Today is the 56th anniversary of the death of a man I have admired since childhood. I read his life story as a 10 year old and am grateful that my pastor's wife then thought that I would appreciate the story of a missionary's tragic life, and see much more than that in the volume his widow wrote. Elisabeth and Jim Elliot are a couple many long to learn from, through their witness and lives. Though Jim had only 28 years to spend on earth, his courage in following Christ, literally to his death, still inspires many. His equally courageous young wife, followed his example in ministering to those who were not only known for their ruthlessness, but were responsible for her husband's death. After two years living among the very tribe who murdered her husband, and sharing with them true forgiving love, while giving them the greatest gift imaginable - the Bible - Elisabeth went on to minister for years through her writings and radio broadcasts.
Lately God has challenged me through the obedience of numerous friends who have entered full-time missions work as their family's path. I am grateful that I know dozens of friends who have done the difficult task of leaving their family for the purpose of building the kingdom of God. Growing up in a Bible-teaching, missions-focused church was a blessing. Our family was the regular host family to missionaries from Mexico, Guatemala, Japan, and Brazil, for decades. These families were just like my family, and just lived in other countries, giving their lives to serve the Lord in the way He had called them. My childhood pastor had studied at Southeastern Bible College and had relationships with classmates who were on the foreign field that visited our small church. Years of early exposure to these families surely shaped me. My pastor's wife was an amazing influence, sharing missionary biographies with me from the time I was 8 or so. I remember Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, George Mueller and other heroes of the faith from the books she loaned me, and how I grasped then that ordinary people who were willing to be used by God did amazing things for His kingdom and impacted the world.
It was natural then, and not a very complicated journey, for me to end up choosing Bible college to further my own education. Though I didn't feel called to foreign missions as a full-time career, I was certain that teaching somewhere would be my occupation, and I knew that was a mission field in itself. My love for children motivated me to study and learn how to best teach them academically, but also the ultimate Truth. I wanted a Biblical education to prepare me to do that so that my teaching was based on God's Word, and every subject would be presented from a Biblical worldview. I am grateful that Southeastern did provide that education, with quality, Godly professors, and many mentors along the way who had served overseas, so that missions continued to be a love of mine. I married a classmate who had the same heart and interest in Christian ministry. Together, we have supported and treasured friendships with missionaries around the world.
As more of our peers move to share the Gospel with people in Madagascar, Guatemala, Swaziland, and Ireland, we are reminded that we too could end up serving the Lord far from our home. We have yet to see Him direct us there, but we have been open since before our marriage to that possibility. The reality that there are still so many unreached people is hard to ignore. Currently, we are praying about how the Lord seems to be leading me to take a short-term trip. The details seem to be overwhelming to work out. I get frustrated and want to whine about how this shouldn't be so hard. Through even these early stages of the journey though, I see God shaping me more like the willing servant I need to be. My goal needs to be whatever He desires. The timing and details are up to Him. I have to be able to rest in His plan and if I can't trust Him to handle the myriad of expenses and travel plans and childcare, then I probably will not do much good trying to share His love with anyone.
These quotes by Jim Elliot make it so clear that he didn't consider his life his own. He had the unselfish heart I want to have. I pray that I can honestly say someday that I'm willing to live a full life for Him, no matter what that means or where it leads me.
Jim Elliot’s most famous statement, written in his journal in 1949:
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.
God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus. (1948)
I must not think it strange if God takes in youth those whom I would have kept on earth till they were older. God is peopling Eternity, and I must not restrict Him to old men and women. (1950)
The will of God is always a bigger thing than we bargain for. (1952)
**************************added Monday**************************
I love that tonight I read this article, which gave more information on the story of Jim Elliot and the other missionaries' ministry to the Aucas and the events leading up to their deaths in Ecuador. The impact they and their families have had on the people there and on people around the world are inspiring and humbling. I wanted to add it here too, in case anyone wants to read Challies' thoughts, as well as the "Life" article he mentions. It's all worth reading. 
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