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 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 began his missionary killers and to minister to them for thirty spreading the message of 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. 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, , , , 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 , 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 ’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. When you do, he will turn true story that will long surpass the lives In an effort to help you reinforce the themes to you. All it takes is for you to repent, of those who lived it. and messages of Beyond the Gates of place your faith in Christ, and begin your Splendor, we have chosen clips from the new life in Him. Beyond the Gates of Splendor is a film that you can show to your group. wonderful documentary film for all ages. These clips can be downloaded online at It provides many opportunities to discuss or shown through a specially made DVD the realm of missionary work and God’s that you can request at the same website. plan for our lives. Faith, fear, forgiveness,

9 2 The clips are followed up with questions discussion times go best when you allow and scripture. The questions should draw freedom, but still provide the framework your group members into a conversation that will point to lessons in God’s word. about what they have just seen. It is not necessary to tackle these topics in a row, Following Christ No Matter or all in one night. If you would prefer just what the Cost to cover one or two, feel free. It is all up to you. As we first learn about the five missionary families who went to Ecuador, one key First of all, introduce the discussion by adjective that sums up their lives and saying something like: “Tonight we are ministry is submission. In all their going to talk about (topic i.e. Fear, Following Christ, Faith, etc.) We have some scenes from a movie called Beyond the Gates of Splendor that we are going to look at and then analyze to see what we can learn from them.”

Next, give a brief overview of the film. Then, have your group members read the provided Bible verses. After that, play the clip(s) you decide to use. Once the clip effect. In this scene we learn about some Lesson to learn: endeavors they consistently sought to be plays, open the floor up for discussion of the key steps that brought about course Without the Word of God, life change is submissive to the Lord as they spread the using the questions we have provided, or altering change within the Auca tribe. impossible. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and gospel to the Indians of the Amazon. use some of your own. To finish, you can Hebrews 4:12-13. These passages teach close the sessions by giving the brief Questions: how God’s word changes lives. The degree Submission is often defined as an individual “Lesson to Learn” provided at the end One of the key ingredients for change to which our lives reflect our obedience choosing to put oneself under the direction of the topic. within the tribe was the consistent Bible to the Lord is characterized by the degree of another. In our American culture, teaching by Dayumae. Why is it so neces- of dependence we have on God’s Word. submission can often be seen in a negative NOTE: Since some of your group members sary for scripture to be consistently How would someone characterize your connotation; however, the Bible praises a have likely not seen the film, it is a good taught? Why did Rachel have Dayumae dependence on the Lord? submissive heart to God. 2 Chronicles idea to provide them with the context of lead the teaching time on Sundays? 16:9a says, “The eyes of the Lord move the clip before watching it. This can be What do we learn from their efforts? Read Luke 7:40-50. Forgiveness is indeed to and fro throughout the earth that he found in the italicized text that precedes powerful. In this passage, the Lord reminds may strongly support those whose heart the questions and scripture references us that the amount of love we have is is completely His.” The Lord treasures a The actions of Rachel and Elizabeth for that particular clip. Elliot to forgive the Aucas and bring them proportional to our realization of how much heart that seeks His will. Beyond the we have been forgiven. When we as Gates of Splendor is a powerful illustration the gospel had a profound influence on the Please keep in mind that you do not have Christians realize how great our sin is, of submission to the Lord, the awesome tribe. Daebo, an elder of the tribe, shares to get through all the clips in order to have we are able to love greatly because of joy of being within His will, and the power that without them and the message they a successful discussion. Also, you do not God’s great forgiveness toward us. of God to change lives. brought, the tribe would have died off. need to sacrifice a good conversation to What other ways did the gospel and the finish the scenes. As we mentioned above, forgiveness of Rachel and Elizabeth affect the Aucas?

