Strong Roots Summary and Analysis

Chapter 1 provides a brief but descriptive genealogical journey back in time and introduces the Elliot family ancestors who came from Scotland and settled in Ontario. The author establishes a theme of God is in control as she lays out cradle to current details from the past where God orchestrated the coming together of specific individuals from far away places at just the right times to meet, fall in love and marry. These unions lead to the birth and Christian upbringing of Jim Elliot, which pave the way for the missionary work to be done in the future. Two large families, the Elliots and MacAllisters meet at the Presbyterian "kirk" (church) and friendships that develop among the children lead to four marriages, as they grew older. One of these four couples is John and Margaret Elliot who had eight children...