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Through Gates of Splendor
Through Gates of Splendor is the true story of five young missionaries who were savagely killed while trying to establish communication with the Auca Indians of Ecuador. The story is told through the eyes of Elisabeth Elliot, the wife of one of the young men who was killed.
274 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1957
About the author
Elisabeth Elliot
126 books2,049 followersFrom the Author's Web Site: My parents were missionaries in Belgium where I was born. When I was a few months old, we came to the U.S. and lived in Germantown, not far from Philadelphia, where my father became an editor of the Sunday School Times. Some of my contemporaries may remember the publication which was used by hundreds of churches for their weekly unified Sunday School teaching materials.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
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January 5, 2018
This is probably one of the most famous missionary stories in the world.
Five men, sold out for God, entered the dangerous territory of the Auca tribe in Ecuador in the 1950's to try and reach them with the Gospel. They never returned. Their bodies were found a few days later on a beach. Elisabeth Elliot, the wife of Jim, collated their journals and filled in the gaps with first-hand knowledge.
What struck me most forcefully was the wholehearted commitment of every one of these men to give up everything worldly for the sake of Christ. This, despite pressure and opposition from many, perhaps unexpected, directions; they were well educated, with bright futures and still young!
Pete was expected to become a college professor or Bible teacher. But to throw away his life among ignorant savages. It was thought absurd.
Jim wrote to his parents: 'Seems impossible that I am so near my senior year, and truthfully, it hasn't the glow about it that I rather expected. There is no such thing as attainment in this life; as soon as one arrives at a long coveted position he only jacks up his desire another notch or so and looks for higher achievement--a process which is ultimately suspended by the intervention of death. Life is truly likened to a rising vapor, coiling, evanescent, shifting. May the Lord teach us what it means to live in terms of the end, like Paul who said, 'Neither count I my life dear unto myself, that I might finish my course with joy....
Nate wrote, It was the first time that I ever really heard that verse: 'Follow me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.' The old life of chasing things that are of a temporal sort seemed absolutely insane....As we have a high old time this Christmas, may we who know Christ hear the cry of the damned as they hurtle headlong into the Christless night without ever a chance. May we be moved with compassion as our Lord was. May we shed tears of repentance for those we have failed to bring out of darkness. May God give us a new vision of His will concerning the lost and our responsibility.
The stark contrast between the statements of these men and our, often, half-hearted commitments to the cause of Christ today are convicting and challenging. Are we called to any less, in terms of our heart devotion?
One of the men, Roger, had already experienced the hardships of a missionary life, yet still went willingly with the others believing it was of God:
A missionary plods through the first year or two, thinking that things will be different when he speaks the language. He is baffled to find, frequently, that they are not. He is stripped of all that may be called 'romance.' Life has fallen more or less into a pattern. Day follows day in unbroken succession; there are no crises, no mass conversions, sometimes not even one or two to whom he can point and say, 'There is a transformed life. If I had not come, he would never have known Christ.'...The forces of evil, unchallenged for so long, are now set in array against the missionary.
Every prospective missionary should read these paragraphs. This is the reality. Mass conversions and daily encouragements would in our day be referred to as 'fake news!' The missionary life is hard....
One of the things that makes this book is the reaction of the wives to the news that their husbands have all been killed. They had committed them to God and continue to trust that God is faithful and knows what He is doing despite their grief.
From the author, Cause and effect are in God's hands. Is it not the part of faith simply to let them rest there? God is God. I dethrone Him in my heart if I demand that He acts in ways that satisfy my idea of justice. There is unbelief, there is even rebellion, in the attitude that says, 'God has no right to do this to five men unless....
The women recognised that God allowed the terrible tragedy to unfold. They stood by the decision of their men when questions were asked as to why they had gone into Auca territory in the first place; the men had sincerely believed it was the will of God.
Events that took place afterwards reveal aspects of God's bigger plan, but that's contained in other books, so I won't spoil it for you! Eternity alone will tell how many souls were saved as a result of the sacrifice of these men either through hearing about the story or through people responding to the missionary call.
There are many spiritual lessons in this book that can be applied directly. I recommend that all Christians read this. Then, instead of just saying, "Wow, that's inspirational", or "What a sad story", take up the torch and follow wherever Jesus is leading you.
This book is clean: Free of bad language and sexual content. There is violence due to the subject matter but it isn't sensationalised.
Five men, sold out for God, entered the dangerous territory of the Auca tribe in Ecuador in the 1950's to try and reach them with the Gospel. They never returned. Their bodies were found a few days later on a beach. Elisabeth Elliot, the wife of Jim, collated their journals and filled in the gaps with first-hand knowledge.
