Elisabeth Elliot
Can someone you’ve never met so impact your life that you feel like you’ve known him or her forever? For me, the answer is yes. Why? Because of the influence one woman has had on my life from the time I became a Christian at age 16. Her name: Elisabeth Elliot . . . Actually, Elisabeth Howard Elliot Leitch Gren.
To me it seems that Elisabeth has lived through every possible season of life a woman could experience. She’s been married three times and widowed twice, yet has lived as a single woman for half of her 85 years.
She’s lived with her young daughter among a savage tribe of natives, walked jungle trails, met dignitaries and celebrities, taught
Elisabeth and daughter Valerie with the Auca women
college, helped translate an unwritten language, and been featured at women’s conferences. As an author she’s written about her firsthand experiences with loneliness, longing, heartbreak, passion, purity, and triumphant love.
Her life was part of a story that shook the world in 1956 when five young missionaries risked everything to preach Christ to the Auca Indians of Ecuador.
Though I’ve never met her, Elisabeth has made an indelible impression on me–especially during my first years as a Christian–through her books and personal testimony.
Elisabeth’s story began in 1926 when she was born to missionary parents. She grew up in a loving, Christian home and knew from a young age that God wanted her to be a missionary. She was quite, studious, serious, contemplative, and didn’t make friends easily. She was not a social butterfly. Not thought to be beautiful. Not into dating. And, of course, who should catch her eye but a handsome, athletic, popular boy–Jim Elliot.
Elisabeth Howard met Jim Elliot at Wheaton College in 1947. At first, he was really her brother’s friend.
Elisabeth wrote about those years in her book Passion and Purity: “There was a student on campus whom I had been noticing more and more. My brother Dave had been encouraging me to get acquainted with him. He and Dave were on the wrestling squad, so I went to a match, ostensibly to watch Dave. I found myself laughing with the crowd at Jim Elliot, the ‘India-rubber man,’ who could be tied in knots but could not be pinned.
I noticed Jim in the Foreign Missionary Fellowship—earnest, committed to missionary service, outspoken. I noticed him in dining hall lines with little white cards in his hand, memorizing Greek verbs or Scripture verses. I heard his name read out semester after semester in the honors convocation.
Jim Elliot
Finally Dave invited Jim to come home to New Jersey with us for Christmas vacation. We had long, long talks after the family went to bed. The more Jim talked, the more I saw that he fitted the picture of what I hoped for in a husband. He loved to sing hymns, and he knew dozens by heart. He loved to read poetry, loved to read it aloud. He was a real man, strong broadchested, unaffected, friendly, and—I thought—very handsome. He loved God. That was the supreme dynamic of his life. Nothing else mattered much by comparison.
He was a Greek major and so was I. After Christmas, I began to hope that he would sit by me in class once in a while. He did. He sat by me often, even when at times he had to trip over other people to get the seat. Was it possible? Could he be interested? My hopes rose, but very timidly.”
However, Elisabeth wanted to make sure that she did not step outside God’s will, and she knew she could not trust her emotions. She was afraid her feelings for Jim Elliot might conflict with God’s call on her life. Her advice for someone torn between two desires? “Discipleship usually brings us into the necessity of choice between duty and desire. They are not mutually exclusive, however. When our hearts are set on obedience, we can be sure of the needed wisdom to tell the difference between a conflict and a harmony.”
Eventually, as Elisabeth had hoped, Jim declared his feelings. This is how she recorded the occasion: “I looked up to see Jim sitting on a picnic table . . . he was swinging his legs and gazing at me. He jumped off the table and ran over to where I was . . . ‘Walk you home?’
“We walked half a block in silence. Then suddenly [he said,] ‘We’ve got to get squared away on how we feel about each other,’ Jim said. I was dumbfounded. No preliminaries, nothing. Just like that. Bang. The revelation I’d been hoping for–he had some feelings for me . . .
‘Feel about each other? You mean–’
‘Come on, Bett. Don’t tell me you didn’t know I was falling in love with you?’
