Torchlighters

In 1956, news from the steamy jungles of Ecuador spread rapidly around the world. Five young American men had been mercilessly killed by members of the Auca (Woadani) tribe — the very same people those young men had gone to serve and befriend. That seemingly senseless tragedy has become an inspirational marvel as family members of those young men have now befriended that very same tribe! This is the story of one of the brave torchlighters who lost his life that fateful day. Jim Elliot spent his youth preparing to share the Gospel with those who’d never heard it. But nothing could have prepared him for the dangers and challenges he would face in the jungles of Ecuador. The remote Auca tribe was suspicious and antagonistic toward even the friendliest gestures from outsiders. Would Jim and his fellow missionaries ever be able to break down the hostile barriers and carry a torch of faith to these people who are determined to attack all outsiders? In this episode of Torchlighters we follow Jim’s adventures in faith from his college years to his work in the jungles, to the legacy he and his fellow missionaries left behind.

Living as a hunted fugitive has its challenges. King Henry VIII has ordered his bounty hunters to track William Tyndale down and William can almost feel them closing in. William Tyndale’s calling is to right a great wrong. Church and government authorities have made it illegal to read, write or even speak the sacred Scriptures in English. The most important book ever written is being kept from all but the most educated and powerful people of the day. Sensing that God’s Word is for all people, William defies the authorities and begins the difficult and dangerous work of translating the Old and New Testaments. This episode of Torchlighters follows William’s adventures as he works in secret to complete his task. Friends and allies will help him along, but enemies may be lurking behind any corner. Children will be challenged by the story of how William risks his life to bring God’s word to England. When they see the sacrifice William is willing to make so that others may read the Bible, their appreciation for the Scriptures will increase.

John Bunyan is a hard-working family man. As a tinker, he goes from town to town, mending pots and pans for all who will pay. He’s put aside the pranks of youth and his rough days as a soldier and is trying hard to live a good clean life. No cursing, no fighting and no stealing! But despite all his efforts, John can’t free himself from a heavy burden of guilt. Fear of eternal damnation haunts him day and night. Finally, a chance meeting helps John to understand that he must hand his sin over to the One who can carry the load. Once he’s free of the burden of guilt, John is like a new man. Nothing can stop him from sharing the good news of salvation with others. Before long, this uneducated tinker is preaching to crowds that are hungry for solid spiritual food. There’s just one problem. Preaching outside of the official church is illegal in England in 1660. When the authorities learn of the tinker-preacher and the large crowds coming to hear him, they draw up the necessary papers and send their officers to do the dirty work. If Bunyan preaches even one sentence, he will be arrested and thrown into prison. With his wife, his children and his congregation watching, John Bunyan steps to the pulpit. With a glance toward the waiting officers and their arrest warrant, Bunyan takes a deep breath and begins his sermon. He would rather follow his calling and suffer the consequences than cower in fear as a free man. Once in prison, John’s ministry continues in a new way. The man with little education and much personal grief uncovers a distinct talent for writing. After completing several non-fiction books, John begins the most important work of his life. The Pilgrim’s Progress follows the struggle of a Christian pilgrim to stay true to his beliefs, avoid temptations, and remain on the narrow path to reach heaven. Published in 1678, this book’s description of Christianity as a journey containing both highs and lows has impacted countless millions of people. A

Eric Liddell is fast. In fact he is the fastest runner in all of Scotland, winning race after race. This national hero with an easy smile has captured the country’s heart, and they can’t wait to see him take on the world in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric’s coach is training him hard for his very best event, the 100-meter sprint, in which he is expected to win a gold medal. Eric has got talent, fame, and a bright future as a star athlete. But Eric has something else that is even more important to him: Faith. Eric’s goals go beyond winning local or national races. They go beyond even the International Olympics. Eric’s main goal is to serve and follow God, no matter what the cost. One day he hopes to become a missionary to China where he lived for his early years and where his parents still serve. Eric will not let anything or anyone come between him and God. When Eric and his coach learn of his acceptance into the Olympics, a conflict is quickly noticed. The time trials for Eric’s race are on a Sunday. Eric’s desire to keep the Sabbath holy means he does not race on Sundays. He has always kept the Lord’s Day for worship and rest, and he is not going to change just for the Olympics! The people of Scotland are outraged. The golden boy falls quickly out of favor, as their hopes for Olympic gold are dashed. No matter how the public pressure mounts, Eric will not compromise his principles. Finally a solution is found. The Olympic committee agrees to allow Eric to compete in two other events, which do not take place on a Sunday: the 200-meter and the 400-meter races. Though he faces tough competition and is somewhat out of his league, Eric surprises the world with a gold medal win and new world record in the 400 and a Bronze in the 200. Eric returns as a national hero! Following the Olympics, Eric’s fame spreads. He uses his many speaking engagements to share his faith, while living the life of a celebrity. But, in 1925 Eric leaves all that behi