What struck me most forcefully was the wholehearted commitment of every one of these men to give up everything worldly for the sake of Christ. This, despite pressure and opposition from many, perhaps unexpected, directions; they were well educated, with bright futures and still young!
Pete was expected to become a college professor or Bible teacher. But to throw away his life among ignorant savages. It was thought absurd.
Jim wrote to his parents: 'Seems impossible that I am so near my senior year, and truthfully, it hasn't the glow about it that I rather expected. There is no such thing as attainment in this life; as soon as one arrives at a long coveted position he only jacks up his desire another notch or so and looks for higher achievement--a process which is ultimately suspended by the intervention of death. Life is truly likened to a rising vapor, coiling, evanescent, shifting. May the Lord teach us what it means to live in terms of the end, like Paul who said, 'Neither count I my life dear unto myself, that I might finish my course with joy....
Nate wrote, It was the first time that I ever really heard that verse: 'Follow me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.' The old life of chasing things that are of a temporal sort seemed absolutely insane....As we have a high old time this Christmas, may we who know Christ hear the cry of the damned as they hurtle headlong into the Christless night without ever a chance. May we be moved with compassion as our Lord was. May we shed tears of repentance for those we have failed to bring out of darkness. May God give us a new vision of His will concerning the lost and our responsibility.
The stark contrast between the statements of these men and our, often, half-hearted commitments to the cause of Christ today are convicting and challenging. Are we called to any less, in terms of our heart devotion?
One of the men, Roger, had already experienced the hardships of a missionary life, yet still went willingly with the others believing it was of God:
A missionary plods through the first year or two, thinking that things will be different when he speaks the language. He is baffled to find, frequently, that they are not. He is stripped of all that may be called 'romance.' Life has fallen more or less into a pattern. Day follows day in unbroken succession; there are no crises, no mass conversions, sometimes not even one or two to whom he can point and say, 'There is a transformed life. If I had not come, he would never have known Christ.'...The forces of evil, unchallenged for so long, are now set in array against the missionary.
Every prospective missionary should read these paragraphs. This is the reality. Mass conversions and daily encouragements would in our day be referred to as 'fake news!' The missionary life is hard....
One of the things that makes this book is the reaction of the wives to the news that their husbands have all been killed. They had committed them to God and continue to trust that God is faithful and knows what He is doing despite their grief.
From the author, Cause and effect are in God's hands. Is it not the part of faith simply to let them rest there? God is God. I dethrone Him in my heart if I demand that He acts in ways that satisfy my idea of justice. There is unbelief, there is even rebellion, in the attitude that says, 'God has no right to do this to five men unless....
The women recognised that God allowed the terrible tragedy to unfold. They stood by the decision of their men when questions were asked as to why they had gone into Auca territory in the first place; the men had sincerely believed it was the will of God.
Events that took place afterwards reveal aspects of God's bigger plan, but that's contained in other books, so I won't spoil it for you! Eternity alone will tell how many souls were saved as a result of the sacrifice of these men either through hearing about the story or through people responding to the missionary call.
There are many spiritual lessons in this book that can be applied directly. I recommend that all Christians read this. Then, instead of just saying, "Wow, that's inspirational", or "What a sad story", take up the torch and follow wherever Jesus is leading you.
This book is clean: Free of bad language and sexual content. There is violence due to the subject matter but it isn't sensationalised.
June 25, 2012
I rate this book 5 stars for the story itself, the writing is actually more like 4 stars at best. This book has really made me think. I find myself in moments of silence returning back to the story and the messages one can draw away from it. The book was about 5 American missionaries who were murdered by the hands of those they were striving to teach and convert to Christianity. Some of the thoughts that came to mind when reading this book were, what makes a man so completely devoted to his faith? To his God? To give up everything and live solely for one purpose, to bring souls unto Christ? How does that change, that conviction come that completely alters every perception, every decision and supercede every desire? For me, these thoughts helped me reflect in my own life how I could be more dedicated in my faith and give me the courage to speak up more and become a better missionary. At a few parts I did have to wonder though, where does the line of common sense and God's will cross? I felt like the 5 men were a little rash and perhaps a little too hasty with wanting to teach the Gospel to a group of people called the Aucas, a group that was pretty much only known for their killings of white men (and other Indians in the area) and primitive living. Why would they risk so much for something that could wait a bit longer? Each of them were married and some had children. Once again it goes back to that desire the 5 men had to bring the Gospel to every man. They fervently believed this was their mission and had received that peace believing this was what they needed to do. This story shows how sometimes our decisions which many seem illogical at the moment, may serve a greater purpose and have far reaching consequences not anticipated. By these 5 men dying, countless other lives were affected and touched. I think it stated that just 5 years later, the sister of one of the men who was killed was living with that same group of people. She was able to continue the missionary work that was started and converted many. In fact, one of the martyred men's sons came back to be baptized in the same river and by the same man who killed his father, incredible I know! Even though I thought it was crazy that these 5 men put themselves in harm's way, their death actually converted far more and opened the door wider than if they would have lived. So very interesting. Here are two quotes I really liked:
"When life's flight is over, and we unload our cargo at the other end, the fellow who got rid of unnecessary weight will have the most valuable cargo to present the Lord."
