Rebecca Grace
AFA Journal staff writer
November-December 2005 – Docu-drama focuses on martyred missionaries
In 1956 two worlds collided, beginning a journey beyond fear, beyond violence, beyond forgiveness. Now, Twentieth Century Fox goes beyond the big screen to bring a story of faith and forgiveness to the hearts of millions with its recent home video release of Beyond the Gates of Splendor.
Based on a true story inspired by Elisabeth Elliot’s best-seller, Through Gates of Splendor, this award-winning documentary-drama highlights the lives of five North American missionaries – Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Peter Fleming, Ed McCully and Roger Youderian – who were brutally slain by the savage Waodani tribe in Ecuador. Vintage 16-mm films and still photographs combined with re-enactments and personal interviews of the surviving family members and Waodani tribesmen provide audiences with an authentic portrayal of a tragedy turned to triumph.
Instead of seeking revenge on the violent Waodani tribe, who had a homicide rate of 60%, Saint’s sister along with Elliot’s wife and daughter went to live with the Waodani people and became family to them. As a result, the introduction of God’s Word began to change the tribesmen’s hearts, and the homicide rate fell by 90%.
The 96-minute documentary is directed by Jim Hanon and narrated by Steve Saint, son of Nate Saint. Audiences become one with this riveting love story through the personal experiences of those who lived it. The film’s message speaks to the core of Christianity by presenting viewers with the opportunity to examine what it truly means to be a lover of Christ.
Beyond the Gates of Splendor is a product of Every Tribe Entertainment and is available on DVD and VHS. It is rated PG-13 for violence and thematic elements. It is also important to note that the film contains nudity as common to the natural tribal environment.
End of the Spear, a feature film based on the documentary, is set to release in theaters January 20, 2006. For more information, visit www.beyondthegatesthemovie.com.
The Roach Approach
Roaches are friendly, and even godly, if they happen to be the characters in The Roach Approach, a new animated movie series that uses talking insects and animals to share the Bible.
Despite their roach-like mannerisms, these roaches are actually appealing. Each episode parallels present circumstances in the lives of the roaches with stories from God’s Word.
For example, “The Mane Event,” released August 2005, teaches lessons about faith, friendship, promise and boldness using a bug’s interpretation of Daniel in the lion’s den.
However, AFA believes it is important for parents to realize that much of the plot is roach-focused while the Biblical portion of the story line is embellished and modernized for creative and entertainment value.
“The Mane Event” and the first episode, “Don’t Miss the Boat: A fun adventure based on Noah’s ark,” are available in VHS and DVD formats in retail stores nationwide. “Slingshot Slugger” which highlights the story of David and Goliath will be released in 2006. For more information, visit: www.wackyworld.tv.
Three Wishes
This fall, NBC is turning dreams into reality for hundreds of people through a new reality show titled Three Wishes, hosted by five-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist Amy Grant.
Grant leads a contributing cast made up of Carter Oosterhouse (NBC’s Today, Trading Spaces), Eric Stromer (Clean Sweep) and Diane Mizota (Trading Spaces: Boys vs. Girls) to small towns throughout the country. In each location they hear requests from locals and then grant three deserving people their wishes.
The hour-long episodes are heartfelt and tear-jerking, likely leaving viewers emotionally motivated to do good for others. Based on the pilot episode, the series appears to be family-friendly fare appropriate for all ages.
While Three Wishes is certainly a glimmer of hope in a self-centered world and a refreshing face for reality TV, it is important to consider the worldview behind it. Culture critic Gene Edward Veith sums it up in his review in the September 24, 2005, issue of World magazine.
According to Veith, “Hollywood comes across as an omnipotent deity who answers prayers, performs miracles, and changes lives. … Unlike the real God, who extends His grace to undeserving people, and unlike Christians who are told to give in secret, NBC does its good works, literally, to be seen by men.”
Three Wishes airs Friday nights at 8:00 central on NBC.
