Jim Elliot:  missionary, martyr (1927-1956)

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” (an entry from Jim Elliot’s journal)

Jim Elliot, a modern martyr, gained international recognition when he died with four others at the hands of the Auca Indians.  His story and memoirs have been a source of inspiration through the writing and speaking of his wife, Elisabeth.

Born of Scottish ancestry in Portland, Oregon, to a farm-evangelist family, Jim became a Christian at the tender age of six.  His personal relationship with Jesus Christ became an integral part of his everyday life.

After high school he enrolled in Wheaton College.  Those were formative years for Jim, not just academically but spiritually.  After graduating, he quickly discovered his vocation in the missionary life.  The field he chose was the unexplored frontiers of Ecuador in Latin America.  Not content with bringing the gospel to the civilized people of the country, he and his four companions flew into the lands of the savage Auca tribe.  Their first landing turned into a tragic massacre, but out of that seemingly senseless tragedy came a powerful testimony of the call of God on one man’s life.

Elliot was survived by his wife, Elisabeth, and his baby daughter, Valerie. Elisabeth went on to write such moving chronicles of her husband’s life as Shadow of the Almighty and Strange Ashes.  These have inspired and challenged numerous people over the years to a closer walk in service to the Lord.

Jim Elliot Christian High School was named after this man of God because of his life of faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is our prayer that the students, staff, and families involved with JECHS will be challenged to higher levels of devotion of God because of his example.