"When it comes time to die, make sure that all you have to do is die."
It is a thought provoking book and reflection upon one's own conversion and faith.
"When life's flight is over, and we unload our cargo at the other end, the fellow who got rid of unnecessary weight will have the most valuable cargo to present the Lord."
"When it comes time to die, make sure that all you have to do is die."
It is a thought provoking book and reflection upon one's own conversion and faith.
June 28, 2015
The powerful and "cut-to-the-heart" challenging account written by the widow of one of the 5 young missionaries who gave up their earthly lives with the death-defying intention of reaching the Auca Indians in Ecuador for the sake of their Sovereign God and His Gospel. I am profoundly impacted by their testimony, as I am by the events following this book: Elisabeth, widow of Jim Elliot, and Rachel Saint, the sister of another one of the her martyrs Nate, remained in Ecuador in their work amongst the people groups, and 2 years later went to live amongst the same Aucas who had murdered their loved ones to teach them the Bible's message of grace in their language.
5 stars for the story, 4 stars for the writing - got lost in the details of the preparations & it could have done with some editing.
This section below was the most compelling to me:
"The other wives and I talked together one night about the possibility of becoming widows. What would we do? God gave us peace of heart, and confidence that whatever might happen, His Word would hold. We knew that 'when He Putteth forth His sheep, He goeth before them.' God's leading was unmistakable up to this point. Each of us knew when we married our husbands that there would never be any question about who came first -- God and His work held held first place in each life. It was the condition of true discipleship; it became devastatingly meaningful now.
It was a time for soul-searching, a time for counting the possible cost. Was it the thrill of adventure that drew our husbands on? No. Their letters and journals make it abundantly clear that these men did not go out as some men go out to shoot a lion or climb a mountain. Their compulsion was from a different source. Each had made a personal transaction with God, recognising that he belonged to God, first of all by creation, and secondly by redemption through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. This double claim on his life settled once and for all the question of allegiance. It was not a matter of striving to follow the example of a great Teacher. To conform to the perfect life of Jesus was impossible for a human being. To these men, Jesus Christ was God, and had actually taken upon Himself human form, in order that He might die, and, by His death, provide not only escape from the punishment which their sin merited, but also a new kind of life, eternal both in length and in quality. This meant simply that Christ was to be obeyed, and more than that, He would provide the power to obey."
5 stars for the story, 4 stars for the writing - got lost in the details of the preparations & it could have done with some editing.
This section below was the most compelling to me:
"The other wives and I talked together one night about the possibility of becoming widows. What would we do? God gave us peace of heart, and confidence that whatever might happen, His Word would hold. We knew that 'when He Putteth forth His sheep, He goeth before them.' God's leading was unmistakable up to this point. Each of us knew when we married our husbands that there would never be any question about who came first -- God and His work held held first place in each life. It was the condition of true discipleship; it became devastatingly meaningful now.
It was a time for soul-searching, a time for counting the possible cost. Was it the thrill of adventure that drew our husbands on? No. Their letters and journals make it abundantly clear that these men did not go out as some men go out to shoot a lion or climb a mountain. Their compulsion was from a different source. Each had made a personal transaction with God, recognising that he belonged to God, first of all by creation, and secondly by redemption through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. This double claim on his life settled once and for all the question of allegiance. It was not a matter of striving to follow the example of a great Teacher. To conform to the perfect life of Jesus was impossible for a human being. To these men, Jesus Christ was God, and had actually taken upon Himself human form, in order that He might die, and, by His death, provide not only escape from the punishment which their sin merited, but also a new kind of life, eternal both in length and in quality. This meant simply that Christ was to be obeyed, and more than that, He would provide the power to obey."
June 15, 2023
I think I cried every chapter. I hope I never forget how I feel after reading this book!
July 24, 2024
5 ☆
“he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
ᝰ.ᐟ wow wow wow!!!
I really needed this book <3 so incredible & inspiring!
