LEGACIES

I Was Just Thinking About - - -

The History of the World and The United States of America contain numerous accounts of heroic people who were willing to face challenges and risks to accomplish worthy goals. The formation of the this nation by the Pilgrims is one of many illustrations that could be referenced. The Explorers and Pioneers headed out into a land of unknowns as they sought to make a difference. Heroes should be identified and recognized for their achievements.

Biblical History is recorded in the Bible about men and women who faced great challenges and made brave decisions in their attempt to make a difference for the greater good and the benefit of others. A woman who faced such a risk was Esther. Her response to the potential risk to her personally was met with her response: “If I perish, I perish.” A beginning list of Biblical Heroes is recorded in Hebrews 11. It is followed with this testimonial and call for commitment (Hebrews 12:1-3), “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking to Jesus…Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

While there are many notable and worthy legacies, we should never forget the one that occurred 60 years ago (January 1956). Elizabeth Elliot and Rachael wrote the following: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” (II Corinthians 5:18-19). Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Peter Fleming and Ed McCully were five men that understood God’s message of reconciliation for all peoples. The story of their lives is one of determination and sacrifice as they took Christ’s message of reconciliation to the tribal people of Ecuador. Their legacy began in 1955; Jim, Nate, Peter, and Ed, all missionaries from the United States, set out to bring the gospel to the hostile Auca tribe near the Andes Mountains in Ecuador. The four had quite the task set before them. The Auca Indians were known as a violent and murderous tribe that had virtually no contact with the outside world. Surrounding tribes labeled them “savages.” So, the endeavor of reaching the Aucas with the love of Christ was a brave one… The men chose to make their first landing at a beach about 4 miles outside of the tribe. They quickly set up camp, and then made a flight over the village to invite the Aucas to visit their camp. The Aucas seemed to be hostile to the men, but their countenance changed as the men exchanged more gifts offering their peace and friendship. By Friday, the men had their first visitors. A couple and a teenage girl would prove to be their first and last encounter with the Indians. By Saturday morning all contact with Jim, Peter, Ed, Nate, and Roger had been lost. They were later found speared to death by the very people that they were trying to reach.”

Part of their continuing legacy is contained in the words of a Hymn they sang together prior to their journey to reach out to the Aucas:

We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender!

We go not forth alone against the foe;

Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender,

We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.

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.

The remainder of their legacy is that through the continuing effort of courageous women and others, the Aucas (“savages”) one by one responded to the love and concern of those who followed and shared the Gospel with them. All because men of commitment and courage paved the way, shedding their blood for the cause of Christ. They reckoned with the truth - "The Battle Is Not Yours But God's." The “blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church” is a continuing truth for this generation, and all who follow, so let this be your legacy as well. Consider these things with me!