BEYOND THE GATES OF SPLENDOR DISCUSSION GUIDE Based on the non-fiction book, Through in ministry and the nature of overseas the Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth work. Each topic is complete with Elliot, the film Beyond the Gates of thought-provoking questions, related Splendor is a documentary about the scriptures, and helpful lessons. To five brave missionary couples that supplement the lessons, clips from the took the gospel to the Auca Indians; movie have been offered as a visual the deadliest of tribes within the aid. These clips are available for jungles of the Amazon River basin. download at or may be shown through The film provides a rare glimpse of the a specially made DVD that you can events that surrounded the death of request at the same website. These the missionary men as told through clips and the guide, used in Sunday family members and Auca tribesmen. school classes, other small groups, or It is a story that shows how God has by parents will provide you with an an ultimate plan for good, even in the opportunity to initiate discussion. face of tragic circumstances. For more information and additional This Discussion Guide draws out the church resource material, go to themes in the film, touching on such www.foxfaith.com important topics as faith, fear, forgiveness, courage, leaving a legacy © TCFHE. All rights reserved. Elizabeth Elliot Family Legacy Lesson to learn: About the Film Beyond the Gates of Splendor is based The legacy of the Saint family to the Aucas As a pastor or Bible study leader, missions on the book, Through the Gates of Like Grandpa, Like Father, Like Son is tremendous. The love Nate & Marj Saint are dear to your heart. Ever since Barnabas Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot. Elizabeth had for the Aucas has been amazing. Rachel and the Apostle Paul blazed the first trail, Elliot is a well-known author, speaker, and Much had happened to the Saint family Saint’s decision to live with her brother’s the church has been concerned about Bible teacher. She has written numerous since Nate Saint began his missionary killers and to minister to them for thirty spreading the message of Jesus Christ to books including Passion and Purity, journey to the jungles of the Amazon. years transcended comprehension. Steve the ends of the earth. The film Beyond Shadow of the Almighty, and The Mark Though Nate never saw the result of his and Ginny Saint’s decision to accept the the Gates of Splendor chronicles the of a Man. Elizabeth Elliot resides just work in this life, his sister, his son, and Aucas offer to come back and live with events of five missionary couples that took north of Boston, Massachusetts with her grandson continued his ministry to them is inspiring. Lastly, seeing Jessie call the gospel to the deadliest of the tribes husband Lars Gren. the Aucas. Mincaye his grandpa continues to make within the jungles of the Amazon River us marvel. basin, the Auca Indians. Beyond the Gates Every Tribe Entertainment Questions: of Splendor provides a rare glimpse of From this documentary, we can see that Every Tribe Entertainment is a new film As Jessie left the tribe and embraced their story and the amazing work of God any individual has the amazing opportunity agency dedicated to telling stories Mincaye before he left, what do you think through their ministry. The film will provide to affect those who come after them. By through inspiring films that touch your was going through their minds? your church or Bible study an excellent heart, your mind, and your soul. Every living a life for the glory of God--at home asset in recruiting for missions, a Tribe is an independent studio, which or on the mission field--we lay a legacy wonderful tool to bridge the gospel, and Why was Mincaye and Jessie’s that will continue long after we are gone. desires to share true stories that surpass relationship so special? modern examples of lives changed by the our imagination. And, even though we may not understand message of Jesus Christ. certain circumstances in our lives today, How does this documentary illustrate Bearing Fruit we can rest assured that God has an God’s greater plan that cannot always be ultimate plan for tomorrow—one that will Communications seen early on? In our own lives, why is it bring glory to His name. Bearing Fruit Communication is a non- difficult to have faith when difficult things profit ministry that seeks to bring God’s happen to us? Read Jeremiah 29:11. What Word alive to large-scale audiences through does God promise us? quality films, television commercials, music, books and videos. Bearing Fruit finds stories that demonstrate the Christian spirit in action and bring clarity to biblical principles that are at times difficult to understand. Background In America during the 1950’s, life had slowed down. However, for five young men who attended Wheaton College, life was about to change. With their dreams before them, Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming, and Ed McCully left college with a compelling vision to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who had not heard it. Gripped with love for the Indian people of Ecuador, they left 1 Eternal Perspective Common Need / Common their comfortable lives in the states to live courage, among other topics are addressed Gospel in the jungles of the Amazon. Joined by in the movie, which is why we’ve created Something More Than Life, their wives, the couples established a this Discussion Guide. With this booklet, successful ministry to the Indians. you or any other leader can utilize the Hear Our Prayers Their Need Our Need However, there was one tribe no mission- messages in Beyond the Gates of Splendor ary had been able to reach: the Aucas. The as a group discussion tool. The loss of someone dear is a very difficult For Americans, we can often look at our Aucas were known as brutal savages, who thing. With the loss of the men, how would riches, knowledge and technology and not only killed outsiders, but also were The lessons are supplemented by clips from the families deal with the loss? What would assume we are beyond the same problems involved with internal vendettas ending the movie you’ve either received or down- comfort them? as those who live in primitive settings. As in the loss of many lives. Armed with a loaded online. These clips were specifically we compare the Aucas to Americans do selected to help you set the tone and furnish Questions: we find this true? the context for your discussion or Bible How did the knowledge of Heaven ease study. There are also suggested scriptures Steve Saint’s loss of his Dad? Questions: for your group to study in-depth, and we’ve Why would the Aucas not think it to provided several discussion-provoking How do the prayers of others comfort be so savage to kill those who they do not questions based on the different scenes. us when we experience loss? know? Why do Americans hold a different This guide is an easy-to-use way to kick view, or do we? start interesting discussions within your Lesson to learn: small group, and it works without any of Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. Loss is always Why are the values of independency, your members having seen the film. difficult, but God’s abundant love is our autonomy, bravery, and self-reliance so However, it is recommended that you greatest resource in tragic times. As a appealing to Americans? Are Americans announce your intentions of using the film Christian, we understand first that our aware of the potential harm in these clips ahead of time. For example, the week God cares. He never misses a moment of values? Why or why not. before you intend to have a clip-oriented our lives and He is intimately acquainted love for others and a conviction to follow discussion, you might show the film trailer with all our concerns. Lesson to learn: Christ’s command to take the gospel to (included with the clips) to your group or Read Romans 3:9-18. It is so easy for the ends of the earth, these five couples congregation and let them know that you In a similar manner, the sufferings we go human beings to look at other human dared to reach the Aucas. Unfortunately, will incorporate it into your discussion the through enable us to minister to those who beings with either envy or arrogance. the goal was not without its costs as the following week (or the next time you meet). also suffer. Often, we encounter individuals As this passage teaches, we all share in five men were killed in their attempt to This will allow your members the oppor- who are faced with challenges in their a despicable condition, the condition of establish contact with the Aucas. Through tunity to view the film themselves (rent lives. It’s then that we realize that hard- sin. As a viewer of this documentary, do the Gates of Splendor chronicles the or purchase) if they so desire. ships are not only for our perfecting and you see your similarity to the Aucas, to decisions and actions that these five strengthening, but also to give us empathy Americans, and to all mankind? If so, you families made following the atrocity. This Discussions: and understanding as we comfort others. may want to take this opportunity to turn film,shares the awesome events of this to Jesus Christ.