“he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
ᝰ.ᐟ wow wow wow!!!
I really needed this book <3 so incredible & inspiring!
September 13, 2021
"Of whom the world was not worthy."
I started this yesterday, when the tears had already been flowing over the stories flooding social media on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks (which, as it turns out, was rather embellished). Todd Beamer's face crossed my screen at least a dozen times as friends shared the transcript of his 911 call. I couldn't make it through. But I did search for his name, and I learned that he'd gone to Wheaton. I'm sure he knew the names of fellow alums Jim and Elisabeth Elliot. I wondered if he remembered Jim's words as he, too, gave up what he could not keep to gain what he could not lose.
Elisabeth mentioned at the end that among the letters the widows received was one from a school in Japan. I wondered if it might have been Bessie's school.
I think of Heaven and reunions — the five men greeting their wives, their murderers, Todd Beamer.
I think of the earth, including myself, so unworthy of such men, of such courage and love.
I started this yesterday, when the tears had already been flowing over the stories flooding social media on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks (which, as it turns out, was rather embellished). Todd Beamer's face crossed my screen at least a dozen times as friends shared the transcript of his 911 call. I couldn't make it through. But I did search for his name, and I learned that he'd gone to Wheaton. I'm sure he knew the names of fellow alums Jim and Elisabeth Elliot. I wondered if he remembered Jim's words as he, too, gave up what he could not keep to gain what he could not lose.
Elisabeth mentioned at the end that among the letters the widows received was one from a school in Japan. I wondered if it might have been Bessie's school.
I think of Heaven and reunions — the five men greeting their wives, their murderers, Todd Beamer.
I think of the earth, including myself, so unworthy of such men, of such courage and love.
September 6, 2018
Wow. I don’t know what to say.
The story of theses 5 missionaries (and their wives) is incredible. All of them were completely and utterly devoted to Jesus, and the way they lived and died is proof of that.
I already knew the story pretty well, but reading it in Elizabeth Elliot’s words and the words of the others (through journal entries) gave it a more personal and weighty feeling. The five men were obedient to God’s calling on their lives and so attentive to God’s leading. It was amazing to see how God wove each individual’s story together with the others and how, despite their weakness and the hardships they endured, the men remained faithful to their Savior unto death. Some would say their lives were wasted, but they were not. They succeeded in opening the door to reaching the Aucas with the gospel, and their deaths resulted in many coming to know Jesus and inspired millions all over the world to reach others with the gospel.
The ending of this book was so, so powerful. It is unbelievable how the widows responded with such trust in God when they found out their husbands had been killed.
“And once more, ancient words from the Book of Books came to mind, ‘All this has come upon us, yet we have not forgotten thee...Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way.’”- Elizabeth Elliot
“God gave me this verse two days ago, Psalm 48:14, ‘For God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death.’ As I came face to face with the news of Roj’s death, my heart filled with praise. He was worthy of his home-going.” - Barbara Youderian
Man, what an amazing God we have who enables us to respond like that in the face of such seeming tragedy!
I definitely recommend this book! It was sobering and yet awe-inspiring to read what God did through those five men. The cry of my heart after reading this is that God would use me however he chooses to reach others with the glorious gospel!
Here are some of the words from the hymn the men sung before setting off on the mission that ended in their deaths for the sake of the gospel. I think they sum up well the attitude of trust that marked the lives of the five martyrs:
‘We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender
Thine is the battle, Thine shall be the praise
When passing through the gates of pearly splendour
Victors, we rest with Thee through endless days’
The story of theses 5 missionaries (and their wives) is incredible. All of them were completely and utterly devoted to Jesus, and the way they lived and died is proof of that.
I already knew the story pretty well, but reading it in Elizabeth Elliot’s words and the words of the others (through journal entries) gave it a more personal and weighty feeling. The five men were obedient to God’s calling on their lives and so attentive to God’s leading. It was amazing to see how God wove each individual’s story together with the others and how, despite their weakness and the hardships they endured, the men remained faithful to their Savior unto death. Some would say their lives were wasted, but they were not. They succeeded in opening the door to reaching the Aucas with the gospel, and their deaths resulted in many coming to know Jesus and inspired millions all over the world to reach others with the gospel.
The ending of this book was so, so powerful. It is unbelievable how the widows responded with such trust in God when they found out their husbands had been killed.
“And once more, ancient words from the Book of Books came to mind, ‘All this has come upon us, yet we have not forgotten thee...Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way.’”- Elizabeth Elliot
“God gave me this verse two days ago, Psalm 48:14, ‘For God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death.’ As I came face to face with the news of Roj’s death, my heart filled with praise. He was worthy of his home-going.” - Barbara Youderian
Man, what an amazing God we have who enables us to respond like that in the face of such seeming tragedy!
