Review: Visual Parables - Fall 2004Vision Video has good cause to be proud again with its adaptation to DVD of its fictionalized biography of William Carey, often regarded as the Father of the Modern Missionary Movement. Under the direction of director/writer Tony Tew, the excellent Anglo-Indian cast, headed by Richard Atlee as Carey, effectively brings to life the people and times of the late 18th and early 19th century. No one was less likely to become the founder of such a great movement as this impoverished, largely self-taught cobbler turned Baptist preacher. He was not a very good speaker, but still, inspired by the stories of the Moravian missionaries who had evangelized the natives of the West Indies, he was filled with zeal to spread the Good News to people in far places, despite the disinterest and ridicule from fellow clergy. He helped found a missionary society, and in 1793 found himself with his wife, two sons and sister-in-law in India. Carey’s 40 year work in India showed what a dedicated person of faith could accomplish when, as he wrote, we “expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” The film’s title comes from the old Chinese proverb about lighting a candle rather than cursing the darkness. It also owes much to Jesus’ charge that his followers become the “light of the world.” This fine film shows that few have fulfilled this charge as fully as did William Carey. It should be in every church library and used to acquaint young and old with the roots of the church’s great missionary heritage.
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