An old book on Jim Elliot

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

Just last weekend my brother handed me this book “Men Of Faith- Jim Elliot” that was somehow left behind in my family’s bookcase after I got married and moved out. He knew it belonged to me because the friend who gave it to me had penned a thank-you note inside. I have forgotten that I had contributed finanically to her mission trip to Romania in ’93 and the book was a little gift to her supporters. It’s always nice to read notes (and messages) written in the past. I’ll be having dinner with her and a bunch of our good friends next Tuesday.

Since campus days, the life of Jim Elliot has been a powerful testimony to me and to this group of friends I’m meeting next Tuesday. Jim and his wife, Elisabeth, were part of a team of young missionaries to the Auca Indians in Ecuador. In 1956, Jim and four of his fellow missioners were murdered by the hostile Auca Indians. He was 29. His wife and the other four widows forgave the Aucas and continued their work in that area with wonderful results.

In Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot, Elisabeth Elliot relates the account of the martyrdom. In late July, a musical on their life story called “Love Above All” was staged here. I didn’t get to see it but my bro did. Maybe next time.