I definitely recommend this book! It was sobering and yet awe-inspiring to read what God did through those five men. The cry of my heart after reading this is that God would use me however he chooses to reach others with the glorious gospel!
Here are some of the words from the hymn the men sung before setting off on the mission that ended in their deaths for the sake of the gospel. I think they sum up well the attitude of trust that marked the lives of the five martyrs:
‘We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender
Thine is the battle, Thine shall be the praise
When passing through the gates of pearly splendour
Victors, we rest with Thee through endless days’
April 19, 2020
Through Gates of Splendor was written in 1956. It is about the failed Christian mission and early contact with the primitive Auca tribe of eastern Ecuador. The booked was penned by Elisabeth Elliott, the wife of one of the murdered men.
The team of missionaries spent months dropping food from airplanes into the tribe’s area — hoping to ingratiate themselves and make their contact easier.
The time came for increased contact, so in early January 1956 the five male missionaries landed their plane on the sand bar on the Curaray River near the Acua village. They made limited contact. They returned January 8th but when they didn’t return to their base, search planes were sent to the beach. All five bodies were found speared and tossed in the river. The Acua burned their own village and fled into the jungle.
The search party soon built a cemetery for the men. The wives were later flown over the cemetery to see where their husbands had been buried. Elizabeth Elliott published the book later that year. There was no retribution towards the Acua and later missionary efforts were successful.
Through Gates of Splendor became a very popular book in Christian circles
3 stars. There were plenty of photos included in the book which humanized the story. While the story itself was interesting and tragic the writing was of poor quality.
The team of missionaries spent months dropping food from airplanes into the tribe’s area — hoping to ingratiate themselves and make their contact easier.
The time came for increased contact, so in early January 1956 the five male missionaries landed their plane on the sand bar on the Curaray River near the Acua village. They made limited contact. They returned January 8th but when they didn’t return to their base, search planes were sent to the beach. All five bodies were found speared and tossed in the river. The Acua burned their own village and fled into the jungle.
The search party soon built a cemetery for the men. The wives were later flown over the cemetery to see where their husbands had been buried. Elizabeth Elliott published the book later that year. There was no retribution towards the Acua and later missionary efforts were successful.
Through Gates of Splendor became a very popular book in Christian circles
3 stars. There were plenty of photos included in the book which humanized the story. While the story itself was interesting and tragic the writing was of poor quality.
August 12, 2022
I don't have words...the faith of these men and their wives was incredible
February 1, 2023
On Sunday afternoon, December 18, Nate Saint sat at his typewriter to tell the world why they were going—just in case. In speaking these words he spoke for all: “As we weigh the future and seek the will of God, does it seem right that we should hazard our lives for just a few savages? As we ask ourselves this question, we realize that it is not the call of the needy thousands, rather it is the simple intimation of the prophetic Word that there shall be some from every tribe in His presence in the last day and in our hearts we feel that it is pleasing to Him that we should interest ourselves in making an opening into the Auca prison for Christ. “As we have a high old time this Christmas, may we who know Christ hear the cry of the damned as they hurtle headlong into the Christless night without ever a chance. May we be moved with compassion as our Lord was. May we shed tears of repentance for these we have failed to bring out of darkness. Beyond the smiling scenes of Bethlehem may we see the crushing agony of Golgotha. May God give us a new vision of His will concerning the lost and our responsibility.”
September 8, 2018
I had read this book quite a few years ago, but we just finished reading it as a family (my husband and I and our 4 older children). I am left feeling moved and inspired to continue to serve and sacrifice Christ no matter what the cost. The devotion of these men to their Saviour, reflected so well in their own journal writings, was incredibly touching and inspiring. It was this story that God used in my life as a college student, to touch my heart and propel me into missions. What a joy to read it with my children. My prayer is that they would also be captured by the power and love of our wonderful God and want to give their lives to Jesus no matter the cost!
(My daughter Aliyah also wrote a review below which I was so blessed to read.)
(My daughter Aliyah also wrote a review below which I was so blessed to read.)
October 17, 2012
This story impacted me as a child, and then Wycliffe did a musical based on the story that made me consider becoming a Bible translator for a while. I've read this at least five times, but not in 12 years.
March 14, 2024
Incredible story.
Epilogues are so good. l was at the gym listening and i cried in the public gym. that good.
Epilogues are so good. l was at the gym listening and i cried in the public gym. that good.
