Kit and I often quote Elizabeth Elliot in our non-fiction writing. As a part of the marriage initiative we led in the 1990’s, Kit also conducted programs for women. In 1998, she invited Elizabeth as the primary speaker for a women’s conference. I organized and promoted the event. More than 2,200 women and some men attended. Elizabeth spoke three times laying out profound spiritual principles. Being old-fashioned she also harangued the women against using disposable diapers and paper towels. Kit spoke once and received seventeen invitations to speak afterwards.
Elizabeth also autographed her pictorial book, The Savage My Kinsman, which I recently found and read. Elizabeth’s missionary husband, Jim, and four others had been killed by the Amazon Forest’s Aucas in 1957. A year later Elizabeth, along with her toddler daughter, Valerie, moved into the jungle to live with the Aucas in primitive conditions. She learned that they had perceived Jim as a threat and possibly a cannibal. Asked why the Aucas killed outsiders they responded, “Because they kill us.” This was true. Many of their men had been killed by outsiders. The Savage My Kinsman, is about Elizabeth forgiving, observing and loving the uncivilized Aucas.
Elizabeth set an amazing example of being self-sacrificing, non-condescending, and non-judgmental. I found the source of many principles Kit and I had been taught during our missionary training prior to serving in Africa. Elizabeth truly embodied a standard of Christianity not often demonstrated.
Elizabeth recognized positive attributes of the Aucas such as their hard work and the men’s well treatment of women. The men provided food for widows in addition to their own families. The Aucas were well-nourished, healthy, and joyful. They are smiling and laughing in nearly every photograph. They kept pets. They adored, protected, and entertained Valerie, shown with an Auca hunter. They loved the National Geographic magazines which missionary pilots dropped to Elizabeth from an airplane. Immersed in the Auca’s lives Elizabeth concludes with the remarkable words, “Socially I had nothing to offer them.” Her humility enabled her to tell them about God and live admirably among them.
If you can find a copy of The Savage My Kinsman, you’ll find it like no other book.
Drew
