National Geographic Documentary Films is scheduled to release The Mission next week in the US and Canada. This film is about John Chau who was killed in 2018 when attempting to share the gospel with a North Sentinel Island people group.
His death made international headlines.
Of course, the world does not look favorably upon “missionaries,” especially those attempting to reach a population labeled as “off limits” to outsiders.
How will National Geographic tell the story? We shall soon see. You may find the trailer HERE.
I remember when the news broke that year, and global commentators shared a common narrative–one generally about colonialism, mental instability, ethnocentrism, death of culture, law breaking, and the transmission of harmful parasites to an isolated community.
Though I did not know Chau’s story, I assumed there was another side not making most media outlets.
Chau was a missionary with All Nations. So, I invited Dr. Pam Arlund to my show (Strike the Match).
Dr. Arlund was a credible source as a member of the international leadership team with All Nations. She was able to share the other needed perspective.
Sadly, few people, even within the Church, paid any attention to my conversation with Pam.
Therefore, I am linking that post HERE, in case you want to listen–five years later, but before the talking heads begin again.
Regardless, this documentary will bring to the surface numerous conversations about unreached-unengaged people groups, sacrifice, and gospel advancement. The nations will rage. But how will the Church respond?
Conversations regarding Chau, even in mission circles, diminished by 2019. I thought they would remain strong for years. It appears The Mission has the potential to revive them. This time, I think there will be even more discussions with greater fervor.
We probably should fasten our seatbelts for the ride to come and be prepared to give a reason for the hope we have.