Sunday, March 30, 2008

.... The Lost Boys of Sudan





6 comments:

Heatherelle said...

Michelle,

I agree! It's a great film. If you're local, you can find it at the Chesapeake Library.

Have you read the book by the same title? Very good, as well. It goes deeper into John Bul Dau's story, and brings you full circle to how he's helping his native country now. It was one of my favorite books last year. He is an inspiring man in many ways.

Wendy said...

You know, I am sure it is a great film. I am sure it is heartbreaking. I think it needs a different title...
The truth is that God didn't grow tired of them, but rather God sustained, moved with, and guided their every single step. It is to God's glory that they survived, nothing else but His power can be accredited with that. I am so thankful that He the Lord of all Never grows tired of us. Because he is given reason to every day from each of us sinful creatures, and that makes Him and His grace all the more sweet.

Heatherelle said...

At least from the book's standpoint, the title is a little misleading. John Bul Dau is a strong Christian who frequently points to his faith in God as the source of his hope. His comment that there were times when he thought God grew tired of them comes right after he's summarized all the atrocities he'd faced as a boy. But he doesn't stay there and wallow in that doubt. Throughout the book he emphasizes that God made him for a purpose, that God sustained him for a purpose, and that God will help him fulfill that purpose. In fact, there's a quote in the opening pages that sums up his faith well. If I had it in front of me, I'd quote it, but I don't, so here's a paraphrase: "They call us the Lost Boys, but I am not lost, for God has found me." I agree, the title does make it sound like they lost all faith in God, but that is not what happened in Dau's case! It really is worth a read! And a watch! I recommend doing both!

Michelle said...

I saw there was a book Heather. I'm going to add that to my list. I'd love to hear more about his story.

I agree with Heather, Wendy. The title is misleading. I was very moved throughout the movie (crying most of the way through the movie and into the night) not because it was a heartbreaking story of what they went through in Sudan or the exodus (only a small part of the movie even touches on this), but because of what they went through when they relocated to the United States. I'm still having a difficult time putting my finger on what exactly touched me so deeply but Heather mentioned one of highlights -- their hope.

It is an interesting movie in that I didn't feel it was trying to make one big point or take you in any certain direction. It was simply telling their story through the years. For this reason, it is packed with many nuggets to ponder and pray about that will surely keep my mind and heart full for some time to come.

hosanna said...

i have been hearing about his film and just rented it, i can't wait to watch it.

Unknown said...

Thanks Heather. I am thankful that God has worked in this man's heart and is able to use his story. I will read the book too. It is refreshing to hear that because so often God is left out of the "good deeds" or amazing stories we here now days. It does need a different title though...

Thanks Michelle. Your blog is often very interesting.