October 4, 2006 9:13 AM
Beyond the Gates of Splendor
In 1956, Americans first heard the news via the Los Angeles Times headline: "Savages kill five missionaries." Life magazine immediately dispatched a world-class photojournalist to the outpost where the widows and families had gathered. This, plus the later writings of one of those gifted widows - Elisabeth Elliot - would keep this story alive in the Christian imagination for decades, unlike the stories of countless other martyrs to the faith.
Jim Elliot's words have become a familiar missionary mantra: "He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."
Like everyone else, I thought I already knew this story. Today, after watching Beyond the Gates of Splendor - a documentary by Steve Saint, son of the missionary pilot who flew the final fatal mission into the heart of Waodani territory - I really know the story.
This powerful story of sacrifice and redemption begins with interviews with members of Ecuador's Waodani tribe who were participants or eyewitnesses in the murder of the five missionaries. They share the violent history of their tribe - where death by the spear was common and unsurprising. They explain the chain of events that led to the surprise massacre of the five men. There's also footage and photos of each of the couples and glimpses into their lives in Ecuador before tragedy struck.
Then there's the post-tragedy story of Elisabeth Elliot and Rachel Saint (Nate's sister) who went to live with the people who'd killed their husbands to teach them the forgiveness and love of Christ. I loved the footage of Jim and Elisabeth's only child Valerie playing with the Waodani children (did you know that though Valerie was an only child she eventually had seven children of her own?)
In more recent years, Steve Saint and his family went to live with Waodani, to teach and learn from them.
Steve even brought Mincaye (second from the left, above), the man who killed his father - and whom his children called Grandfather - to the United States. The footage of Mincaye in a grocery store and his comments on the ironies of American middle class life are just hilarious.
This is a very real and powerful film of sacrifice and redemption - with riveting images spiritual challenges that have the potential to change your life in a real way. A good family film to watch with kids eight and up (don't let them watch it alone - be there to manage their experience).
Don't just take my word for it - there are over 50 reviews at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0009XT8A6/smallbeginnings">amazon. When you've seen it, let me know what you think!
Posted in Church Issues, Inspiration, Movies | Permalink
Comments
I haven't seen this film yet, but I recently read Steve's book "End of the Spear" and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the privilege of hearing Steve and Mincaye speak one time. What an amazing God story!!
Posted by: amelia | October 4, 2006 5:58 PM
I have seen a shorter 30-minute version of this documentary. It's excellent!
I also was priviledged to hear Steve and Mincaye speak several years ago. What an incredible story of forgiveness and redemption.
Posted by: miller_schloss | October 5, 2006 9:17 PM
This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Soooooooo many lessons to be learned from it!!! I cried and cried and cried!!!!!!!
Posted by: Keer | November 4, 2006 11:34 PM