It’s a dangerous time to be a Christian in World War II Romania. The Russian Communists are in power, and like the Nazis before them, they are persecuting Christians. Pastor Richard Wurmbrand’s church continues meeting secretly, as Richard ministers to his congregation and works to spread the Gospel whenever possible. But the Communist authorities are scheming. They call a public meeting of the church leaders, offering “protection” to those who will voice support for the government. If they can get the leaders to profess allegiance, they know the rest of the people will be much more manageable. One after another Christian leaders take the stage and give speeches to show their support for the Communists — in return they will enjoy relative safety. When Pastor Wurmbrand is called to the podium, he must decide what to do. With his wife’s urging, Richard throws down the gauntlet. He makes a public declaration of his faith and refuses to support the Communists, thereby placing his entire family in danger. As events unfold, Richard is soon kidnapped by the secret police. Over the next 8 years, they try to break him with every technique in the book, but he will not bend. Not only does Richard hold steadfast to the faith, he serves as a pastor to others in prison. Meanwhile, his family also suffers, but walks on in faith. After Richard is finally released, he is overjoyed to discover the underground church still gathering for worship and encouraging one another. Richard went on to use his experience to help people around the world understand how Christians and others were being treated behind the iron curtain. His work continues today through the organization he founded, The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM).

Gladys Aylward may be small, but she serves a Big God! She’s seen Him lead through countless trials and challenges. But now, after eight years of service in China, Gladys is facing a crucial decision. Her village is under attack by the Japanese and the children in her care are in danger. Desperate to get the one hundred children out of harm’s way, the wounded Gladys awakens them in the night and begins a one hundred mile journey to safety. She is the only adult. There is no vehicle and no pack animal. They must carry what they need. It is a journey that can only be attempted with God at the lead. As expected, the physical and emotional challenges of such a journey prove to be immense. Gladys must struggle through her own hunger, fatigue, injury, and illness in order to help the children persevere over the mountain. All the while they know enemy soldiers could attack. When they tire of singing songs, Gladys urges the children along with stories of God — sharing the many ways He has worked throughout her life. Just when Gladys has given her all and seems unable to face one more roadblock, we find the tables have turned. The children whom she has protected, nourished, and led now offer hope back to her. They have learned well from their beloved role model and now remind her that God is still God and He will see them through. And indeed, He does. Gladys Aylward’s faith and courage are strong examples for us. As a young Christian, Gladys faced immense obstacles. She had few means, was a poor student, and was told she should not become a missionary. Yet, Gladys decided that if God asked her to do something, she would do it. No barriers or roadblocks would stop her, as she trusted in His plan and provision. The road was often uncertain and difficult, but Gladys persevered with her Savior by her side. The small woman with a big God left a legacy of faith in her adopted land of China. Her story encourages each of us to follow as God leads and trust in His pr

In the year 202 AD, the Roman emperor has decreed that there shall be no new Christians. Conversions are forbidden on pain of death. The government sees the Christian “sect” as bad news because they refuse to offer the required sacrifice to the emperor. They must be stopped before others join them and upset the system! Yet, in ancient Carthage, as all over the empire, men and women still come to Christ, risking execution for doing so. Slave and free, rich and poor, old and young, they gather together under the cover of darkness to worship the one true God, strengthening their bond and their faith commitment. Among the new believers is a privileged young mother named Perpetua. When the Roman soldiers swoop into the peaceful meeting they arrest all the new believers who are preparing for baptism. Perpetua is arrested, along with four others, including her pregnant slave Felicity. Perpetua no longer sees Felicity as a slave, but as a beloved sister in Christ. Ancient prisons are horrible places: dark, stinking (there are no toilets), hot, crowded, and dangerous. By offering just a simple pinch of incense to the emperor as a god, Perpetua and her companions can be free to return to their families and the comforts of home. Everyone else does it, no matter what gods they worship. But the early believers, though obedient to the government, refuse to do anything that looks like idolatry. Through her diary, Perpetua leaves a written record of their ordeal and the many ways the Lord comforts them: She experiences great joy when she is allowed to keep her baby in prison; encouragement comes through the visits of fellow believers; One, who may have been their teacher, even joins them in prison in order to share in their ordeal; Peace and contentment are strengthened through visions, including one confirming they are to be martyred, but will have victory over death with eternal life in heaven. It is said that many in Carthage found Christ and entered the Churc

