A Heart for the Unreached
In the dense and untamed jungles of Ecuador, the story of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot unfolded—a testament to unwavering faith and divine intervention. Jim Elliot, born on October 8, 1927, in Portland, Oregon, felt a calling from a young age. Guided by his passion for sharing Jesus, he pursued Greek studies at Wheaton College, preparing for missionary work among those who had never heard of Christ. Inspired by his own words, 'He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose,' Jim dedicated his life to reaching the unreached.
Tragedy in the Jungle
Jim married Elisabeth Howard, a woman of equal resolve and faith, on October 8, 1953, in Quito, Ecuador. Together they served at the Shandia mission station with the Quechua people. But Jim's heart was drawn to the Auca tribe, known for their hostility. On January 8, 1956, Jim and four fellow missionaries were tragically killed while attempting peaceful contact.
A Widow's Remarkable Choice
Elisabeth, left a widow with a ten-month-old daughter, faced a heart-wrenching decision. Yet, she chose to stay in Ecuador, driven by a calling to continue the work her husband had begun. 'God gave us peace of heart, and confidence that whatever might happen, His Word would hold,' she later reflected. In a remarkable act of forgiveness, Elisabeth, her daughter Valerie, and Rachel Saint, Nate Saint's sister, went to live with the very tribe that had taken Jim's life.
Transformation Through Forgiveness
Through their presence and teachings, many from the tribe embraced Jesus, including Mincaye, one of the attackers. They discarded the name 'Auca,' meaning 'savage,' and adopted 'Waorani,' signifying a new identity in Christ. Elisabeth's journey exemplifies the power of forgiveness and the transformation possible through God's intervention. Elisabeth returned to the United States in 1963, becoming an influential author and speaker. Her books, like 'Through Gates of Splendor,' continue to inspire, as does her legacy of obedience, trust, and faith in God's purpose, even through suffering.
