Torchlighters - Gladys Aylward

With war raging about her and soldiers closing in, the wounded missionary Gladys Aylward sets out on the most difficult journey of her life—a 100-mile trek over the mountains to a safe haven. But it's not her own safety that concerns this little woman with big faith. It's the safety and well being of the 100 orphaned children in her care. Watch as Gladys' strength and faith are stretched to the limit, all for the sake of the children.

Torchlighters is a series of animated programs for youth ages 8-12, presenting the lives of true-life heroes from Christian history. When kids see what God can do through a "Torchlighter" who is devoted to carrying out His will and purposes, they too may want to carry a torch of faith by serving Him. Approx. 30 minutes.

Special Features:

• English and Spanish languages with optional English subtitles
• Original documentary featuring biographer Carol Purves and Gladys' adopted son Clifford Liu
• Comprehensive leader's guide with lesson plans, background information, and more
• Reproducible student handouts, including discussion questions, puzzles, coloring pages, and more
• Rated G

The torchlighters DVDs are not your Saturday morning variety cartoons!

In a refreshingly new way, animated features tell the real stories of William Tyndale, who gave us the English Bible at the cost of his life; John Bunyan, preacher, prisoner, and author of Pilgrim's Progress; Eric Liddell, Olympic Gold medalist and missionary; and Jim Elliot, 20th-century missionary pioneer and martyr. Although they were produced for 8- to 12-year-olds, I found their messages to be non-condescending and able to rivet the attention of teens and adults alike.

Yet there is far more here than four colorful 30-minute dramas. Each DVD comes with documentary extras that really pack a wallop! For example: The William Tyndale Story includes an in-depth interview with an eminent Tyndale scholar, as well as the Christian testimony of the famous young British actor who voices Tyndale in the feature. John Bunyan offers additional facts about his life and is filmed at the Bunyan Museum in England. Eric Liddell of Chariots of Fire fame offers an additional 60 minutes on his life as athlete and WWII missionary.

Last but not least is the Jim Elliot Story. After watching the drama that most of us are familiar with, the rest of the story unfolds in 83 minutes of  “extras” Steve and the late Marj Saint share their inspiring accounts of life on the mission field before and after the tragedy. I was powerfully touched by Steve’s story of growing up in Ecuador and how God continues to use this humble man and his family to reach the people for Christ who killed his father. His challenge on how to really live is one that every teen should hear! Then Marj tells her moving account of a life in service, with words and pictures.

These  DVDs will not only educate your children about church history; they feature life-changing inspirational messages designed to make “torchlighters” of us all. A leader’s guide is included in PDF format. Additional study material, games, and activities are available online.

Rated G