july 8, 2006
A Story of Forgiveness for a Time of Tragedy
As I was growing up, many of my friends in the neighborhood were reading comic books like "Batman" and the "Fantastic Four." My parents would only let my brothers and sisters and I read Christian comics, so I was reading the children's versions of "The Cross and the Switchblade", "The Hiding Place", and "God's Smuggler" -- along with Archie's Jesus comics of numerous varieties (those who were evangelical kids in that era know what I'm talking about).
One of the most popular comics of that time was also one of the most popular adult books, "Through the Gates of Splendor". For those not familiar with it, this is the epic story of five slain missionaries in the jungles of Ecuador — a story that made national headlines 50 years ago, and has inspired millions since.
This amazing story of a group of missionaries who found grace to forgive those who murdered their loved ones is amazingly relevant to the turbulent times we live in today. As we mourn with the victims of the terror attacks in London, the time will come for the survivors and their families to find forgiveness for the perpetrators of this heinous crime -- much like the victims of September 11th have struggled to do.
This story is a roadmap to finding that forgiveness.
Bearing Fruit Communications today announced the national rollout of Beyond the Gates of Splendor, a documentary commemorating this classic Christian testimony of tragedy, triumph, forgiveness, and redemption. Bringing new life to one of the most renowned ministry stories in history, Beyond the Gates of Splendor chronicles the account of five martyred missionaries speared to death in Ecuador by one of the world’s most violent tribes — and the miraculous story of forgiveness and reconciliation.
As part of the national launch of the documentary, this ministry is offering more than 10,000 free screening kits of Beyond the Gates of Splendor to churches nationwide that are interested in screening it for their congregations or as part of outreach events.
The church screening kits contain an abridged (40 minutes) version of the documentary, marketing materials and ads for promoting the screenings, as well as additional study guide materials to aid pastors, lay and small group leaders in sharing an unforgettable — and true — story.
And to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the killings, in January, 2006, Bearing Fruit Communications is joining with Every Tribe Entertainment to release this story in theaters across the nation through a major motion picture entitled, End of the Spear.
End of the Spear tells the story of the martyred missionaries from the tribe’s perspective with a focus on the father/son-type relationship that develops between Steve Saint, who was five years old when his father, Nate Saint, was killed by the Waodani warriors, and Mincaye, one of the tribesmen involved in the spearings. Steve Saint grew up knowing the men who had killed his father and came to love them, to regard them as family, to be baptized by their hands, and to be embraced as a son in their tribe.
Churches, schools and nonprofit organizations interested in receiving a Beyond the Gates of Splendor screening kit can visit www.everytribe.com, or call (800) 695-9847 to request a copy.
Watch the trailer for End of the Spear
Learn more about Beyond the Gates of Splendor
More from Craig von Buseck on CBN.com
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