“No Reverse, No Retreats, 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. 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.
I remember as a young boy sitting in church when I first heard Elliot’s story. It seemed fictional to me. However, the more I delved into the life and impact he and the other missionaries with him 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’re planted. To live with an obedient zeal for God is challenging and rewarding. It will cost you something! Each individual will have to choose the price they are willing to pay. Not everyone will physically die for their faith, but each person who lives out a faithful purpose for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ will die to this world’s comforts and earthly desires. “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
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 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. Amy was born into a wealthy family in Northern Ireland. However, she did not desire the earthly rewards that were so easily accessible to her. She understood that God would supply everything she needed before she even asked. Her early endeavors consisted of working with the poor and the vulnerable in the slums of Belfast. She was determined to live out her purpose with a passionate fire and a completely sold-out desire to serve God by serving the people God loves. She firmly lived out, “truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.” (Matthew 25:45)
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. When Borden returned home, he 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, influence, and academic success, he declined them all. William desired to work and serve among the Muslim Kansa people in China. Once he graduated from Yale, he pursued a degree from Princeton Seminary. Shortly after graduating from Princeton, he headed to Egypt to study Arabic before embarking upon his mission work with Chinese Muslims. 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.”
These three missionaries have inspired me, as well as many others to embark upon a missionary journey into some of the toughest and darkest places in the world. I am determined to strive to obtain what I cannot lose. 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 dedicate my life’s journey with the same enthusiasm and excitement.
“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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