Who is Pete Fleming from Shadow of the Almighty and what is their importance?

Pete believes, along with Jim, in reaching the tribes in South America and becomes his traveling companion to Ecuador. They learn Spanish together, and build and work in the medical clinic in Shadnia. After the flood in Shandia, Pete stays behind to help Ed McCully with rebuilding. Jim and Elisabeth agree to get married so they can travel down the Bobonaza River to reach out to a family with 15 children.