Savage, Stone-Age Killers!

Sacrifice is another quality in an individual that reflects character,  Webster defines Sacrifice as: " destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else." In the world of nature, this trait can be observed in the life of the Grizzly bear. Mother Grizzly bears will sacrifice their lives if necessary, to protect their cubs, with no regard for their own personal safety. The Bible verifies this fact with the verse," Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool is his folly." Proverbs 17:12



Ewe better think about rooting for a team other than the Cubs!

Do ewe understand that I will not be separated from my cubs?

 The individual I'd like to examine that displayed the character trait of Sacrifice is the missionary to Ecuador, Jim Elliot. Jim was born into a Christian home in Portland, Oregon, in 1927. He had a desire to share the Gospel after his college studies at Wheaton, & in 1952, God called him to Ecuador. There he translated the Bible for tribes of Indians who were previously unreached. One of the tribes he  was attempting to reach, were the savage Auca Indians. 

" Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine.."

 

Auca women "Grooming", on a Sunday afternoon!

 

Jim was hired by Wycliffe to translate the Bible into the Quichua language."Auca" was their word for savage. They were a violent people who had previously killed any outsiders coming within their borders. Someone warned Jim that the Aucas were "savage, stone-age killers"! Yet Jim felt the Holy Spirit leading him to attempt to reach these people. So, he began assembling a team for the secret mission of "Operation Auca" in 1955. He gathered Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, & Roger Youderian.

 

We solve our conflicts by "spearing" people!

 Jim met with Dayuma, a girl that had escaped from the tribe, & she taught him some of their words. She also cautioned him about the Auca."..do not trust them. To you they might seem friendly for a while, but they will not stop short of killing." Jim told his team what she said & Pete Fleming responded , "Savage, stone-age killers... need the message of God's redeeming love more than many others." They began by planning to fly over their village.

"Pray for us! We're sure we'll have contact again today! Will radio you again at 4:30."



The beach where they met George & his friend!

 

Nate flew over the village for 3 months, dropping "goodies" from 

their yellow airplane. They finally landed on a sandbar & set up camp. They built a tree-house for protection, They made contact with 2 natives & took one, whom they named George, for an airplane ride. The next day was Sunday, Jan. 8,1956, & after a time of worship , they contacted the base for what would be their final time. They were all found speared to death, in the river near their campsite, each knowing the risk, yet giving the ultimate sacrifice.

 

The beach where the plane & bodies were found.







 A Shepherd's life is one of sacrifice. Putting the needs of the sheep first is a full time occupation, that requires endless hours of care. Sheep are helpless & are incapable of protecting themselves.

 

Ewe & me , & me & Ewe ,So Happy Together!!

Sacrifice is something that we are all acquainted with in our lives . We appreciate it when people sacrifice on our behalf. Enjoy the Good Shepherd's love & involvement in Ewer life today.

 

 

"He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." Jn. 12:25