January 5, 2024
The end of this book left me in tears. Truly is one of the most powerful, inspiring, and moving books I have read. The faith of these missionaries is incredible. The men and their wives lived in such obedience, trust, submission, and devotion to the Lord. I could feel their passion for Gospel and love for the Lord, as well as their love for the unreached peoples through the documentation of their missionary journey.
I am deeply moved by the bold, yet simple, and beautiful prayer of “Here I am. send me!” in Isaiah 6:8.
I also can’t stop thinking about Jim Elliot’s words — “when it comes time to die, make sure that all you have to do is die”
10/10 recommend you read this book! A new favorite.
I am deeply moved by the bold, yet simple, and beautiful prayer of “Here I am. send me!” in Isaiah 6:8.
I also can’t stop thinking about Jim Elliot’s words — “when it comes time to die, make sure that all you have to do is die”
10/10 recommend you read this book! A new favorite.
July 22, 2023
Incredible story. I have heard about Jim and Elizabeth Elliot for years as a Christ-follower. I found it so helpful and channenging and encouraging to my faith to read this book. But it was also harder to get through than I expected because (dare I say) it wasn’t super well-written. It was just really stoically penned at times that make it hard to devote time to getting through (I was assigned this book for a class).
August 9, 2024
4.5⭐️ WOW. First half of the book was a little slow but the second half of the book I was scared to find out about what I knew was coming, I was sad as I read about the details of the tragedy, and I was shocked by the strength of the five widows. Four of the five had small children and they all took it so well; they even went to finish the mission their husbands had. I am in awe. Totally recommend!
May 14, 2021
How do you write a review about a book that’s been around so long and touched so many lives?
Now, I’ve read this book before, probably 15-20 years ago, but it was so nice to read it again with fresh eyes and a more mature perspective.
These families gave so much throughout the entire time working on “Operation Auca” that I was just blown away by their absolute faith and trust in God. Their determination to do His will and seek His guidance throughout the whole thing.
The peace that the wives had after losing their husbands was just awe-inspiring. Oh, to have such complete trust in God as those women did! And for them to continue in the work afterward, just remarkable.
I really don’t know what else to tell you other than if you’re doubting where God has you in life, wondering what God wants you to do, or just unsure how to trust God with it all, I encourage you to read this book. For me, it just gives serving God a whole new perspective!
Now, I’ve read this book before, probably 15-20 years ago, but it was so nice to read it again with fresh eyes and a more mature perspective.
These families gave so much throughout the entire time working on “Operation Auca” that I was just blown away by their absolute faith and trust in God. Their determination to do His will and seek His guidance throughout the whole thing.
The peace that the wives had after losing their husbands was just awe-inspiring. Oh, to have such complete trust in God as those women did! And for them to continue in the work afterward, just remarkable.
I really don’t know what else to tell you other than if you’re doubting where God has you in life, wondering what God wants you to do, or just unsure how to trust God with it all, I encourage you to read this book. For me, it just gives serving God a whole new perspective!
April 1, 2013
True story of 5 male missionaries who were murdered by indigenous people in Ecquador in the fifties. The author is the wife of one of the murdered men. I have a vague recollection of hearing or reading or seeing a TV special about this incident and these people, so when I found this book in an RV park library, I snagged it. It's a good story that would have been better told by someone else. I read this on the heels of reading Annie Dillard's "The Living" and I found myself comparing the pioneers of the Pacific Northwest forests and the Ecquadorian missionaries......both groups were heartbreakingly brave in their zealotry, stupid, and downright quirky.
December 13, 2017
I gave this a 4 star rating not because the writing was amazing (it was dry/slow at times) but more because the faith and daily living of these men (and their wives) was truly amazing. They gave all and really lived out what the Bible speaks.
March 29, 2024
The moment I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. I have been on mission trips before but this book is a gateway into what it truly means to lay down your life for christ, live with a mindset to advance the kingdom, and live your life on a mission. Their persistence set on the hostile Acua tribes in Ecuador and wanting to share the gospel with this untouched part of the world made more of an impact than they could have ever imagined. It was especially eye opening to me because they were so focused on bringing the Acua people to know Christ but God used them in such a larger scale than they hoped he would. It just reminds me to always live like Christ even though we could never measure up to Him because He uses you in ways you may never understand to advance his Kingdom.
October 27, 2018
This is not a tragic story.
I mean, it's sad. I felt so many feelings, especially towards the end, and a sense of shock and horror and just plain sadness.
But it's also so inspirational. How God used those missionaries to do more good than anyone could have ever dreamed? And I had no clue Elizabeth Elliot knew Corrie Ten Boom!