3 8 Why would it be so tempting for Barbara Questions: For the Sake of the Call Lesson to learn: to accept the invitation of her parents? Why were Rachel’s words to Valerie Often in a person’s life an individual can What do we learn about Barbara’s that, “almost everyone in the tribe has Marriages and Mission be regretful for the decisions they made conception of God when she made the lost a relative,” so helpful in assisting in their youth or college years. However, decision to stay? Valerie to forgive the Aucas? Why is it College can be a wonderful season. For the as we listen to the stories of these five important in reconciliation to realize five men in the film, college was the couples we do not see regret or gloominess, Lesson to learn: common problems that the two parties schoolhouse for their future preparation but a deep joy and commitment to follow Sometimes a couple may make a tough share? as a missionary. Even with a wonderful Christ. decision where one of the two might be education God still needed to complete somewhat reticent to comply. This was not Why would Valerie’s baptism be so their ability to minister by providing five The deep joy and commitment these five the case with the . Even though significant in assisting with the issue of wonderful women as their helpmates. As couples experienced came as a direct the decision to go to the Aucas had potential forgiveness? What do you think Valerie’s we watch their story we gain a glimpse understanding of how dreadful sin is and for tremendous costs, the wives and hus- baptism communicated to her Father’s into their character, character that would how glorious is God’s salvation in Christ. bands were in agreement. Then, even in killers and the rest of the tribe? lead and prepare them for their future They realized how much we deserve God’s their sorrow of losing their husbands, the ministry. infinite punishment for our sin; while at wives still communicated their support. Lesson to learn: the same time, they possessed a life-giving gratitude that enabled them to give their They demonstrated that even though they Valerie understood that there was a bigger Questions: lives totally to Christ. stayed behind, they were just as much picture than just her own loss of her Dad. After Ed proposed to Marilou and they at Palm Beach in spirit, as the men were. She realized that she was not alone, but got married, Ed decided to not pursue his After the men were killed, their wives instead part of a larger community. With career as a lawyer but to become a Missionary Fun prepared to continue the ministry. We God’s strength, we are able to forgive and missionary. Why would Ed decide to pursue should always remember to never dimin- give mercy to those who may have hurt missionary work in the Amazon? Why Ed and Jim, Ed and Marilou, ish the cost or importance of those who us in some capacity. would Marilou follow him? Christmas Humor stay behind in support, as those who see the action. Read Luke 9:23-24. Christ’s teachings When we think of those in missions work, about being a follower of Him, tell us that we think of the great sacrifice, or the it can be costly. Jesus requires a total hardship missionaries endure. We may Forgiveness From willingness to submit to his Word and his also assume that missionary life is boring, Children direction. As we look at the five couples serious, and provides no opportunity for portrayed in the movie, what motivated fun. It’s true that those who serve in ministry face many challenges that, if We’re One of Them them to follow Christ no matter what the cost? allowed, could steal the joy of ministry. However, these missionary Probably the toughest decision for the families did not share that missionaries in their pursuit to evangelize conclusion. the Aucas was their concern for their Power/Example of children. After the deaths of the men, the Contagious Forgiveness women continued to pursue the Indians with the gospel. For the wives, moving Contagious Forgiveness through their forgiveness had its challenges, but how would the children The actions of the men, , respond to living with their father’s killers? Elizabeth Elliot, the other wives, Kimo, and others among the tribe had tremendous

7 4 Questions: Questions: Faith Over Fear Lesson to learn: No doubt life in the Amazon was hard. Though the missionaries were confident Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love What difficulties or challenges do you think in God, and believed in their call, what Not Ready For Heaven has no one than this that one lay down they experienced as they lived in the concerns might they have had? his life for his friends.” The words of Jim, rainforest? As recounted the horrible Nate, Roger, Pete, and Ed, “They’re not Read Psalm 91:1-5. Most assuredly, situation of finding his fellow missionaries, ready for heaven, but we are,” tells us that How did these couples deal with these the missionaries trusted in God’s care. he shares with us the tough question the these men realized that there was even a challenges? What made life enjoyable? They knew that God could protect them in men faced. In their eventual encounter greater reality than just the loss of life-- What lessons do we learn from these any situation, but also realized that their with the Aucas, do they take their guns or the eternal reality of heaven and hell. Even couples on how to make the most of lives were not guaranteed. They knew they not? Certainly there were many reasons in the comparison to the great costs their any situation? were not immune to physical death or to do so, yet they did not. wives and children had to bear, these men injury. What motivated the missionaries entrusted themselves to the Lord in order Lesson to learn: to continue to put their lives on the line? Questions: to prevent an even greater cost falling on the Aucas. By laying their lives down for Someone once said, “It’s not where you’re In the men’s choice not to take their their love of the Indians, the martyrdom at but whom you are with that makes the guns, what do we learn about their of these five men provided the inroad for difference.” Quality relationships can perspective on missions? the gospel message into the tribe and laid conquer almost any difficulty or hardship the cornerstone for a tremendous ministry. raised. Read Ecclesiastes 4:12. Humor, By making the decision not to carry laughter, romance, and love for one another weapons, the five men communicated in provided the release these couples needed actions that the God they served was totally More Faith Over Fear in order to make a challenging situation the most enjoyable. By remembering these Wives Go In values we can better endure the rainy seasons of life. As Frank recounted the events following the Fear, Faith, and deaths of Jim, Nate, Roger, Pete, and Ed, he Forgiveness Lesson to learn: shares his encounter of Read Acts 20:18-24. The apostle Paul telling the wives the sad Real Fear faced tough encounters. Often his life hung news. After talking to on a thread, yet he remained faithful to them and expressing his The Aucas' certainly epitomized their name, God’s will in his life. In a similar fashion, sorrow, Frank shares “naked savages.” The horrific stories made these missionaries realized that with so what he saw contrary even the bravest person fearful. For the much on the line, the higher call of God to his expectation. five missionary couples, the Aucas provided was to step out in faith and testify to the a unique paradox. They were excited that Acuas the “gospel of the grace of God.” By Questions: they had found people who had never heard doing so, they entrusted themselves to What do we learn the gospel, yet their lives were at stake in God’s providential care, knowing that His in control of any and every situation they from Frank’s statement that “the women attempting to contact them. How would will is best and most trusted. faced. Could you make that same decision? were in this thing just as much as the they handle this situation? How had their earlier decisions enabled men?” What do we learn about how these them to make this costly one? What couples perceived their decisions? promises from God’s word would enable you to act in a similar manner?

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