Jim Elliot
Jim Elliot
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jim Elliot was a missionary, evangelist, and author who is widely known for his work among the Waodani people of Ecuador.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: October 8, 1927, in Portland, Oregon, USA
Died: January 6, 1956, near the Curaray River, Ecuador (martyred)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American missionary and evangelist
Journalist and writer
Early Life and Background
Jim Elliot was born to Lewis and Ella Elliot in Portland, Oregon. He grew up in a Christian family and developed a strong faith from an early age. Elliot graduated from high school at 16 and attended Redcliffe College in England for two years before transferring to Wheaton College in Illinois, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in English Literature.
Major Accomplishments
Elliot's missionary work began in 1953 when he arrived in Ecuador with his wife Elisabeth (née Howard). The couple settled among the Waodani people and worked tirelessly to learn their language, customs, and traditions. Elliot's goal was to share the Gospel with the Waodani, but he also sought to understand and appreciate their culture.
Notable Works or Actions
Elliot's writing often reflected his passion for missions and evangelism. His articles and letters were published in various Christian magazines, including _Challenge_ and _Evangelical Missions Quarterly_. Elliot was a prolific writer, and many of his writings have been collected and compiled into books after his death.
One of Elliot's most notable works is his 1954 article "I Will Sorrow No More" (published in the September issue of _Challenge_), which described his growing sense of joy and contentment as he learned to let go of worldly concerns and trust God. This article showcases Elliot's deepening commitment to missions and his willingness to surrender to God's will.
Impact and Legacy
Jim Elliot's legacy is that of a devoted missionary who gave his life for the people he loved. His martyrdom, along with that of four other missionaries (Ralph Stoddard, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Nate Saint), shook the Christian world but also galvanized support for missions in Ecuador.
Elliot's story has inspired countless individuals to consider a career in missions or evangelism. The _End of the Spear_ film (2006) tells his life story and highlights the Waodani people's transformation from hostile towards Westerners to welcoming them with open arms.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jim Elliot is widely quoted for his words on faith, sacrifice, and the importance of living a simple, obedient life. One of his most famous quotes reads: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."
Elliot's unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of extreme danger, has made him an iconic figure in Christian history. His sacrifice and selflessness have inspired generations to re-examine their priorities and live with a deeper sense of purpose.
In conclusion, Jim Elliot's life was marked by passion, conviction, and a willingness to surrender to God's will. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate people around the world, reminding us that our lives are not our own but belong to Him who gave us eternal life.
Quotes by Jim Elliot
Jim Elliot's insights on:
I wanted to sail when I was in grammar school and well remember memorizing the names of the sails from the Merriam-Webster's ponderous dictionary in the library. Now I am actually at sea - as a passenger, of course, but at sea nevertheless - and bound for Ecuador.
Coming home, we stopped for a bite to eat and ran into a confused waitress. Had a heart-rending time trying to speak the Words of Life to her, and as I think of all this country now, many just as confused, and more so, I realized that the 39th Street bus is as much a mission field as Africa ever was.
The Lord has done what I wanted Him to do this week. I wanted, primarily, peace about going into pioneer Indian work. And as I analyze my feelings now, I feel quite at ease about saying that tribal work in South American jungles is the general direction of my missionary purpose.
What a brutish master sin is, taking the joy from one's life, stealing money and health, giving promise of tomorrow's pleasures, and finally leading one onto the rotten planking that overlies the mouth of the pit.
No one warns young people to follow Adam's example. He waited till God saw his need. Then God made Adam sleep, prepared for his mate, and brought her to him. We need more of this 'being asleep' in the will of God.
We wouldn't think of rising in the morning without a face-wash, but we often neglect that purgative cleansing of the Word of the Lord. It wakes us up to our responsibility.
I only hope that He will let me preach to those who have never heard that name Jesus. What else is worthwhile in this life? I have heard of nothing better. 'Lord, send me!'