Gateways to Joy

I n January 1956 the world was shocked when learning that five American missionaries had been speared to death in the Equardorian jungles by the Auca Indians who were reported, at that time, to be the most savage tribe on earth.  "What seemed to all the world like a tragic ending of the missionaries' dream to reach this isolated tribe was only the first chapter of one of the most breathtaking missionary stories of the twentieth century" In the video below the wives of the five men speak of their husbands. Below are some pictures of Jim & Elisabeth Elliot's daughter Valerie Elliot Shepard and her family.  For any of you who have Elisabeth's book The Savage My Kinsman , she's the little blond haired darling who is all grown up now with not only children of her own, but grandchildren too.  Valerie gave me access to these pictures to share about a year and a half-ago now.  I had them up on one of my blogs, but took them down because folks were dow...

Those of you who know me, know that I've been blessed beyond measure in my spiritual life by the life of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot. I love the story of the missionaries who gave their life for their calling, and the brave women who stayed behind and accomplished what their loved ones had come to that village to do: share the Good News.  It's still hard for me to believe that men would go (and have gone) to such great lengths for their belief. If you would like to know more about Jim and Elisabeth Elliot's daughter, Valerie, please click on this interview where you can also view pictures of her and her family. I ask that you only view the pictures.  Please don't save them or download them in any way without my written permission. Interview with Valerie Elliot-Shepard.