Open Doors USA Endorses Documentary
August 19, 2005
(AgapePress) - The epic story of five slain missionaries in the jungles of Ecuador -- a story that made national headlines 50 years ago -- is now an award-winning documentary. Bearing Fruit Communications has announced the national availability of Beyond the Gates of Splendor, an award-winning documentary commemorating a classic Christian testimony of tragedy, triumph, forgiveness and redemption. Bearing Fruit Communications was formed to educate and empower Christians with stories that demonstrate the relevance of God's Word for today's world.
As part of the national launch of the documentary, Bearing Fruit Communications is offering more than 10,000 free kits of Beyond the Gates of Splendor to churches 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 story.
Bearing Fruit Communications was commissioned by and is a member of the Forum of Bible Agencies-North America, an alliance of leading ministries specifically committed to communicating God's Word in its various forms. Open Doors, a worldwide Christian ministry to persecuted Christians, is also a member of the forum.
Dr. Carl A. Moeller, president and CEO of Open Doors USA, urges churches to order the documentary and use the kit to impact their congregation and community.
"Beyond the Gates of Splendor is an inspiring story of hope, forgiveness and God's transforming power among the Waodani tribe in Ecuador," Moeller says. "From the slaughter of the five missionaries in 1956 came changed hearts and changed lives. I encourage your church to order the documentary kit today. It is a powerful testimony."
For 50 years, Open Doors has also been working to support and strengthen Christians in some of the most dangerous countries in the world -- like Colombia, Iraq and Sudan. It is cutting edge, dangerous work, but as Open Doors International founder Brother Andrew states -- "Our very mission is called 'Open Doors' because we believe that any door is open, anytime and anywhere ... to proclaim Christ." Just like the work of the five martyred missionaries in Ecuador, God's Word is being carried to the ends of the earth by Open Doors and members of the Forum of Bible Agencies.
Beyond the Gates of Splendor details the deaths of missionaries Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully and Roger Youderian, who were violently killed in the remote Ecuadorian jungle by the notoriously savage Waodani tribe known then as Aucas. With first-hand accounts from the missionaries' widows and interviews with their children and the actual tribesmen involved in the missionaries' killings, the documentary provides a compelling look into the spearing deaths that providentially changed the violent nature of the tribe. It also details the remarkable story of how two American women reached out and brought peace to the Waodani people as a result of the spearings by living among the very people who killed their loved ones.
The Beyond the Gates of Splendor church kit release is the first of three stages planned to bring this compelling story to audiences. In October, the full-length version of the Beyond the Gates of Splendor documentary will be available for purchase in DVD format in stores nationwide.
In January 2006, Bearing Fruit Communications is taking the story to the "big screen." Bearing Fruit Communications contracted with the for-profit production company, Every Tribe Entertainment, to produce and release a full-length feature film, End of the Spear, in theaters across the nation.
Churches, schools, and non-profit organizations interested in receiving a Beyond the Gates of Splendor screening kit can visit the movie website or call (800) 695-9847.
