Torchlighters - Perpetua

It is the year AD 203 in Carthage, North Africa. Perpetua, an affluent young mother, is charged with converting to Christianity and is sent to prison. But her freedom can be secured easily. All she has to do is offer one pinch of incense in honor to the Roman gods. With this simple act of devotion and loyalty to the Roman Empire she can regain her freedom and return to her infant son and a life of comfort. As her father pleads for Perpetua to consider the welfare of her child and the reputation of their family, she slowly makes her way to face the Roman proconsul and declare her final decision. What will it be? This episode of Torchlighters: Heroes of the Faith presents one of the most influential, true stories of the Early Church.

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. For more information on the series, go to www.torchlighters.org.

DVD Special Features:
• English and Spanish languages with optional English and Spanish subtitles
• 61-Minute documentary with Early Church experts Dr. Rex Butler and Dr. John Mark Yeats, filmed in Tunisia, North Africa where the actual events took place
• Comprehensive leader’s guide with lesson plans, background information, and more
• Reproducible student handouts, including comprehension and discussion questions, puzzles, activities, coloring, and more
• More activities for children at www.torchlighters.org and www.kidsofcourage.com

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 eight 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.

Another 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