‘I noticed. I was afraid to believe my eyes. I told myself you couldn’t possibly be interested, let alone–’
‘In love. That’s what I’m telling you.’”
But the longed-for conversation did not exactly go as planned. You see, Jim was called to pioneer missions and had become convinced that God wanted him to experience the
Elisabeth and daughter Valerie Elliot
mission field as a single man–maybe for a few short years. Or maybe for the rest of his life. He decided to wait on God’s leading. And only if God so led, would Jim ask Elisabeth to marry him.
Elisabeth wrote: “I began to learn to wait. Patient waiting does not come naturally to most of us, but a great deal is said about it in the Bible. It is an important discipline for anyone who wants to learn to trust.”
She shared the details of a difficult parting on the night before she and Jim left Wheaton to go their separate ways, not knowing if God would ever bring them back together:
“Jim and I walked to a cemetery and sat down on a stone slab. He spoke of a story he had read in his Bible study that morning–the story of Abraham’s offering up Isaac. ‘So I put you on the altar,’ he said.
Slowly we became aware that the moon, which had risen behind us, was casting the shadow of a stone cross on the slab between us.
We were silent for a very long time, pondering this undeniable sign.”
Jim and Elisabeth wedding photo
That was in 1949. After that night, Jim headed for his home in Oregon, and Elisabeth to a Bible college in Alberta, Canada. They wrote. They saw each other for a few brief visits. Months passed. Jim left for Ecuador in 1952–alone. And then, amazingly, God led Elisabeth to Ecuador, too. Even though they were miles apart, they were in the same country.
Finally in 1953, Jim felt God give him the go-ahead to propose . . . five years after the first time he’d said, “I love you.” But Jim had one condition: he wouldn’t marry Elisabeth until she learned the Quichua language!
If Jim sounds tough, he wasn’t. In her book Passion and Purity, Elisabeth shares Jim’s letters from those years they were apart. The letters are filled eloquent messages of love and longing. The book ends with a brief description of Elisabeth and Jim’s wedding supper, with Jim gazing at her across the candles at their table for two. She says of their honeymoon, “It was unspeakably worth the wait!”
A few years later, Jim and his four close friends and coworkers were gone–martyred by the Auca Indians.
Follow this link for part two of Elisabeth’s story.
And if you’re not familiar with the adventures of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, Roger Youderian, and Ed McCully, you’ll have the chance to read about them in a future post, also. Maybe a video excerpt from the documentary Beyond the Gates of Splendor will whet your appetite!
See Elisabeth for yourself: The video clip below is about 7 minutes long. The first minute or so is Elisabeth talking about Jim. Next, Dave Howard and Olive Fleming share memories of Jim. Then Dave and Mary Lou McCully talk about Jim’s best friend Ed. After that, the widows of the other fellows martyred in Operation Auca talk about what brought them to Ecuador. The last few minutes show Elisabeth (Betty Howard) and Jim getting married. (She’s in a blue suit.) The thumbnail showing a thin woman in a dark dress trailing a white handkerchief is also Elisabeth. Unfortunately, the video contains a few seconds of commercials which I was not able to delete.
Now it’s time for my Giveaway Trifecta!
I have three items to share with you, my lovely readers: Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot, Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot, and a dvd of the movie version of Operation Auca, End of the Spear.
Steps to enter: Everyone who leaves a comment today will be entered in the giveaway. Name #1 will be drawn for the movie. Name #2 for Passion and Purity, and name #3 for Let Me Be a Woman. No mandatory entries and extra entries required this time.
But–if you like what you see and you’re new to my blog–I’d love for you to follow through my Facebook page here, Networked Blogs here, or Google Friend Connect (in the sidebar.)
What about you?
- Is there someone you’ve never met who has made an impact on your life?
- Was there something in your life you struggled to give up to God?
- What experiences have you had with waiting on the Lord?
- Do you have a unique courtship story to share?
