Fifty-two years ago this was the name given to the first chapterof the book Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot. Years after this chapter was written, I found a dusty old copy of this book in my church library as a young boy. I checked it out, read it and have not stopped reading it since.

While the story of this book has become well known from the movie “At the End of the Spear”, it has long been a treasured story to me. It is the account of five missionaries who gave their lives in the jungles of Ecuador to reach a group of natives who had never heard the name of Jesus Christ. This story is told by the men’s wives. It details their calling and their passion for the Auca Indians. I do not know of another book which better captures the heart of a missionary than this book.

I want to invite you on a journey with me, for I myself dare not stay home. Next week I will be taking a trip into the jungles of Ecuador with Compassion International. I will be seeing and participating in the work that Compassion in doing with children in this country. As I am able, I will be chronicling my journey to this far off place… will you come with me? Will you join me as I ask God to speak to our hearts and lives?

Let me challenge you to do a few more things:

1. If you have never read the book Through Gates of Splendor why not buy a copy online and read it in the next few weeks. I promise you will not be disappointed.

2. Consider sponsoring a Compassion Child. If you attend Appleton Alliance Church you can pick up a sponsor packet in the Narthex at anytime. If you do not attend AAC check out their web site at www.compassion.com

3. Pray for me as I go. I will be in Ecuador from Feb 19-Feb25. I need your prayers.

I will see you soon,

Steve