This chapter explores the different perspectives held by Rachel Saint and Elisabeth Elliot on what it meant to be a missionary among the Waorani, differences that in 1961 led Elliot and her daughter to leave the mission. The distinct perspectives were evident in the books associated with each woman: The Dayuma Story, written by Ethel Emily Wallis in collaboration with Saint and Dayomæ, and The Savage My Kinsman, by Elliot, with help from photographer Cornell Capa. Saint viewed the Waorani in traditional evangelical terms as a people lost in spiritual darkness and needing redemption. Elliot raised questions about how such an isolated group could understand the gospel message. The two missionary women were unable to collaborate on their primary task of Bible translation, leading to Elliot’s departure. Shortly thereafter, nine Waorani, including four of the five surviving Palm Beach killers, were baptized.
THE MISSIONARY WOMEN IN THE INLAND OF AUSTRALIA AND THE AUSTRALIAN INLAND MISSION AS REPRESENTED IN BETH BECKETT’S LIFE MEMOIR