This is a story people should never forget, and it honestly inspires me to trust God no matter what!
I mean, it's sad. I felt so many feelings, especially towards the end, and a sense of shock and horror and just plain sadness.
But it's also so inspirational. How God used those missionaries to do more good than anyone could have ever dreamed? And I had no clue Elizabeth Elliot knew Corrie Ten Boom!
This is a story people should never forget, and it honestly inspires me to trust God no matter what!
April 28, 2021
Such an amazing and encouraging read!
My favorite quote: "God is God. If He is God, He is worthy of my worship and my service. I will find rest nowhere but in His will, and that will is infinitely, immeasurably, unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to."
My favorite quote: "God is God. If He is God, He is worthy of my worship and my service. I will find rest nowhere but in His will, and that will is infinitely, immeasurably, unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to."
January 15, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book very much. The way Elizabeth was able to piece everything together was very well done and the transitions between journal entries, her own thoughts, and what others had said were seamless. I feel inspired by the stories of these men who died, and also by the stories of these widows who continued in ministry following where the Lord had sent them as missionaries as well. I would recommend this to anyone.
Reading this book has definitely sparked me to do more research into what happened here- I’m adding “End of the Spear” to my TBR list as I write this- and I can’t wait to read more of this story. Any martyr/missionary book recs are welcome!
Reading this book has definitely sparked me to do more research into what happened here- I’m adding “End of the Spear” to my TBR list as I write this- and I can’t wait to read more of this story. Any martyr/missionary book recs are welcome!
December 31, 2023
What a story of faith!
April 11, 2024
Tears were shed and my heart is full!
April 7, 2023
I literally couldn’t put this book down. 6/5 stars. The sheer quantity of writings compiled in this book from the five men whose work it follows is astounding. The writing is simply beautiful & inspiring.
January 10, 2023
Through Gates of Splendor is a story that I had heard of before, in the sense that I knew the outcome of the story without knowing any details. Because of that, I delayed in reading this book as I figured I would not be overly surprised or touched by its contents. After setting aside the time to ‘live alongside’ these honourable men and their strong wives through their journal entries and the excellent commentary of Elisabeth Elliot, I wish I would have read this far earlier.
These pioneer missionaries had hearts that overflowed to the uttermost with love for God, and in comparison to their zeal, I am put to shame. The five men served their God by labouring for the people in Ecuador, with full knowledge of the difficulty of the task and the costs associated with their efforts. Stories like this serve as a solemn reminder that the great commission is not just a suggestion – these families took the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as a command to go to the nations, and I am more than certain that God was truly pleased to use their lives for the salvation of many people, and His glory.
I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to have their heart stirred up in worship to God. Elliot narrates the story in a way that is extremely engaging, giving the reader vivid ideas of the events unfolding. The journal entries from the missionaries leave you praising God at times, while tears are impossible to prevent as the story progresses. I am deeply touched by this story, and it will rest on my mind and heart for a long time. I’ll conclude this review with the book’s namesake – the last stanza of a beautiful hymn the five men sang together with hearts united as they sought to carry out the Lord’s work amongst the unreached jungle tribes of Ecuador:
Amen.
These pioneer missionaries had hearts that overflowed to the uttermost with love for God, and in comparison to their zeal, I am put to shame. The five men served their God by labouring for the people in Ecuador, with full knowledge of the difficulty of the task and the costs associated with their efforts. Stories like this serve as a solemn reminder that the great commission is not just a suggestion – these families took the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as a command to go to the nations, and I am more than certain that God was truly pleased to use their lives for the salvation of many people, and His glory.
I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to have their heart stirred up in worship to God. Elliot narrates the story in a way that is extremely engaging, giving the reader vivid ideas of the events unfolding. The journal entries from the missionaries leave you praising God at times, while tears are impossible to prevent as the story progresses. I am deeply touched by this story, and it will rest on my mind and heart for a long time. I’ll conclude this review with the book’s namesake – the last stanza of a beautiful hymn the five men sang together with hearts united as they sought to carry out the Lord’s work amongst the unreached jungle tribes of Ecuador:
We rest on thee, our Shield and our Defender!
Thine is the battle, thine shall be the praise;
when passing through the gates of pearly splendor,
victors, we rest with thee, through endless days.
Amen.
June 16, 2022
4.5 Stars
"Through Gates of Splendor" by Elisabeth Elliot, the wife of famed missionary Jim Elliot, tells the story of the five missionaries who gave their lives to reach the Waodani tribe of Ecuador for Christ. Elliot's book is a story of Christian faith and courage. It is a story where the heroes are not the missionaries, but God Himself, who used five broken men and their wives to display His glory in the distant jungles of Ecuador.
