But I think there is so much to be learned by reading about those who have sacrificed so much for their faith.
To that end, I would love to start a Heroes of the Faith book club. Readings would be on a quarterly basis.
The first book I would like to read is Through Gates of Splendor by the late Elisabeth Elliot. In future we may vote on book club picks.
I definitely felt a leading towards this particular book. I talked to several online friends about reading about Heroes of the Faith in December. I felt several confirmations along the way as Renee Ann talked about the Elliots on her blog, I heard radio programs about Nate Saint, and even my homeschool reading matched up.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose," so claimed Jim Elliot, martyred missionary to the Auca Indian tribes. He was also Elisabeth Elliot's first husband, one of my Titus 2 women heroes.
Not only did these men give their lives for the salvation of the Auca Indians, but many of their family members returned to witness a short time later.
Nate Saint's son, Steve Saint, currently appears in interviews with Mincaye. Mincaye is one of the men who killed his father. As a result of Steve's witness, Mincaye is a strong man of faith today. The Elliot and Saint families' ministries have continued to bear fruit.
Renee Ann has posted some wonderful posts about Elisabeth Elliott. Be sure to check them out here and here.
If you're interested, please post a comment here. We will start discussion Saturday April 30th. In the meantime we will definitely have some discussion about the Elliots. Through Gates of Splendor is an older book. It should be easy to find at most libraries.
I hope many readers will join in. I'm excited to learn more about this passionate martyr of the faith!
And if you like this idea, please spread the word!
11 comments:
Julia, This sounds like such a great idea, and something that has sadly been overlooked. The Elliots are very dear to me as their example/story/bravery/faith is what led my brother to Ecuador. Passionate martyrs is the perfect wording!
YAY, count me in girl!! Julia, I’m so happy you decided to do this! I’ve never been a part of a book club before and I certainly couldn’t think of a better one to join :D Will have to make a trip to the library soon or maybe I can find it online. Either way I’m looking forward to reading this! Renee Ann did give us some wonderful posts about Elizabeth Elliot :) She also did some wonderful posts about Darlene Deibler Rose that I encourage you to check out also. Her book Evidence Not Seen looks to be an incredible read!
For the record I think you are a beautiful example, my friend, who is building a strong legacy of faith that is a testimony to all who have the pleasure of knowing you and a sweet aroma of worship that rises before the throne of God. Some of us may never travel to a foreign land but our mission field might be our family, our workplace, our neighborhood, or even just one hurting soul that the Lord has placed in your hands specifically. I think in these last days Christ will raise up some of the greatest overcomers and heroes of the faith church history has ever seen! What an exciting time we live in and the Lord has placed us here for such a time as this. May we all have that fire to desire such a lasting legacy.
Thank you for doing this, Julia, praying the Lord will use it mightily!
Blessings,
Amanda
I want to say I have read this book, but I'm not sure...
Sounds like it will be good! This will definately be something you are good at Julia. :)
I'm so glad you started with this, Julia! I'll post about it tomorrow or Wednesday. I'll try to posts some blurbs between now and April 30th also. I think I'm going to have to give away some of my unclaimed prizes--which reminds me, I forgot to pop your movie in the mail. I'll do that tomorrow! . . . And, BTW, I think Elisabeth Elliot is still living :)
@ Laura,
Oh, that's so neat that your brother joined the missions field after hearing about the Elliots. I never knew that. And I didn't know he was in Ecuador. And you have definitely spurred me on with your discussions about the Wiersbe book.
Amanda,
Thanks for your kind words. I'm definitely humbled by reading the beautiful legacy of the Elliots but as you said we are all in a mission field.
I'm so glad you're joining in. I'm looking forward to it, more so as I know you will have great ideas to add to the discussion.
Oh, and I want to read Evidence Not Seen, too. Who knows? Maybe that will be our next read.
Thanks, Casey! Anything by Elliot is a great read!
Renee Ann,
Thanks for being patient with me. I know its been a long time since I mentioned this. Now that I've downsized the reviewing I'm looking forward to this.
And thank you so much for your help and interest. It means a lot to me. I think your blog is such a blessing on the net. I'm so glad that you started it and I'm so glad that you share from your heart.
Hey, Julia! I posted about the book club. I'll leave it up for a few days to see who might be interested.
Great idea! I'm spreading the word.
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