Here is biography number two! Enjoy!
Pete Fleming
Pete Fleming was originally
from Washington state. Over time, Fleming became friends with Jim
Elliot. Together, the two men traveled to Ecuador along with some
others to get training for missionary work. God removed every
obstacle out of their path. They were dropped off in Ecuador on
August 29, 1952. While training to be a doctor, Pete and his friends
lived like the people of Ecuador that they might be better equipped
to help them. Together they built an airstrip and a school for boys.
While Jim was good at nearly everything, Pete struggled against many
illnesses as well as in physical jobs. One time Pete was sick with malaria and went to the
nearest hospital. Here he met with God and was strengthened in his
spiritual life. A time when they questioned their work in Ecuador
was when floods washed away their house, clinic, and school.
Trusting in the Lord, they re-built. Many people were saved and many
baptisms were held. Through all this, the Lord was burning a desire
into their hearts to bring the gospel to the dangerous Auca Indians.
Finally they located a Auca village that was know to be particularly
violent. Regularly they would fly over the village and lower gifts from the airplane to earn their trust. Soon, they began to
receive gifts back. After much time of doing this, they landed not
far from the village and stayed hoping for a friendly visit from the
Aucas. Soon their patience was rewarded by some of the Aucas coming
to “check them out.” Shortly thereafter, the Aucas returned, this time not so
friendly. Every one of the missionaries, although they could have
defended themselves, didn't and were killed. Through their brave
deaths, word was spread throughout the world. Many people became
missionaries encouraged by these people's faith. Both Jim Elliot's and Pete Fleming's wives later
returned as missionaries to the same tribe
who had killed their husbands.
Although I had personally heard this story many times
before, I was
inspired by their love for these Indians, their love for God, and
their bravery. If this biography also brings you inspiration, you can read a good biography series published by YWAM that includes at least four of the people involved in this event: Jim Elliot and his wife Elisabeth, and Nate Saint, the pilot, and his sister Rachel Saint. This series, Christian Heroes: Then and Now, was written by Janet and Geoff Benge. Have you ever faced a time when you needed to trust
God, really, really
trust Him? Have you ever faced a situation where you had to stand up
for God and bear His name?
