Elizabeth Elliott: Missionary, Author, and Bible Teacher

Elizabeth Elliott was an American Christian missionary, author, and Bible teacher. She was born in Brussels, Belgium, on December 15, 1910, to missionary parents. Her father, John, was a doctor, and her mother, Elisabeth, was a nurse.

Early Life and Education

Elizabeth spent her early years in South America, where her parents served as missionaries with the Presbyterian Church. She was educated at Wheaton College in Illinois and graduated in 1933 with a degree in English. After graduation, she worked as a teacher in a Christian school in Ecuador.

Missionary Work

In 1942, Elizabeth married Jim Elliot, a fellow missionary who was serving with the South American Mission Society. The couple moved to Ecuador to work with the Quichua Indians. In 1956, Jim was killed by the Auca Indians, a group of uncontacted people.

After Jim's death, Elizabeth continued to live in Ecuador and work with the Quichua people. She wrote several books about her experiences, including "Through Gates of Splendor" (1957) and "Shadow of the Almighty" (1958).

Later Years

In 1962, Elizabeth married Addison Leitch, a widower with two children. The couple moved to California, where Elizabeth continued to write and teach about missions. She also served as a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary and as a visiting professor at other schools.

Elizabeth Elliott died on June 15, 2015, at the age of 104. She is remembered as a courageous missionary, a gifted writer, and a passionate advocate for the spread of the gospel.

Legacy

Elizabeth Elliott's legacy is vast and influential. Her books have been translated into more than 30 languages and have inspired countless people to follow Christ. She was a pioneer in the field of missions and helped to bridge the gap between the Church in the West and the indigenous people of the world.

Elizabeth Elliott's life and work continue to inspire Christians around the world. She is a role model for all who seek to live a life of faith and service to others.

Quotes from Elizabeth Elliott

• "God is not interested in our comfort but in our character."
• "The greatest tragedy is not death, but a life without purpose."
• "Suffering is not a punishment from God, but an opportunity for growth."
• "The most important thing in life is to know God and to make Him known."
• "Faith is not a matter of intellect but of the heart."