“NO REGRETS”
“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” This simple quote, found in Jim Elliot’s journal, has been repeated numerous times and has inspired many individuals to embark on mission endeavors. I remember when I first heard Elliot’s story. As a young boy, it seemed fictional to me. However, the more I delved into the life and impact he and the other missionaries have had on so many, it is nothing short of motivating and inspirational. To have a passion and a desire to impact the lives of others worldwide seems so grandiose. However, as I frequently read this quote, I realize it’s not about doing great and mighty acts but choosing to live out your Quest with intentional passion right where you are planted.
In 1956, Jim Elliot and four other missionaries were killed in Ecuador while trying to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the Huaorani Indians. Their dedication and complete surrender to God’s plan is awe-inspiring! Ed McCully, Roger Youderian, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, and Jim Elliot all died that day living out a passion to make an impact in the lives of others. They were not foolish to invest in people they did not know, because they gained something they will never lose.
Amy Carmichael’s work in India is truly inspirational. The majority of her work was in India, where she dedicated herself to helping vulnerable women and young girls who were forced into temple prostitution. When asked about “what missionary life is like,” she responded with, “It’s a Chance to Die.” At the age of twenty-eight, Amy left her comfortable English lifestyle behind and headed to India, with no formal missionary training and very little financial support. For fifty-five years, Amy served and dedicated her life to helping some of the most vulnerable and exploited young girls in India.
In 1887, William Borden was born into an extremely wealthy Chicago family. At a young age, he dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. He graduated from high school at the age of sixteen, and as a graduation gift, his parents sent him on a trip around the world. During his travels through the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, he witnessed poverty and pain. It was during this trip that he decided to become a full-time missionary.
Returning, Borden began his studies at Yale. He excelled in academics and initiated early morning prayer meetings and outreaches to help the poor, the needy, and those with addictions. Despite having numerous opportunities for high-paying jobs due to his family’s wealth and his academic success, he declined them all. Instead, he felt called to work and serve among the Muslim Kansa people in China.
Borden’s academic studies were going very well. He graduated from Yale and pursued a degree from Princeton Seminary. Shortly after graduating from Princeton, he headed to Egypt to study Arabic before embarking upon his quest to work with the Chinese Muslims in China. However, tragically, he contracted spinal meningitis in Cairo and passed away at the age of 25. In the last few days of his life, he wrote in the back of his bible, “No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets.”
The following quotes from these three famous missionaries have inspired me, as well as many others. I am determined to strive to obtain what I cannot lose. This begins with following Jesus Christ! Every day I have the opportunity to get up and give my life away to vulnerable and exploited children. I have an awesome and humbling chance to serve and join in the narrative of some of the “least of these” in society. I have the privilege of hearing their stories. Some have already had successful endings, while others are still trying to rewrite their narrative. I am determined to continue to “Grill the Narrative,” because I have dedicated my life journey with the same enthusiasm and excitement found in this quote. “There are No Reserves, No Retreats, and No Regrets.”
Rich Binning is a researcher, investigator, and freelance writer based in Southeast Asia. He supports missionaries in spreading the message of Jesus Christ and works towards ending child trafficking and sexual exploitation. Rich is well-educated in Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, and Political Science, which equips him to comprehend the intricacies of cross-cultural missions and anti-trafficking efforts. He applies his research and investigative skills to offer effective solutions to complex issues.
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