Elisabeth Elliot to speak at Criswell College

Dallas?On Nov. 14, The Criswell College will present “Ancient Words, Ever New,” a conference for ministers and their wives that is expected to draw participants from Texas and surrounding states.

The full-day event will feature noted pastors and Bible teachers, including renowned author and speaker Elisabeth Elliot, widow of missionary Jim Elliot, upon whom the book “Through the Gates of Splendor” was based.

Other guests include David Allen, pastor of MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church, Irving; Mac Brunson, pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas, and his wife, Debbie; worship leaders Ron and Patricia Owens, and members of The Criswell College faculty.

Topics will include Investing in Your Mate; Passion on the Bayou; How to be Happy Where You Are; Preaching Christ in the 21st Century; Balancing Family Life and Ministry; Gifts to Go: Using Your Spiritual Gifts; Empowering Kingdom Growth, and Youth Ministry in Cultural Crisis.

“‘Ancient Words, Ever New’ will be an encouraging and inspiration-filled day,” said Lamar Cooper, acting president of The Criswell College. “Everyone associated with this conference is an encourager to fellow believers and especially to those serving in a ministry. We are especially blessed to have Elisabeth Elliot to challenge all who join us for the day to go ‘Beyond the Gates of Splendor.'”

Elliot will share her dramatic life story during the evening session of the conference. There will also be a private screening of “Beyond the Gates of Splendor,” a feature-length documentary debuting in theaters next year. The conference?excluding the documentary screening?is open to the public.

Elliot was born in Belgium to missionaries, graduated from Wheaton College and later, in 1953, married former classmate Jim Elliot. Together, they worked on translating the New Testament into the Quichua Indians’ language. In 1955, their daughter, Valerie, was born, and 10 months later, Auca Indians killed Jim while he attempted to take the gospel to the primitive tribe. After Jim’s death, Elliot remained and continued her work among the Quichuas and Aucas.

Elliot is a speaker and author of many books including “And When You Pray” and “The Glory of God’s Will.” For many years, she hosted the nationally syndicated radio program, “Gateway to Joy.” Today, she lives north of Boston with her husband, Lars Gren.

“Beyond the Gates of Splendor” captures the lives and work of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, the fateful event that took place while serving among the Aucas, and the many miracles that would follow. It traces the lives of five North American missionaries in 1955?Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Peter Fleming, Ed McCully, and Roger Youderian?who ventured out to peacefully share the gospel with one of the most violent tribes in the Amazon?the Auca Indians. Their attempts were not in vain?they were encouraging in the beginning?though tribesmen murdered them on January 7, 1956.

The documentary attempts to explain that in the darkest places of the world, the brightest miracles can be seen. “Beyond the Gates of Splendor” features narration by the missionaries’ families and the Waodani tribes people. Through the film, the audience witnesses the fruit of the five missionaries’ work. It also depicts the strength of the widows who would resume their husbands’ work in spreading the gospel, and of one missionary’s son who would come to soon after regard that same tribe that slew his father as “family.”

The conference segment “An Evening with Elisabeth Elliot” will be from 7:30-9 p.m.

Conference registration is $35 for singles and $50 for couples. The Friday evening event alone is $10. After the evening session, Elliot will be available for book signings. This event is expected to be one of Elliot’s last speaking engagements, The Criswell College officials said. For a registration form or more information, contact Kathy Sibley at 214-818-1318 or 800-899-0012.