The Missionary Mindset series looks into the lives of notable missionaries to provide valuable insights and inspiration. Read the last post in the Missionary Mindset series here.
Jim Elliot is one of the most well-known missionaries of the 20th Century. He was one of five missionaries killed during Operation Auca—a mission to bring the gospel to the Huaorani people in Ecuador. His desire to reach the most feared tribe in Ecuador led to an evangelical effort in this country that continues to grow today.
Jim’s Background
Born into a Christian home, Jim Elliot professed his faith in Jesus at age six. From a very early age, his parents stressed obedience to God’s will, honesty, and adventurous living in the name of God.
In 1945, Jim enrolled at Wheaton College where he was praised as a charming public speaker and was encouraged to pursue acting by his professors. But Jim was captured by a different call—reaching those who had never heard the Word of God—and his coursework suffered as he elevated searching and understanding the Scriptures over his classes.
While at Wheaton, Jim also met his future wife—Elisabeth—though the couple would not marry until 1952 after both delved into life as missionaries.
Jim’s college years were marked by his charismatic energy and willingness to step out of his comfort zone and into areas of spiritual darkness. In fact, he relished opportunities to leave his comfortable home, believing that the news of Jesus Christ was worth infinitely more than his own life.
He began evangelizing in Mexico during his college years, and the fearless spirit dwelling in him eventually ignited a passion for the Huaorani tribes of Ecuador. Often referred to as “Auca”—meaning savages—this tribe was known for their hostility toward outsiders.
Jim was a pacifist who fearlessly advocated for peace and urgently wanted to bring an end to the violent Huaorani culture. He knew the risk involved in reaching these people, but Jim was convinced the only way to end their history of killing and usher in peace was through the gospel.
Initially, Jim began working with the Quechua Indians of Ecuador before joining Ed McCully, Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming, and Nate Saint to reach the Huaoranis. They first approached this people group with empathy and wisdom, lowering gifts from a helicopter and using a megaphone to broadcast well-meaning Auca phrases.
Their movement toward the tribe was peaceful, slow, and methodical, rather than intrusive. They waited for the Huaorani people to respond to their gifts by sending a gift of their own. And when the tribe responded, the five missionaries settled on a beach nearby.
Their first meeting with a small group of Huaorani people was successful—they even brought one man whom they called “George” into the helicopter for a brief trip. However, soon after their initial contact, ten Huaorani men came to their base and killed all five missionaries. At his death, he left behind his wife, Elisabeth, and daughter, Valerie.
Jim’s Legacy
Jim and his fellow missionaries’ deaths could have been the end of the evangelical missions in Ecuador, but two years after the death of her husband, Elisabeth Elliot—with daughter Valerie and Nate Saint’s sister, Rachel—headed back to the heart of the Ecuadorian jungle to finish the work they started.
Because of Jim’s bravery and boldness to the point of death, his work led to:
- The publication of Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot and Through Gates of Splendor, which tell his missionary story
- Schools founded in his name in California and Colorado
- The growth of Ecuadorian missions by those who continue to be inspired by his bravery
Jim Elliot knew the joy of loving Jesus and spent his life zealously sharing the good news of His death and resurrection. Jim’s love for the Word of God and one of the most hostile people groups in South America is a strong testimony of surrendering all for God’s glory.
And because of His great sacrifice many hearts have been sealed by Christ.
More Inspiration from Jim Elliot
Jim is one of the most quoted missionaries in the realm of missions. Below are a few of East-West’s favorite quotes that inspire us as we labor among the unreached.
- “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”
- “Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”
- “Forgive me for being so ordinary while claiming to know so extraordinary a God.”
- “Lord, give me firmness without hardness, steadfastness without dogmatism, love without weakness.”