As Amy Carmichael travels about southern India at the turn of the twentieth century, her deepest desire is to share Jesus’ love with the local people. She has traded her Irish clothing for a cheap Indian sari, gathered together a small group of women, and laid aside all plans for marriage and children. As one of her Indian companions points out, children would “tie the feet,” taking her attention away from her goal of sharing Christ with the people of India. Upon adopting the name “The Starry Cluster,” the little group eagerly sets out with great hope of fulfilling Daniel 12:3: “Those that lead many to righteousness shall shine like the stars forever.” However, results are few as the Indian caste system, which does not allow people of different social levels to interact, and the society’s lesser appreciation of women, make it difficult to connect with the people. Even so, some of the women and a few children are drawn to their Christian message. Meanwhile, seven-year-old Preena has been given to the Indian temple by her impoverished family in an attempt to gain the favor of the Hindu gods. Though the temple women try to break her spirit through hard work and confinement, Preena holds on to the hope of escape. During her first daring getaway, Preena encounters Amy Carmichael in the market place and quickly recognizes something different in this kind woman in the light blue sari. As the temple leaders snatch her away, Preena cries out for help even as she grabs hold of the cross swinging from Amy’s neck. Back at the temple, Preena pays dearly for running away and is warned to stay away from Amy Carmichael, known in the village as the “soul-stealing woman.” Yet, Preena cannot forget the kindness and love she saw in Amy — a love she describes as “all light.” Driven by that love and led by a God she has barely heard about, Preena attempts another escape in order to find Amy. Through a miraculous work of God, Amy returns to her vill

Introduce children to the action-packed story behind the Salvation Army and its founder William Booth. The pub owners and their hired thugs are ready for William and his ragtag followers when they come marching into London’s East End. With clubs and rocks, the thugs are set to chase this preacher out of town once and for all. But William and his “Salvation Army” are not so easily dissuaded! Armed only with Bibles, musical instruments and their unflinching faith in God, they march in to face their most dangerous opponents so far. Who will win the spiritual battle for the hurting souls of this forgotten corner of London?

Young Prince Kaboo is being held for ransom by a fierce enemy tribe. When his African father can no longer meet their demands, Kaboo’s fate is sealed. The fierce warriors tie the weakened prince to a pole and prepare to finish him off. Suddenly, a blinding light appears, and the ropes fall away! Kaboo’s strength returns, and he hears a voice urging him to run. While stunned warriors look on in fear, Kaboo escapes into the African jungle and stumbles upon a mission complex, where he learns of his heavenly Father who paid the ransom for all! Taking the new name “Samuel Morris,” he sets out on a mission to share his newfound faith with all who will listen. Don’t miss this dramatic episode of The Torchlighters: The Samuel Morris Story, African missionary to America!

Bright young Augustine thinks his mother's religion is foolishness. With his "superior" intellect to guide him, he sneaks away from home and ventures to a new life in the city of Rome. Soon Augustine finds himself in an important position as "The Voice of The Emperor," with the life of luxury he's always wanted. When the empire decides to take over one of Milan's Christian basilicas, Augustine prepares to give the speech of a lifetime, one that will slow the rising tide of Christianity's influence. With his devout mother and the unwavering Bishop Ambrose on one side and angry, armed soldiers on the other, Augustine discovers he must choose whom he will serve.

Corrie Ten Boom and her family repair broken clocks and watches. But as the evil of World War II sweeps through their city, a new kind of “watch” comes to their care: an innocent Jewish baby, desperately needing protection from the cruelty of the Nazi invaders. How will the ten Booms keep this baby and many others out of harm’s way, and what will be the cost of serving God amidst unthinkable evils? When faith is tested, hope is tried, and love is strained, will Corrie’s God prevail? This gripping episode of the Torchlighters is an amazing story of courage, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

When six-year-old John Wesley is miraculously saved from his family’s burning home, his mother is certain that God has a great purpose for the boy’s life. John will later refer to himself as a “brand plucked from the burning” (Zechariah 3:2)., and as a young adult devotes himself to strict Christian discipline and a life of service. John prays, fasts, studies, and serves with great zeal. He becomes a priest in the Church of England and helps found the Holy Club in Oxford, a group devoted to following strict Christian discipline and evangelizing prisoners. He even heads to Georgia with big plans to whip the American colonists of Savannah and Frederica into shape and evangelize the Native Americans as well. But through it all, John finds his faith is lacking and peace elusive. Not only is he afraid of death, but he is also afraid he has missed his supposed calling, especially when his time in America ends in disgrace and defeat after only two years. Dejected and discouraged, John walks into a Bible study one evening at the suggestion of his friend, Moravian Peter Böhler. Here John’s eyes are opened to a new concept—salvation by grace and trust in Christ. John soon finds the peace he so desires, and his life’s purpose is becoming clear. But John’s new message is not welcomed in many Church of England parishes, so he joins his old friend George Whitefield in preaching in the open air. This unheard of act further estranges John from the Church of England. With his new message of free grace for all, alongside a continuing commitment to strict spiritual discipline and good works, John’s ministry expands rapidly, bringing much relief to oppressed laborers in rural England. John, his brother Charles, George Whitefield, and others go on to found the Methodist movement, which will flourish both in England and in America.

