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January 23, 2006
Beyond the Gates of Splendor
Three years ago Andy and I took my Mom to a Steven Curtis Chapman concert for her birthday and it was one the most memorable spiritual experiences of my life. It wasn't just his great performance and music but we had the pleasure of hearing Steve Saint's testimony and account of his journey back to the tribe responsible for killing his father, Nate Saint. It was quite moving and he spoke of his relationship with a man, Mancaye, who had killed his father and how his children actually call him grandfather now, it was almost hard to process. What an amazing testimony, that family members of the men who were killed went back to reach out to the tribe responsible for their tragedy. Then to our surprise he introduced Mancaye and he came out on the stage and shared with us (Steve translated).
It was unreal and such a blessing to be there.
They were promoting a documentary and for a year after the concert I checked the internet for its release and found nothing.
Well, since the recent release of End of The Spear which is based on the story, I have been able to find the documentary. I'm actually more interested in the documentary then the movie since actual footage and interviews are used. I remember this clip that they showed of the missionaries making contact with the Waudoni tribe and one member turned around and looked at the camera and he had this look on his face of excitement and hope. They were making a connection.
I just ordered the documentary from amazon (2 copies actually) and I can't wait to get them.
| By JennR | 10:40 AM
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Comments
I used to read the book to my sixth grade students when I taught in Florida. They loved it. I got to go to Equador and see where much of this happened. I would love to see the documentary. There was an old film made with some original footage that I saw once but it didn't have the return and the "rest of the story" It is amazing.
Posted by: greg at January 23, 2006 10:55 AM
I wanted to buy 2 copies of the documentary to have one to loan out so we will definitely pass it your direction. What took you to Equador? Maybe I should try to read the book too, in all my spare time with 2 young children. I think viewing a documentary might be more realistic! :)
Posted by: jennross at January 23, 2006 11:52 AM
You inspired me to order my own.
Posted by: greg at January 23, 2006 12:17 PM
That's awesome! I've been very interested in the movie and documentary as well. I first read "Through the Gates of Splendor" in middle school and it had such an impact on my faith and opened my eyes to the larger Christian community and inspired further involvement in missions as I got older. I continue to enjoy the writings of those widows, particularly Elisabeth Elliot.
Posted by: philana at January 23, 2006 7:49 PM
so interesting that you should talk about this, Elisabeth Elliot came to a conference in Kenya that I was attending and talked to us, it was awesome. I listen to a radio program on Moody (while working) called Family Life? and they have been featuring (during the end of December and beginning of January) the story, talking to some people who were involved, the producer of the movie etc. interviewing missionary kids who were there (who are now adults), talking about the experiences and I loved it. 30 minutes has never gone so fast...what really hit me was the forgiveness. these people forgave with all their heart
Posted by: grace at January 23, 2006 8:16 PM