Through Gates of Splendor

I first read this book a few years ago and couldnt put it down. It is a riveting true story of five men and their wives surrendered to and being used by God in the jungles of Ecuador. They were there to bring the Gospel to the Auca tribe, known to be murderously violent. In January 1956, the five men were killed by members of the tribe, but not before seeds of the Gospel had been planted. The author, Elisabeth Elliot, was one of the widows and she and her daughter actually lived with the Auca tribe (called the Waodani) for two years. The sister of another of the men, Rachel Saint, also lived with the tribe a people who now know God.

Steve Saint, son of one of the men, accompanied Waodanis Indians Mincaye and Tementa to the International Conference for Itinerant Evangelists (Amsterdam 2000), where they gave their testimonies. In the days following Elisabeths death, I read in one article that at that conference, more than 70% of those attending attributed their service to the inspiration they received from those five men.

In the wake of Elisabeth Elliots recent death, with her name and her writings and recordings more visible in the news, it is my hope and prayer that through her witness, many more people learn of these men who freely gave their lives that this tribe would come to faith, and would find courage to let themselves be used by God.

A great read. This story is moving, impacting, and powerful. It truly shows the fearlessness and courage of these five men who were willing to obey the command of their Lord. The testimonies of these men will honestly convict your life. Highly recommend it!

through gates of splendor was a great missionary story... elisabeth elliot did a great job telling the story of the lives involved...... and to show how they trusted god for everything even till the end ..... and the widows kept that trust in the lord even after the deaths of there husbands...that shows what great faith they have in our almighty lord who always watches over his people....I know I will read this book again and again and will let others enjoy reading it to...... thanks for a great book

The way this book is written, it was as if I were there with these young missionaries. This was a good reminder of how things really are in the field. While I'm home in my comfortable home with all of my stuff, missionaries are busy reaching the lost with very little comforts.

Reading this book gave me a picture of what is required of being a missionary - total surrender to the Lord and total trust in Him. What an amazing, true, account of people who had given the ultimate for others to come to Christ. Christ wins! I couldn't put the book down.