- Have you read any of Elisabeth’s books?
- Are you familiar with Operation Auca and Jim Elliot?
Oh man… I own Passion and Purity and I love it! Let Me Be a Woman is on my wishlist though! If I win it…. I think I might squeal like a fangirl
Elisabeth Elliot is such a role model!
Your comment made me laugh this morning, Ariel! Thanks for that. My copy of Passion and Purity is underlined and dog-eared. I never need a new one for myself because my copy falls open to all my favorite places. I also love several of her other books. I’ve heard Elisabeth speak briefly at a conference but wasn’t able to meet her. I definitely would’ve been squealing like a fangirl if I had
Thank you for sharing some of Elisabeth’s amazing story! I read her book Quest for Love with my roommate last year for a book study.
No need to enter me, but I just wanted to stop by and thank you for participating in the Season of Love Blog party!
~Amber
Thanks, Amber! Loved your post at The Borrowed Book.
I’m so excited that you featured Elisabeth Elliot.
Years ago I heard Elisabeth speak in person.
I don’t know if I could have done what she has done.
Elisabeth exemplifies a true trust in her LORD and Savior Christ Jesus.
She’s quite an amazing lady. I go to her books whenever I need to re-ground myself in the priorities of life. Thanks for stopping by, Michelle!
I have heard of End of the Spear and would LOVE to win it. Amazing story of love and devotion in going back to the place her husband was killed.
It’s a great movie, Linda! However, I think I love even more the documentary Beyond the Gates of Splendor. Unfortunately, I’m not giving that away today. Glad you stopped in to read and comment!
Oh, I love the story of sacrifice. I love Elisabeth’s quotes about discipleship and waiting. This is so inspiring for all. I can’t wait to watch that video.
I have read both of Elisabeth’s books, but I would love to enter for the DVD.
Keep a Quiet Heart and Discipline also blessed and convicted me.
julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com
Those are two of my favorites! I read Keep a Quiet Heart at just the perfect time in my life because every part of it ministered to me. And I love watching Elisabeth and the other ladies talk in the video. They’re so lovely!
Wow. That was beautiful. Thanks for sharing this amazing lady and how she inspired you with us
I’m so glad you could learn a little about her. I think God has used her to encourage so many. Blessings, Juju!
Oh wow, thank you for sharing Elisabeth’s story! Brought tears to my eyes – such love and WHAT a witness! I would love to be entered into the drawing for either of the books. Thank you for the opportunity!
I’m so glad Elisabeth’s story touched your heart, Ruth! You’re entered for the books. I wish I had more copies to giveaway for all of my sweet new bloggy friends.
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Thanks for stopping by, Jenn! Welcome.
I’ve seen “End of the Spear” and it is easily one of the best movies I have ever seen. Very, very powerful. I’ve read Passion and Purity, but not Let Me Be a Woman. These are all great books. I think Elizabeth has had a huge impact on Christian women everywhere!
So true, Emily! I think Passion and Purity is one of those books that should be re-read often. I guessed that you’d be aware of Elisabeth and her ministry.
This blog was great! Thank you for sharing and showing a little bit of Elisabeth’s heart! I’ve never read either book noted here, and would enjoy being entered for both of them in hopes that I win either. Regardless, I will be looking for these and have added them to my book list.
Thanks for joining in, Helene! Elisabeth is such a worthy mentor and role model. And these books are great. Hope you win one!
What a wonderful thing to come across this remarkable woman and her life story.
I have never heard of her or her husband(Jim) and their work. Would be honored to win any of the 3.
You’re entered, Robyn! Elisabeth is an amazing woman. Hope you can find some of her books that I haven’t offered here.
cool. I have some of her books. Love to win thanks.
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Which ones do you have? She’s been prolific, hasn’t she?
I’m so glad you are featuring her today! When we went on a field trip to Wheaton College, we got to see lots of pictures of her and Jim that are on display there. Their story is so incredible.
