The bible class is having a 'once every semester' movie night this
Saturday. 'Amazing Grace', the title of the movie that we will be watch/
ing, is named after the title of a very famous hymn probably known to
most of you already.
The author of this hymn is called John Newton. He was a slave trader in
Great Britian prior to his conversion to Christ. The movie is about the
true story between him and a few young men who were responsible for the
ultimate abolishment of slave trade in Britian.
The main character in the story is however, not John, but a young man
called William Wilberforce. Wilberforce was a very young politician
then, he ended up spending 25 years, bringing forth the abolishment bill
to the parliament numerous times (known as the house of commons at that
time) before it was passed eventually. It is a story of love and faith,
about justice vs. politics and ideology vs. cruel reality.
This true story has brought us a very inspiring question which is
especially relevant to us today : Could we sustain our true moral values
in human politics or are principles always have to be sacrificed inorder
to have our victory won ? This story has taught us a true lesson of
blood and flesh, to see how God could work through a group of courageous
christians, to change the entire course of the kingdom of Great Britian
in history, from Her state of spiritual darkness (being the no.1 country
in slavery) to Her complete spritual awakening (the once and for all
abolishment in slavery). In the story we could see how Wilberforce and
his comrades were torn into pieces between their moral values and
politics and between God and King. 'A true lesson of flesh and blood'
is certainly not an over-statement.
Jesus once said,' With man this is impossible, but not with God: for all
things are possible with God.' (Mark 10/27). In the movie, we could see
how God has worked in all kinds of mysterious ways to bring about His
Liberation. So on one side we see the loyal committment of men to God,
on the other side we see the Mightiness of God. One might say, the
consequence of human fallenness is severe and the price for liberating
from its consequence is high. This is perhaps another spiritual lesson
that we could learn from the movie.
In the story, Wilberforce was by no means the only hero, fighting side
by side with him were :
1)John Newton, the spiritual mentor of Wilberforce who was responsible
for his spritual upbringing and has inspired him all the way through.
The hymn writer of 'Amazing Grace', a former slave trader who turned
into a humble minister in his small parish. One who lived in his life-
long quilt because of what he has done before. One who ended up as an
ultimate inspiration for Wilberforce, one who has spent the rest of his
life in writting up his confessions, repenting in tears until he has
become blind.
2) A christian group known as 'Quakers' (considered to be a radical gp.
at the time of Wilberforce). They were those who have brought him to the
the experience of slavery and remained as his most faithful comrades.
3) William Pitt, a young prime minister who shared the same ideal as
Wilberforce, one who tried to shield Wilberforce from dirty politics so
that Wilberforce could keep his private conscience. They ended up both
being torn apart in political turmoils. He was the one who introduced
the 'Quakers' to Wilberforce.
4) Baraba Spooner, a young lovely girl who had been Wilberforce's secret
admirer since her age of 14. They both shared the same tender heart for
loving small animals. Another faithful life-long comrade of Wilberforce,
both fighting for the same course. One who has brought Wilberforce back
to a complete spiritual revitalization when he was declared 'traitor' to
his country. One who married Wilberforce when he was in the desparate
pit of his trough and was about to collapse.
5) Olaudah Equiano, a former African slave (American born) who bought
himself out of slavery and has become a best-selling writer in promoting
the abolishment movement. One who has done a lot in reviving the moral
conscience of Britian.
All these spiritiual heros were loyal to God in His Revolution in
freeing humanity. Yet, by the time the abolishment has eventually come
forth, both of William Pit and Equiano have passed away, and John Newton
has suffered a loss in sight.
This is a true touching story, beautifully filmed and was directed by
Michael Apted (the acclaimed director and maker of 'Ray'). Let us
conclude by quoting some of the appraisals :
' A Sweeping Epic !' ---- NBC Real Talk.
' Four ****' ---- The New York Observer.
'A Must-See' ---- O Magazine.
You could surely figure out more by going to the internet. But most
important, 'IT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU REALLY DO NOT WANT TO MISS.' We
understand that it is towards the end of the semester, you are probably
engaged in a lot of things, but that is precisely why we provide you
with this movie night; so that in the midst of your hard work, you could
take a break, revive yourself and receieve the blessing of the Lord.
PLEASE COME AND JOIN US PUNCTUALLY AT 7:00PM THIS SATURDAY EVENNING.
May the Lord bless you and keep you all,
The DeKalb chinese bible class :)
p.s. We shall use a over-head screen as well as a very good hi-fi
sound system in order to bring you to the same degree of entertainment
as watching in a cinema :)
This week's co-worker assignment:
Singspiration: Hongqin
Discussion: Dr. Kwong
Children: Hongqin/Phil
Refreshment: Yunting
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