「願主使我的道路繁榮，不是讓我獲得崇高的地位，而是讓我的生命可以展示認識上帝的價值。」

吉姆·艾略特出生於美國俄勒岡州波特蘭，父母是弗雷德和克拉拉，兩人皆是虔誠的基督徒，經常帶孩子們參加教會活動和閱讀聖經，並鼓勵孩子們「為基督而活」。艾略特在高中時表現出色，擅長公共演講，但拒絕參加學校的舞會和政治活動，因為他認為基督徒不應該參與其中。

1945年，艾略特進入惠頓學院，他更加確立了自己對傳教的熱情。他主修希臘語，認為這將有助於翻譯聖經，並且與同學伊莉莎白·霍華德建立了浪漫關係。艾略特決心不依靠募捐，而是通過信仰來支持傳教工作。

1952年，艾略特和皮特·弗萊明抵達厄瓜多，並開始向當地的瓦歐達尼印第安人傳福音。1953年，艾略特與伊莉莎白結婚，並於1955年生下女兒。艾略特和其他四位傳教士後來與瓦歐達尼人接觸，儘管初期的接觸看似友好，但最終他們在1956年1月8日被瓦歐達尼勇士殺害。艾略特的犧牲促使基督教信仰在當地和全球的傳播。

Jim Elliot was a missionary who exemplified extraordinary sacrifice in his pursuit to bring the gospel to unreached people. Alongside four other missionaries, he ventured into the Ecuadorian jungle to reach the Huaorani tribe, a group known for their isolation and hostility toward outsiders. Despite the dangers, Jim and his team were driven by a deep conviction to share the message of salvation. His famous words, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose,” summed up his unwavering commitment to spiritual service, even at the cost of his own life. In January 1956, Jim and his companions were martyred by the very people they sought to reach, laying down their lives in the hope of winning souls for Christ.

Elliot’s sacrifice became a powerful symbol of faith, courage, and dedication to the mission of spreading the gospel. His death, though tragic, had a profound ripple effect, inspiring countless others to take up the call to missionary work. Jim’s widow, Elisabeth Elliot, and other surviving family members later returned to the Huaorani people, ultimately leading to the conversion of many within the tribe. Jim's legacy continues to remind Christians of the ultimate price one can pay in the service of God's kingdom, echoing Christ's call to "take up your cross and follow me." His life and sacrifice remain a testament to the power of love, forgiveness, and unwavering faith in God's plan for the salvation of all people.