Thomas Murcher, a tough farmer in the Mississippi Territory, has no use for God till a Christian Choctaw saves his life and a preacher named Phineas leads him to faith. While he and Phineas struggle to bring the gospel to frontier Alabama's inhabitants, a band of fanatical Creeks is determined to wage war on them and the settlers. Also, a murderous gang threatens their efforts to establish a church.

Annabelle Lawson, a gang member's girl, scoffs at Thomas's and Phineas's preaching. But after her dramatic conversion, she falls in love with Thomas. However, Thomas's shyness hinders him from developing a serious relationship with her.

Months later, the Creek War begins, and settlers flee into hastily built stockades. Annabelle, Thomas, and Phineas flee into one dubbed Fort Mims. A few weeks after their arrival, a thousand warriors attack it. Will Thomas and Annabelle live to see their destinies fulfilled, or will they perish in the fort's horrible massacre?