Today, and through much of the week, I feel a weight of anxiety and burden. I find myself in constant prayer, knowing that our team is venturing into some of the world’s most dangerous corners. To be honest, it makes me anxious. However, I try to channel this nervous energy into prayers for God’s protection and for the success of our mission. We travel to many places, but not all are what I would consider dangerous. This week is an exception, and it prompts me to reflect on the importance of prayerfulness and sobriety in our work. It also compels me to reassess and remind myself of the profound sacrifices made by others throughout history to advance the Gospel’s reach.
My mind turns to the early missionaries who bravely ventured into perilous territories, individuals like Jim and Elizabeth Elliott. In 1955-1956, they embarked on a mission to Ecuador, aiming to reach the Waorani people, a tribe known for their violence. Driven by an unwavering commitment to Christ, Jim and Elizabeth Elliott, along with four other couples, resolved to share the Gospel with this tribe, just as countless missionaries had done worldwide.
The heart of medical missions lies in the selfless acts of those who dared to venture into challenging environments, caring for the sick, the elderly, and the afflicted. They established medical clinics and hospitals, not only tending to physical needs but also introducing a worldview centered on God as the Creator and the embodiment of love, who sent His son to die for humanity. While these missionaries diligently addressed temporal well-being, their ultimate concern remained the eternal salvation of souls through reconciliation with Jesus Christ. This profound motivation has fueled missionaries for centuries, compelling them to enter the most formidable and perilous regions, carrying the message of the Gospel.
Let me paint a picture of Jim and Elizabeth Elliott around 1955 as they, alongside a dedicated group, ventured into the heart of Ecuador. Fully aware of the inherent dangers, they approached their outreach with prudence and caution. In January 1956, they initiated contact, flying a plane equipped with loudspeakers over the Waorani territory. Speaking in the indigenous language, they proclaimed their message of friendship. Over several weeks, they meticulously dropped buckets filled with gifts, tools, and other tokens of goodwill from the plane, determined to convey their peaceful intentions.
The moment arrived when they decided to land the plane by the river, seeking face-to-face interaction with the tribe. Some Waorani men emerged, and initial interactions appeared promising, hinting at the possibility of establishing a rapport. To foster trust, they even took one of the men on a short flight. Encouraged by these developments, they penned letters, leaving their wives behind in a safer zone, acknowledging the calculated risk they were undertaking.
Tragically, communication abruptly ceased. A subsequent search revealed a devastating truth: all five men had been brutally murdered by the river at the hands of the very tribe they sought to reach. Nick Saint, the pilot, was found with a spear piercing his head, while others bore the gruesome marks of machete and spear wounds. The news of this horrific tragedy sent shockwaves through the world.
Weeks later, Life magazine published an article detailing the men’s deaths and their ultimate sacrifice. They shed their blood in their pursuit to bring the Gospel to a people desperately in need of its transformative message, a calling reminiscent of the Lord’s command to us all. Their story captured widespread attention and inspired others to follow in their footsteps. In 2005, their sacrifice was immortalized in the film The End of the Spear, further amplifying their legacy.
Elizabeth Elliott, Jim’s widow, became a prominent and respected leader within the evangelical church for decades. She penned Through Gates of Splendor, a poignant account of their experiences that deeply impacted my generation. Having been born in 1955, I could have been one of her babies. Her book, widely read and cherished, ignited a fire in countless hearts, inspiring a willingness to embrace sacrifice, even the shedding of one’s blood, in obedience to God’s call. It resonated with those who felt the tug toward bringing good news to the lost and extending a helping hand through various ministries of mercy, whether Bible translation, establishing hospitals and orphanages, or other endeavors ignited by God’s stirring.
When we venture into perilous regions, places deemed unsafe for others, we do so with full awareness of the dangers. Yet, we also carry the profound understanding that we are part of an enduring legacy of splendor, woven through generations and centuries. This lineage is comprised of individuals who have accomplished extraordinary feats, often at great personal cost, sometimes even the ultimate sacrifice of their lives.
I stumbled upon a first edition copy of Through Gates of Splendor in a bookstore and purchased it for my daughter, Megan, who was attending Wheaton College at the time and felt a deep calling toward missions. Having known Elizabeth Elliott personally, I arranged for my daughter to meet her. We journeyed to New England, where Elizabeth resided, and in a moment filled with emotion and significance, Megan presented the book to Elizabeth for her signature as she prepared to embark on her mission to Asia.
Witnessing my daughter standing beside Elizabeth Elliott, a woman who had walked through immense suffering yet remained steadfast in her faith, was a profoundly moving experience for both of us. In that sacred space, we drew strength from the Scriptures and the annals of church history, bolstering our resolve to face the challenges ahead. We are engaged in a shared endeavor, and I share these stories to underscore that when we confront danger, even when it feels overwhelming, we are not alone.
The sacrifice of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and their companions in Ecuador has yielded remarkable fruit. Today, Ecuador is a thriving hub of Gospel activity. A missionary partner of ours, equipped with a handheld ultrasound device purchased through the generous support of many, is making a tangible difference in this very region. Pictures capture the scene: a young mother rests on a bench, a laptop on a nearby table, the expectant faces of villagers, children eagerly peering over shoulders—all captivated by the miracle of life unfolding on the ultrasound screen. The sacrifices we make today, even if they demand our utmost, may serve as a catalyst, rallying God’s people to follow in our footsteps. This endless line of splendor continues to work wonders, rescuing the innocent and delivering good news to the lost.
As we navigate 2025, our journeys will lead us to diverse locations, some more perilous than others. Regardless of the challenges we encounter, whether smooth sailing or unforeseen obstacles, breakthroughs or setbacks, this is the path we have willingly chosen. I trust that you, too, have embraced this call, echoing Isaiah’s words: “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” May you faithfully pursue this calling in your own life, regardless of its form.
Let us strive for a life marked by radical self-sacrifice, courageous risk-taking, and unwavering obedience. This is the essence of love that the world desperately needs, a love that unlocks hearts and minds, revealing the truth that sets us free. This is the driving force behind our mission here at Passion Life.
Join me in prayer, sharing the burden and embracing the sacrifices that come with our calling. Let us trust that the Lord will honor our efforts, bringing glory to His name. Thank you.
This article is adapted from the episode transcript.