I’d love to see those pics, Leanne! I’ve been fascinated by them as a couple for years. They really have an incredible testimony.
What an amazing story. I can’t wait for next week’s blog to read more about this special lady. I may have to do a web search. And then definitely get her books – unless I win one here!
Even if you win one, you should get some of her others, Chris! She has so much wisdom and inspiration to share.
I too read the Eliots story when I was about 16! I loved it! I have seen excerpts from the movie, but never seen the whole thing. Amazing how God turned tragedy into forgiveness and triumph.
That’s neat, Julie, that we were both drawn to Elisabeth and Jim’s story at the same age! I guess their story sinks into your heart and changes you–no matter what season of life you’re in. Both the movie (End of the Spear) and the documentary (Beyond the Gates of Splendor) are great!
That is so awesome! I can totally understand why you have been so impacted by her love and faith in the Lord. Thank you so much for this post. I can’t wait to read the second half! Much love. Janine
Thanks for sharing your reaction, Janine! It’s encouraging to know that many of us are touched by similar stories and testimonies. I love that sense of community.
Renee Ann, what a beautiful post for a wonderful story. I remember hearing about Jim Eliot and the others when I was in high school also. Their story is inspiring and it would be a blessing to receive one of you prizes.
Thank you for sharing this, and for linking up to NOBH.
Thanks for taking the time to share, Lynda! I’m always glad when you visit with us.
what an inspiration elisabeth elliot is…
Truly, Karen!
Wow Renee Ann! You were right when you said that I would enjoy this post, I did! Thank you so much for sharing Elisabeth’s story, it’s truly an inspiration for all of us who think we’re waiting and waiting and waiting! LOL!
XOXO~ Renee
Yes, she had quite an unusual love story with Jim. And one thing she did was learn to wait on the Lord! So glad you stopped by today, Renee!
Wow, I read Passion and Purity in high school…what a fantastic story. I think any single woman should really read it. Actually, I’d probably enjoy reading it again.
Is the movie End of the Spear about Jim Elliot? I’ve heard of that title, but I never knew what it was about.
I agree, Joy! End of the Spear focuses on the people in the Auca tribe whose lives were changed by the missionaries. But it also shows the missionaries as a group reaching out to the tribe. And then it shows the aftermath, where Elisabeth Elliot, Rachel Saint, and Steve Saint (son of one of the missionaries) go live with the tribe. It’s a great story! Very exciting. My students loved it.
oh how i love this post. i love elisabeth elliot!
too bad i couldnt view the video =( it says there are viewing restrictions when outside the US. huhu..
nwey, nice post!
I know! EE’s the best! As for the video, can you access Hulu or some variation of it? I just Googled “View Beyond the Gates of Splendor Free” and clicked on sites until I found what I wanted.
This is the first that I’ve heard of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, but oh my goodness, that is an amazing life and an amazing story. I especially love the parts about “waiting on God” and “not wanting to make the wrong decision because of emotions.” I have only recently begun to really think about those two things, so it’s funny that you wrote about them. What a love…both for God and for each other. I can see why she’s touched your life. I need to do some reading!
I know what you mean, Lisha! (Is that what you prefer since you sign your posts that way?) I remember when someone shared with me the idea that right feelings will eventually follow right actions. It was a revelation! Not that I’ve conquered my wayward emotions; it’s a work in progress, I guess. And all of Elisabeth’s books are great reads. Amazon has a long list of them. Passion and Purity tells the story of their courtship. (Maybe you’ll win it here!) And Through Gates of Splendor describes their experiences on the mission field . . . So glad you stopped in!
I’ve not read this author, nor seen this video, but would love to have any/all of them!
Thanks for the opportunity.
Thanks for visiting today, Leanna!
After Ariel’s comment, how could anyone NOT want to enter this giveaway!!
Elisabeth sounds like an amazing woman. I had never heard of her before this post, so I’ve never read any of her books, but I would love to.
Ha ha–too true about Ariel’s comment, Tammy! And if you don’t win one of these, her books are definitely worth checking out.
