Lived: 1927-1958

What did he do for a living: Missionary to Ecuador

Inspiration: His life story

The first real book (not children’s books) I read was a biography of a man named Jim Elliot. I was sixteen years old (I hated reading as a kid) and my dad gave me this book and said, ‘this story was the main reason I went into full time ministry’. Not wanting to go into full time ministry myself I read it but tried not to get too involved in the story of the book.

By about the six chapter I was hooked! This was a story about a man who just wanted to do whatever God wanted him to do. To cut a very long story short, Jim Elliot felt God was calling him to be a missionary to Latin or South America. Through various situations Jim Elliot found his life’s calling, to be a missionary to Quichua Indians. While working with the Quichua, Jim discovered a Tribe called the “Aucas’. This was a violent tribe who were known as cannibals. Jim felt led to reach out to them and introduce them to the saving power of Jesus Christ. Jim took three other missionaries with him, and on their first visit he met one of the tribe members who seemed friendly enough. However, on their second visit to the tribe they found themselves surrounded by warriors of the Auca tribe, who attacked and killed all four missionaries.

This story seems so pointless and you may ask the question, ‘where was God in all of this?’ Well the story did not finish at Jim’s death. His wife Elizabeth when she heard of the news did not become bitter, but decided she was going to complete her husbands work. With the help of other missionaries Elizabeth finally reached out to the Auca. Today that tribe is no longer a group of violent cannibals. Today it is a tribe of Christ followers. Jim’s death was not the end, but only the beginning. Jim gave his life so that many could save theirs! Why did Jim have to die? I have no idea, but this story inspired me to realize this life is not about me but about giving people life!

I thought if this man would give his whole life to reach out to a tribe hardly anyone ever knew existed then I am ready to give my life for a cause that is much bigger than me!

Jim Elliot you are an inspirer! You not only inspired your wife to reach out, you inspired my father to do the same; you have inspired me to live my life to be an instrument for God to use and you have inspired the lives of thousands around the world to ‘take up their cross and follow the one you gives life’!

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”. (Jim Elliot)