Pancho Villa's men harass and kill Americans during the Mexican Revolution (early 20th Century) for aiding Villa's enemies. Rafael Monroy and Vincente Morales (leaders of a small Mormon congregation) are arrested on charges that they support Villa's opponents and follow the wrong religion. In jail they overhear plans to harm the Mormon community of Colonia Dublan, and Rafael sends his little brother Pedro to warn President Bentley, leader of the unarmed settlement. Dublan fasts and prays for a god-given answer to the threat, as General Fierro promises Rafael and Vincente death by firing squad unless they renounce their faith.