Life Before the Courtship
Elisabeth Howard was born on December 21, 1926, in Brussels, Belgium, to missionary parents and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She pursued Classical Greek at Wheaton College, aiming to translate the New Testament into an unknown language. Jim Elliot met Elisabeth at Wheaton, both sharing a profound desire to serve God. Elisabeth once journaled, "My life is on Thy Altar, Lord—for Thee to consume."
The Commitment to Waiting
Their courtship, which began in 1948, was marked by a commitment to waiting on God's timing. On their first date, April 30, 1948, they attended a Christian conference in Chicago. Elisabeth wrote, "It was a blessed, encouraging meeting... Jim is without exception the finest fellow I have ever met." The couple's deep convictions led them to wait five years before marrying, despite their mutual affection. Elisabeth reflected, "Waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty."
Transformation Through Patience
Before meeting, both believed they were destined for a life of singleness in missionary work. However, as they grew closer, they realized a love they hadn't anticipated. Their writings overflowed with imagery of sacrifice and devotion to God. In 1953, they married in Quito, Ecuador, uniting in their mission.
After the Wedding
Jim's tragic death in 1956, while attempting to reach the Waorani tribe in Ecuador, was a pivotal moment. Elisabeth chose to continue their work, forgiving those who had taken her husband's life. Her decision led to a transformation among the Waorani, who embraced a life of peace. Elisabeth later reflected, "The deepest spiritual lessons are not learned by His letting us have our way, but by His making us wait."