A biography of missionary Jim Elliot by his wife Elizabeth.
I am pleased to share this review by Nathaniel Heller, a student at New England Baptist College - Pastor Hammond
One of the best-known missionaries of modern times is Jim Elliot. The story of his life, missionary work, and tragic death is vividly recounted in Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot. This book bears record of his testimony of faithful service and unreserved commitment to God. From the life of Jim Elliot believers can see the importance of having the self-discipline to engage in preparation oriented activities, developing a burden for the unreached, laboring faithfully in spite of hardship, and willingly following God no matter the cost.
Elizabeth Elliot begins by providing insight into Jim Elliot's call into and preparation for missions. Elliot surrendered to missions while in high school, and entered college to receive his ministerial training. During that time, Elliot devoted himself wholly to those pursuits which would prepare him for his missionary work, to the exclusion of other activities which might distract him. In order that he might remain focused on the training that would truly ready him for his future ministry, his involvement in extracurricular activities was restricted, and those he did participate in consisted predominantly of pursuits which were preparation or ministry oriented. In this, Jim Elliot provides a wonderful example of self-discipline, and shows the importance of focusing one's energies on ventures that will leave one better equipped to serve the Lord.
While in college, God began directing Jim Elliot toward his eventual field of service. He saw that the Lord was leading him to South America. After meeting a missionary from Ecuador, he became burdened for a hostile and unreached tribe known as the Aucas. From early on, Elliot had longed to bring the gospel to those who were unreached. He had an overwhelming desire to evangelize those who had never heard. His burden and the ministry it resulted in is an example of the attitude all Christians should have toward the unreached. While certainly not all can, nor are called to go to such people, it should be the desire of all believers that those who never heard be reached with the gospel. Even if one does not go personally, one should still be challenged to pray that they be reached, and give toward that end.
After arriving in Ecuador, Jim Elliot and Pete Fleming began working alongside veteran missionary Dr. Wilfred Tidmarsh among the Quichua people. They quickly commenced working on several arduous tasks including learning the language, understanding the culture, building airstrip, and gaining some practical medical knowledge from Dr. Tidmarsh. This had to be done while striving to gain the trust of the Quichua, and while facing their pagan customs. To add to the difficulty, the missionaries had to endure the many discomforts of jungle life such as bothersome insects and strenuous travel. In spite of all this, the love for the Quichua people and the desire to see them come to salvation enabled Elliot and Fleming to labor on through the hardships with a joyful attitude. In the endeavor of spreading the gospel sacrifices must be made, comforts must be put aside, and much effort must be exerted.
While continuing to minister among the Quichua, Elliot, who was now married, and several other missionaries became increasingly burdened for the Aucas, a tribe who was yet unreached with the gospel. He had been burdened for that tribe since God called him to Ecuador, and his desire to reach some unreached people group even predated that.
Now it seemed that God was opening the door for them to begin a work among the Aucas. Through circumstances such as missionary pilot Nate Saint locating an Auca Village and meeting a runaway Auca woman, the Lord began preparing the way for the missionaries to make contact with the Aucas.
Elliot and four of his fellow missionaries formulated a plan which they called Operation Auca. They began by attempting to build rapport with the tribe from their plane by dropping gifts. After seeming to have developed a familiarity with some of the natives, the men decided to establish a camp on a beach near the village in an effort to make contact with them. This they decided, even though they had full knowledge of the hostile reputation of the Aucas. They were willing to go even though they knew it may cost them their lives. This was ultimately the price that they paid. After a brief, seemingly friendly encounter, all five men were killed by the very people they came to reach. This is perhaps the greatest lesson to be learned from the life of Jim Elliot. In spite of the danger he would face, he faithfully submitted and followed God's leading. No sacrifice was too great.
Lessons believers can learn from the life of Jim Elliot include the importance of having the self-discipline to engage in preparation oriented activities, developing a burden for the unreached, laboring faithfully in spite of hardship, and willingly following God no matter the cost. The story of his life has influenced untold numbers of Christians. This can be credited in large part to the account given in Through Gates of Splendor. Those who read this book will not be able to help but see his faithfulness, love for God, and heart for the lost. This book will encourage its readers to have a closer walk with God, and live lives more fully surrendered to Him.
Copyright © 2024 Nathaniel Heller. Reprinted here with permission.—————
In January, this book will be available in the Long Hill Baptist Chuch library.
Also available from Amazon in Kindle and print formats.