In "Through Gates of Splendor" Elliot gives us a brief glimpse into the lives of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Peter Fleming, and Roger Youderian - their faith and their passion to reach the lost for Christ. Much of the book is spent on these men's efforts to access this secluded tribe through airplanes, gift drops, and surveying. Yet, Elliot's account of these men's lives shines whenever she gives us a glimpse into the personal thoughts, struggles, and faith of each missionary.
Elliot's book is a Christian classic and a must-read for every Christian. It is brief and at times can get repetitive in its description of the airplane gift drops, but it is a rewarding book. Rewarding because Elliot focuses on what is most important in this story, which is God's use of broken men to glorify His Name to the ends of the earth. Elliot's story is a beautiful one and one that every Christian should read to remind them not only of the costs of following Christ but the joys of following Christ, even amid suffering and loss. Thus, I cannot recommend this book more highly so that as followers of Christ we can model the lives of these men who in joy left everything and followed Christ!
"Through Gates of Splendor" by Elisabeth Elliot, the wife of famed missionary Jim Elliot, tells the story of the five missionaries who gave their lives to reach the Waodani tribe of Ecuador for Christ. Elliot's book is a story of Christian faith and courage. It is a story where the heroes are not the missionaries, but God Himself, who used five broken men and their wives to display His glory in the distant jungles of Ecuador.
In "Through Gates of Splendor" Elliot gives us a brief glimpse into the lives of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Peter Fleming, and Roger Youderian - their faith and their passion to reach the lost for Christ. Much of the book is spent on these men's efforts to access this secluded tribe through airplanes, gift drops, and surveying. Yet, Elliot's account of these men's lives shines whenever she gives us a glimpse into the personal thoughts, struggles, and faith of each missionary.
Elliot's book is a Christian classic and a must-read for every Christian. It is brief and at times can get repetitive in its description of the airplane gift drops, but it is a rewarding book. Rewarding because Elliot focuses on what is most important in this story, which is God's use of broken men to glorify His Name to the ends of the earth. Elliot's story is a beautiful one and one that every Christian should read to remind them not only of the costs of following Christ but the joys of following Christ, even amid suffering and loss. Thus, I cannot recommend this book more highly so that as followers of Christ we can model the lives of these men who in joy left everything and followed Christ!
December 1, 2010
Let me start by saying that I would have probably given this a 4 star if the writing had been better edited. It was a little hard to follow at times. Having said that this was fascinating. It is a very religious/Christian book and I knew that going in. The subject just really intrigued me. What would make someone give up their comfortable lives in the US to move to a very remote jungle in a foreign land where the language was virtually unknown to even those living in the country. I couldn't understand having that kind of faith in any god, especially knowing you were going to minister to a very savage group of people. This story is inspiring and heartbreaking. I learned a lot about the minds of missionaries and the dedication they have. I am not well versed in scripture so maybe that made the read more challenging since it contained a lot of it but it also read easy in some parts thanks to many diary entries. The ending shocked me in a few times but I really wanted more information. I know how the story ended but it ended to quickly and in too few details but they were fascinating details for sure. Very happy I read this! I would love to have a friend read it so we could talk about it!
May 25, 2013
I had to read this last year in eighth grade. While reading the book I thought it was the worst thing in the world. It bored me to death, but probably most likely because I am young. It got to the point where I had to get it on audio book, and I don't like audio books, but we thought I might understand it better if I could both hear and see the words.
I still didn't finish the book. I often fell asleep in the middle of listening to it, and didn't exactly do my homework when I was supposed to read x amount of chapters a day. But once we actually broke down the situation and story line, the whole scheme of things was tragic but interesting.
I still didn't like the book, but it earned its second star for the over all story, and its third star for a very interesting documentary about it. Although the documentary doesn't really have anything to do with the actual book, it does tell the initial story in under thirty minutes and has footage as well.
Personally, as a youth, I would recommend the documentary. But what's new? Watching the movie on a book for school is what I do best. :P
I still didn't finish the book. I often fell asleep in the middle of listening to it, and didn't exactly do my homework when I was supposed to read x amount of chapters a day. But once we actually broke down the situation and story line, the whole scheme of things was tragic but interesting.
I still didn't like the book, but it earned its second star for the over all story, and its third star for a very interesting documentary about it. Although the documentary doesn't really have anything to do with the actual book, it does tell the initial story in under thirty minutes and has footage as well.
Personally, as a youth, I would recommend the documentary. But what's new? Watching the movie on a book for school is what I do best. :P
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