Hi Renee Ann,
I hope it’s not too late to submit my comment and entry for your giveaway. I’ve never heard of the Elliot’s love story until I read about them on your blog posts! I am so interested in reading more about their lives, but I’m thinking I’ll just cry my eyes out from having EE take me on an emotional roller coaster with all the love, joy, hope, and tragedies that she faced in her lifetime! Thanks for sharing this post on NOBH!
Hi, Tracy! It’s not too late to enter. That’s how I feel about Elisabeth and Jim’s lives–like there was just something so special there that I can’t help but be touched by it in a very personal way. And her life experiences give her devotional books a deeper impact, too!
What a beautiful story. So inspirational. It’s amazing how many wonderful women there are who do extraordinary things, and all we aspire to today is to be a housewife on reality TV.
Excellent point! True and so sad for today’s young women . . .
I couldn’t stream the video, not allowed in the UK I guess. I haven’t heard of this story and it sounds fascinating. Will be looking into it for my Kindle since I think I missed the deadline:(. What a great story. Can’t wait for part 2
You haven’t missed the deadline for entering, Anna-Marie. And I’m glad you stopped by! The documentary my video comes from is called Beyond the Gates of Splendor, and I found the full-length version for free at a couple of sites. Maybe you can find it somewhere. Her books Passion and Purity and Through Gates of Splendor tell the most details of their love story and lives as missionaries.
I love Elisabeth Elliot’s story! A lot of the kids at the Christian school I used to volunteer teach at/my husband graduated from read her stuff as part of the curriculum.
Great post! Definitely a blessing.
My students (Christian school) loved the movie End of the Spear. And I often have one of my classes read Through Gates of Splendor. It’s always a hit. Thanks for coming by, Amy!
Renee Ann, this is a beautiful post! Thank you so much for sharing about the life and love of Elisabeth Elliot! So inspirational it brought tears to my eyes. Their convictions convicted me – I know I need to learn patience, trust God more and lay certain things on the altar. I have Passion & Purity in my TBR stack and I’m looking forward to getting to it soon, especially after this post! But I would love to read Let Me Be a Woman! Thank you for the chance
Blessings,
Amanda
mrose608{at}gmail{dot}com
I’m so glad you came to visit, Amanda! I’ll put you in the drawing for LMBAW, and I think you’ll love Passion and Purity. I’m not surprised Elisabeth’s testimony touched you because I’ve read your comments at others’ blogs and know you to be a woman after God’s own heart. Blessings!
Thank you, Renee Ann, that means so much to me
And, I must say, every comment I’ve read of yours around the blogs has always blessed me. You put your heart in your words and shine a real love for Christ and others. Thanks for entering me and thank you for your sweet spirit and example 
Blessings,
Amanda
Thanks, Amanda
Great and inspiring post! Love this woman (even though I’ve never met her, either!)
Would love to win any of the mentioned prizes….all so good. Thanks!
Hi, MaDonna! Thanks for the visit and you’re entered in the giveaway. I enjoyed reading about your family and your post based on Isaiah. Very good reminder!
I can not wait to read more about this amazing woman. I am putting those books on my wishlist and if I don’t win one of them, I will definitely buy them. What an amazing story.
You won’t be sorry, Joy! Her books are worth the time. Thanks for stopping in tonight. Blessings!
Renee Ann,
I just HAD to share this with you. After reading your post I started homeschool with the kids. We’re reading Missionary Stories with the Millers and I didn’t even know that Jim Elliot was the reading for that day! What a blessing!
Excellent! God does work things together, doesn’t He? I love that about Him. Thanks for letting me know, Julia
Thank you for sharing this information about Elisabeth Elliot. I’ve read several of her books and a book about Nate Saint, “Jungle Pilot.” I think she also had a radio program for awhile that I listened to. She is such a great role model of a godly woman. It would be a privilege to win her books and the movie.
