Rod Latimer, better known as 'Mr. Protestant', is confronted by a serious threat to his religious and secular power when Derrick Henninger, a beloved seminary professor and writer, announces his intent to run against Rod for president of their national church. Derrick is convinced that Rod's priorities are the world scene, not the national church where a pastoral leader is desperately needed. Proof comes when a pastor is driven to suicide by unfounded sexual accusations and by his bishop's mishandling of the case. Latimer then discovers an even more serious problem in his own congregation that is exacerbated by his commitment to an extended visit to Africa and Asia. During this heart-wrenching survey of the Sahel, the hunger belt on the southern edge of the Sahara, Latimer learns quickly, under the tutelage of a journalist companion, that Church politics can be every bit as compromising as secular politics. He also learns what Jesus meant when he said to his disciples: 'Be as wise as serpents'.When he does, the entire Christian Church is affected.