The College at Southeastern announced the launch of a new house to its house system: Elliott House.
Elliott is the updated name for Judson House, one of the original four houses designed to foster a vibrant on-campus community. Like the other houses in the house system, Elliott will play an integral part in The College student experience, providing house members with intentional community, ministry opportunities, fun events, discipleship and accountability.
Named in honor of Larry and Jean Elliott, Southeastern alumni who were murdered as missionaries in Iraq, the Elliott house represents the missional heart of students in The College.
Larry and Jean’s story started in Cary, North Carolina, where the couple first considered following God’s call to pursue international missions. Both decided to study at Southeastern Seminary; Jean pursued a year of biblical training in preparation for the field while Larry completed his Master of Divinity, graduating in 1978.
Over the next 25 years of their lives, the Elliotts served faithfully as missionaries in Honduras, pouring out their hearts to reach the people there. During their time in Honduras, God used the Elliotts to plant 12 churches and 92 mission points and to provide more than 80 wells of fresh water.
Not long after their retirement and return to the States, the Elliotts realized that their missions work was not yet complete. In 2004, God called Larry and Jean to war-torn Iraq. Despite knowing the danger, they left with great joy to partner with the International Mission Board (IMB) in providing fresh water for those in need.
Within 23 days of their arrival, the Elliotts and two other missionaries were tragically slain in a drive-by shooting in Mosul, Iraq. Their lives are a testament to their love for Christ and for others, down to their very last days.
Reflecting on the Elliotts’ story, Director of College Life Jake Hatfield observed how “the Elliotts’ lives embodied the mission of The College at Southeastern. Truly, they gave their lives for the cause of Christ in the church, among the nations, and in every aspect of society.”
“Not only are the Elliotts the first house namesake with a direct tie to our school, but also they perfectly embody the mission of our college having literally given their lives for the cause of Christ on the mission field,” commented Seth Bible, dean of The College. “In this, the twentieth anniversary of their deaths, we are humbled to honor them in this manner.”
As part of the culture of Elliott house, its core values illustrate the heartbeat of Jean and Larry’s ministry. Sacrifice is a characteristic evident in every aspect of the Elliotts’ lives, most notably at the end, and it is symbolized by the color red; sacrifice has also been brought over as one of the original values of Judson House. Diligence, symbolized by the color black, represents the Elliotts’ perseverance and many years of service. Hospitality is the third value, portrayed by the color yellow and commemorating the Elliotts’ commitment to care for both the spiritual and physical needs of others.
In its formation, Elliott house represents the legacy of two missionaries who chose to seek the kingdom first. They prized Jesus and the gospel over their own lives and were willing to go as His ambassadors to the ends of the earth, no matter the cost. Students at The College at Southeastern now carry on this legacy as they prepare in community to give their lives for the cause of Christ.
Click here to learn more about the house system.