I’ve read Nate Saint’s book, too. And End of the Spear is based on a book his son Steve wrote. Steve returned to the tribe as an adult, and he and his kids lived with them. And Elisabeth did have a radio show and a newsletter for a while . . . Glad you stopped by, Pam!
not sure if you didn’t want comments after the date stated, but would love to be entered ~ used to hear Elisabeth on radio daily & rcvd her newsletter for years. you did a great post. thank you “)
Of course, you can be entered! I’ve read transcripts of some of the radio shows. And her newsletters are still archived on her site–so I’ve read a bunch of those and loved them . . . Thanks for coming by!
What an amazing and bitter-sweet story! I know very little of the young men martyred by the Auca Indians and would love to learn more.
Theirs is an inspiring story, Alisa! I wish I had enough copies of books to share with everyone who comments instead of just a few “winners.” BTW, besides the books I’m giving away, the book Through Gates of Splendor and the documentary Beyond the Gates of Splendor give great details on their lives and ministry.
Oh, I have love, love, loved Elisabeth Elliott, too, for so long! Thank you for sharing her in this way. She, too, has impacted my life in such a special way…especially during my college and subsequent single “adult” years following. She is a powerful role model in the consistency and tenacity in which she loves Jesus!
Lindsey, I so enjoyed visiting your blog! What an interesting history you have from your years on the mission field to your time in the states and today’s adventures. Thanks for stopping in to share our love of EE. Blessings!
I really enjoyed reading about how Elisabeth Elliot inspired you! My brother got to hear one of the Auca Indians speak once at Liberty University and was so impressed with their story. Elisabeth’s faith has always amazed me!
Thanks for joining my Weekend Bloggy Reading party! Have fun finding some new reads, and I hope you’ll come back and visit Serenity Now again soon.
That’s so neat about your brother, Amanda! I know Steve Saint (father was killed by the Aucas) sometimes travels with a man from the tribe for speaking engagements. I love your idea of a Weekend Bloggy Reading party! And you have a great blog. I’m glad to be following.
I just came across your entry while doing a little research on the timeline of Elisabeth’s life for our youth group girls. Your words might as well have been mine! She is truly a treasure and gift to so many of us women (and men!). She autographed my personal journal and that page is a source of inspiration for me to follow God in obedience. Even now as a wife & mom of 2 (far beyond the 17 yr old I was when I first read her book!), her words never cease to touch my heart.
Thank you for the beautiful entry and your wonderful insights! (Passion & Purity and Quest for Love are my favorites!)
Hi, Kelly! It’s always great to “meet” another Elisabeth fan because I know we’d have so many life priorities in common. How fun that she signed your journal! About 5 years back, I actually wrote her a few letters, to which she responded. Her answers were typed, except for a small, neat signature. So glad you shared your experience here. I hope you’ll come back to visit my blog in future
As I mentioned to Val today, she has touched many lives, so has her father Jim. I never realized just how much until I added the interview with Val on my blog. I get nonstop request of people wanting to know how the family is doing.
She is loved!!!
You have a great blog, Angela! I couldn’t figure out how to leave you a comment there, but I’m following you on Twitter. Blessings!
Elisabeth Elliot is forever in my heart. I listened to her on radio for years. She touched my soul and taught me so much. I had the privilege of going to one of conferences in Ellicott City, MD around 1990 -1991. She is very precious to me.
Whew, lots of comments! I’m a young guy but I love Elisabeth Elliot. I wish she was still able to speak and do conferences. I’ve read all her Jim Elliot books and have Passion & Purity on my read list for this year.
I really enjoyed reading your post. When I first read Elisabeth Elliot’s book Passion and Purity I was blown away by it. I couldn’t believe that such a love story existed. I am a single lady headed to the mission field myself. It has been hard wondering if I am to remain single the rest of my life but remembering Elisabeth and Jim’s story causes me to hope. She (Elisabeth) has led such a fulfilling and exciting life. I have also read Quest for Love, as well as her Let Me Be A Woman, and These Strange Ashes.