Jim Elliot.

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot

This statement was given by Jim Elliot himself while living in Equador. This man had devoted his life to reach a people group that had never been in contact with the outside world. They were know, even among other tribes, as the most vicious natives in South America. This tribe today is known at the Waodoni, but then they called them Aucas. Jim along with 4 other men devoted their lives to have the Gospel reach this tribe. After a few years of missions work they all decided it was time to go. Nate Saint (the pilot), along with the other men would fly over the native tribe and drop gifts, while shouting friendly Auca phrases. After some time they decided to land on a sand strip only a few miles from the Auca Village. 3 days after landing, 3 villagers ( 1 man, and 2 women), came to their fort. Everyting seemed to be going well until about 6 days after they had arived. This was the day when several Auca warriors attacked the men with spears killing all 5. A few days later a search team was sent out, and all 5 bodies of the men were found and buried.


When you read stories of these men in depth you find out what true devotion to the Lord means. Ed McCully, Roger Youderian, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming and Jim Elliot, all died for the cause of the Auca tribe hearing the Gospel. Although armed through the attack none of these men fired upon any of the natives. The reason was because they all made a promise not to kill any unsaved natives. These men are incredible pictures of followers of christ laying down their lives for the furthering of God's kingdom. In less than two years Elisabeth Elliot, her daughter Valerie, and Rachel Saint (Nate's sister) were able to move to the Auca village. Many Aucas became Christians. They are now a friendly tribe. Missionaries, including Nate Saint's son and his family, still live among the Aucas today.