Through Gates of Splendor

“But there remained a group of tribes that had consistently repelled every advance made by the white man: the Aucas. They are an isolated, unconquered, seminomadic remnant of age-old jungle Indians.”

This is one of the book’s first descriptions of the Huaorani people, showing a usage of terminology that has since come to be regarded as problematic (“white man,” “jungle Indians,” etc.). It also conveys a sense of respect for the Huaorani people, noting how they had successfully been able to hold their own against successive waves of intrusions from outsiders.

“Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”

This is a quotation from Jim Elliot’s journal, and it shows his characteristic style of writing, which was often eloquent, inspiring, and imbued with passion. It comes from a section of the book in which Elisabeth Elliot is narrating Jim’s sense of missionary calling, and she uses it as an example of his fixedness of mind once he had decided on a certain course of action.

“We have arrived at the destination decided on in 1950. My joy is full. Oh how blind it would have been to reject the leading of these days. How it has changed the course of life for me and added such a host of joys!”

This is another quotation from Jim Elliot’s journal, written upon his arrival to Quichua territory in eastern Ecuador. He references 1950, which was the occasion of a conversation with a veteran missionary who had mentioned the needs of the people of Ecuador, with specific reference to the Huaorani. Here we also see a reflection on the theme of