"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Rom. 12:1)

Many people know the story of Operation Auca – how in 1956 five missionaries were killed by the Auca Indians in Ecuador. Jim Elliot, perhaps the most well-known among the five missionaries, and the four other men, sacrificed their lives to bring the Gospel to this violent tribe – who only had killing-contacts with their neighbors and outside world.

There is another name however associated with this story that has not nearly received much earthly recognition at all. That name is Bert Elliot – Jim’s older brother. Earlier this month, Bert Elliot went home to be with the Lord. While Jim’s life ended in sudden sacrifice, Bert’s was one of a “living sacrifice” for Christ.

Both types of Sacrifices are important examples for the church and both types of sacrifices in life and death are pleasing to the Lord. As Christians, we must be willing to both Live and Die for the Lord.

Jim Elliot’s brief life is a great example of a believer being willing to die for Christ but Bert Elliot’s long life is a great example of a believer being willing to live for Christ.

In June 2005, while on a mission trip to Trujillo, Peru, I discovered that Bert Elliot was living and ministering in that area. I was able to make contact with him and he invited me into his home. However, I did not have a recording device with me, but Bert found an old micro cassette recorder in his desk drawer. And we were able to use that device to record our conversation. On the program today, I will play that interview with Bert Elliot.