Through Gates of Splendor - shaking the dust off your feet

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I've recently begun reading Elisabeth Elliot's book, Through Gates of Splendor, the story of the mission and martyrdom of her husband Jim and his co-workers in Ecuador in 1956.  Less than 50 pages in, I can already say that I'm finding myself impressed and inspired.  I may find more to share here in the future, but for now I'd like to leave you with just one quote.

In 1950 Jim came to the conclusion that God was calling him to Ecuador, to bring the Gospel to the Aucas, a tribe dreaded by all who knew of them, and who had murdered the last missionary who had dared approach them - 200 years prior.  Upon learning of his decision, concerned family and friends hoped to convince him that he might be of better use here in the United States, "where so many know so little of the Bible's real message." To these objections he replied:
"I dare not stay home while Quichuas perish.  What if the well-filled church in the homeland need stirring?  They have the Scriptures, Moses, and the prophets, and a whole lot more.  Their condemnation is written on their bank books and in the dust on their Bible covers."
(See Mt. 10:14-15.)

Comments

Debbie Petras said…
I read this book years ago and was so impacted. Jim Eliott's life was short but many of the people who killed him and two other fellow missionaries eventually came to know the Lord. Their wives stayed behind and shared the love of Jesus. Amazing story and a life well lived. I wrote a bit about this on my last Tuesday's post on Heart Choices.

So glad to be back visiting your blog Laurie. I've missed reading it.

Love you,
Debbie
November 16, 2009 at 12:22 AM
WhiteStone said…
I read this awhile back, too. Need to go back and read it again. Elizabeth Elliot is one of my heroes. I am actually stunned by her early wisdom and early faithfulness to the Lord (as well as Jim's and that of his friends who died with him).
November 16, 2009 at 5:35 AM
Laurie M. said…
Glad to see you again Debbie (away from FB that is). I'm due for a visit to your blog. I've not been doing much blog reading lately.

Paul and I are considering missions work of some sort or another. The Elliot's story is an inspiring one. Elisabeth herself is a testimony to the fact that the spread of the Gospel is not just "man's work".
November 16, 2009 at 8:57 AM
Jeri Tanner said…
Hard-hitting and true words. (Luke 16:19-31)
November 16, 2009 at 9:12 PM
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