End of the Spear

On January 20th, the movie "End of the Spear" was released. It is a movie based on the true story of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, Roger Youderian, and Ed McCully and their missionary quest to reach the Waodani Indians of Ecuador back in 1956. Their earthly mission ended when they were speared to death on the beach by the Waodani. But their efforts were not in vain, as the Waodani came to Christ in the years to come through the widows of two of the men slain on that day in 1956. This excellent movie faithfully retells the story through the perspective of the Waodani. At no time did I feel that the movie had a "cheesy church basement (i.e. Left Behind)" or "Billy Graham special" feel to it.
I bring up this movie for two reasons. First, as stated previously, I think that it is an excellent movie and highly recommend it. Second, the reviews in secular publications were very enlightening into the view of missions by the world.
The most enlightening comments came from the review published in the Rockford Register Star. This review called the missionaries' zeal reckless and irresponsible as they left to reach the Waodani. How could they think of leaving their wives and children behind? The review also called them arrogant to think that the Waodani needed the gospel; in essence saying how could they think that their religion was any better, or any more true than that which the Waodani had been following for centuries? I believe that this is a general "outsider's" view on missions in our world today- acts of arrogance and often times irresponsibility to change cultures that are "doing fine on their own". The author of this review was equally appalled at the decision of the dead mens' relatives to take the children into the jungle to live with those who speared them by stating "where are the folks from Child Protective Services when you need them."
I really began to think after reading the review, that this is what many will be thinking and saying as Danielle and I prepare to leave for the mission field. As we share with coworkers, classmates, neighbors, and others; their reaction may be that of arrogance and irresponsibility on our parts. Yet, we will not have to stand before our coworkers, classmates, or neighbors in the end to give an account of our lives, but rather to Christ (2 Cor 5:10) for our obedience to Him in our responsibility in fulfilling the great commission (Matt 28), and whether we picked up our cross and followed Him daily as instructed in Luke 9:23.
I am thankful for this movie because it has given me a "heads up" into future conversations with those who won't understand why we must go.

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose"

Jim Elliot

JDB