Through Gates of Splendor - shaking the dust off your feet
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:
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
So glad to be back visiting your blog Laurie. I've missed reading it.
Love you,
Debbie
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".