was motivated to read because of a movie. I guess I'm just not a natural reader, it seems to always take a movie to get me going. Anyway,the movie is "End of the Spear". I liked this book because I am fascinated with the life Steve Saint has been given. Steve has had a lot of tradedy and still loves God and trusts His way.

[Syrilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you need a good reminder of who God is and what He has done for you and the hosts of saints the world over, you pick up this book. Immediately you are laughing, sobbing, and remembering meeting your first love and are enraptured by the mystery and wonder of God's tender way with humanity. He loves us so. The Saint family have truly been used by God to bless so many. I am one of them.

[Aldo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I heard the story when Steven Curtis Chapman shared it on one of his shows I was fascinated by this modern day tale of forgiveness and this was just the story of an ordinary guy being involved in the plans and doings of an Extra-ordinary God. Very inspiring. Some place a bit lengthy but worth it.

[Fiery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel of the "End of the Spear" continues from Ecuador to the States and back. Except the sad moments in it, I very much enjoyed this book.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book full of inspiring stories and encouragement in your walk with God.

[Deb Brammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like this one quite as well as End of the Spear, but it still has some really great stories and insights. I recommend it to anyone who is serious about living completely in God's will.