Jim Eliot

When Jim Eliot was a boy, he dreamed of becoming a missionary. He wanted to share the good news with those who had never heard it. His dream came true and he traveled to Ecuador where he and his partner studied Spanish. When they knew enough Spanish, Jim and his friend stayed in a small hut. There they were close to the Indians. Through many trials and pains, Jim and his friend continued to care for and preach to the Indians. One day, Jim learned that another Indian tribe was nearby. These other Indians were known to be dangerous and violent, and they usually settled arguments with death. However, Jim felt that God was calling him to help these Indians, and to show them how to live in peace, instead of hostility.

Jim and his partners developed a plan to help the Indians without getting too close. Jim’s friend, Nate Saint,was an exceptional aircraft pilot and so Nate would fly over the Indian Territory while Jim or his friend would be in the back of the plane slowly lowering a basket full of supplies down on a rope. They did this many times until they felt that it was time to get closer. Together, Jim and his friends built a tree house near the Indian’s territory. The tree house was to serve as a temporary headquarters for the men as they preached to the Indians.

After a few days without meeting any Indians, the men became worried that maybe the Indians did not want to have anything to do with the missionaries. But finally, some Indians came to visit. They were actually very kind. One of the Indians even wanted to ride in the airplane!

A few days after the Indians visit, an Indian woman appeared on the other side of the river. The men started to swim over to greet her. But they never had a chance. Something dreadful happened. Out from the bushes behind the woman leapt Indian warriors. The Indians started to throw spears at the missionaries. Even though they had pistols, the men did not shoot. They promised each other that if this were to happen, they would not kill anyone.

The spears were thrown, and the men died. The men were found down river a few days later. But their death did not stop anyone from preaching to the Indian tribe. Many in the tribe were converted and then they taught other Indians. The story of Jim Eliot continues to this day to encourage missionaries around the world.

“For he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
~ Jim Eliot

by Grayce in South Carolina