Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
Week 3: Chapters 2–3 — The Men and Their Calling
Read Chapters 2 and 3 of Through Gates of Splendor. Key Scripture: Luke 14:25-33; Philippians 3:7-8.
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These chapters introduce us to the five men individually — their backgrounds, their gifts, and the different paths by which God brought each of them to Ecuador. Pay attention to how ordinary they are, and how deliberately they chose what they chose.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Elliot introduces Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Peter Fleming, and Roger Youderian. Which man's story or background surprised you most? Why?
2.Jim Elliot's famous journal entry reads: 'He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.' In context, what was Elliot actually saying — and how does that statement land on you personally?
a.What are the things in your own life that you are holding onto that you 'cannot keep' anyway?
b.What do you fear losing if you surrendered them to God?
3.Nate Saint was a gifted pilot whose skills were directly used in the mission. How does his story challenge the idea that only 'full-time ministers' are truly called? What does it mean to consecrate a skill or profession to God?
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