About this episode

This episode explores Elisabeth Elliot's early years as a missionary in Ecuador and the challenges she faced.

Elisabeth Elliot (1926–2015): What was Elisabeth Elliot like before she was, well, Elisabeth Elliot? In this episode, we dive deep into Elisabeth’s early years as a believer following God’s call into the unknown. After much prayer and some rejection, Elisabeth spent her first year as a single missionary in the jungles of Ecuador where she hoped to translate the unwritten Colorado language into the gospel. Drawing from her book These Strange Ashes, we discuss the hardships of missionary life in the jungle, singleness on mission field, and the many challenges she faced, from the murder of her informant to losing everything. This episode is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Why God?” Resources: Book: These Strange Ashes: Is God Still in Charge?

People in this episode

Hosts: Cheryl Brodersen, Robin Jones Gunn

Topics covered

• missionary life
• faith
• singleness
• challenges
• Ecuador
• Elisabeth Elliot

Keywords

• Elisabeth Elliot
• missionary
• Ecuador
• These Strange Ashes
• faith
• challenges
• singleness

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: These Strange Ashes

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• Young Elisabeth Elliot: A Calling Into the Unknown Part 1 · June 23, 2026 · 26 min
• Meet Our Newest Co-Host: Mary Pero Part 2 · June 16, 2026 · 26 min

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