In the mid nineteenth century, the hermit kingdom of Korea will do anything to keep foreigners and Christianity out. However, one brave missionary will do anything to bring the light of God into this dark land. With the help of some Korean fishermen hungry for truth, Robert Jermain Thomas risks everything to smuggle in a treasure beyond all imagination. But what will his bravery cost him? And will the Word of God bring light to this dark kingdom?

In a world ruled by a corrupt and greedy church, all it took was one little nail, one well-written parchment, and one sharp-tongued monk to turn everything upside down! Martin Luther didn’t mean to spark the Reformation with his 95 Theses, but his realization that salvation comes through faith and not works ignited the revolution that changed the world. As Pope Leo X hounds and fights him at every turn, will Luther have the courage to stand strong—even to death? Find out with the fifteenth episode of the Torchlighters, commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation!

Adoniram Judson and his wife Ann were the first missionaries from the United States. The young couple set out for Burma where they worked to reach souls in a land where professing Christ would mean certain death. When treacherous religious leaders falsely accuse Adoniram of spying, Burma’s ruthless king throws him into prison, leaving Ann and her unborn child to struggle alone. Will Adoniram escape death and reunite with his wife and child? Will their Bible translation, the only one of its kind, be lost forever?

For centuries slavery reigned in parts of America, forcing an entire people into a lifetime of suffering and servitude. Living under the thumb of this oppressive system, young Harriet Tubman prayed ceaselessly that she and her family would be set free. Little did she know, God would use her and her resolute faith in Jesus to rescue not only her own family, but hundreds of other enslaved African-Americans as well. Discover how Harriet followed God, became the Moses of her people, and persevered despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles in this latest episode of The Torchlighters.

George Müller lives on radical prayer, depending on God to supply all his needs without asking for a cent from anyone—not even the congregation he pastors! When he comes into contact with the neglected street children of the city of Bristol (England), he discovers that the workhouses force these desperate orphans into unpaid labor. George and his wife, Mary, open the first orphanages supported entirely by prayer, and God miraculously provides for their every need. But enemies of their work devise a plan to shut down the orphanages for good. Will George’s trust in God remain strong in the face of cunning opponents and desperate circumstances? Children and adults alike will see radical faith in action in this episode of The Torchlighters, Heroes of the Faith.

Far from home and at the mercy of the pirates who kidnapped him, young Patrick spends his days tending sheep and fighting off wild animals. That is, until he calls out to the God of his youth. Long days spent aching for home become long days talking with Jesus. After six years as a slave, Patrick hears the Holy Spirit urging him to make a daring escape from the Irish tribe and the druid priest who controls their ways. Once back home, Patrick becomes a priest and then a bishop, but he soon makes a stunning announcement: He will return to his kidnappers as a missionary!

The bold Scottish missionary Mary Slessor went deeper into the Nigerian jungle than any other, bringing with her medicine, education, and the life-changing message of the Gospel. When a young mother arrives on her doorstep in the dead of night with newborn twins, Mary receives a fresh call from God: go bring peace and Good News to the Okoyong people, where a powerful witch doctor is terrorizing the most vulnerable. In spite of strong warnings from Brits and Nigerians alike, Mary follows Christ even farther into the jungle. With the Okoyong people’s chief near death and the lives of more innocent people on the line, can Mary’s Savior save them all?

How could a man guilty of selling Africans into slavery compose one of our most beloved hymns? Irreverent, foul-mouthed John Newton was as a deserting sailor, then became a slave, and finally a slave trader. He shamelessly transported kidnapped Africans across the Atlantic Ocean in his ship. But after a dramatic conversion, John begins to comprehend the great evil of slavery. After returning to England, John becomes a respected pastor and writes hymns and sermons that change the world. John hopes to forget his slaving days, but when his friend William Wilberforce begs him to join the fight to end the slave trade, John must make a choice. Will he confront the terrible sins of his past and speak out to end the injustice of slavery?

Born into slavery before the American War of Independence, young Richard Allen believes his future is hopeless. But after becoming a Christian as a young man and then seeing his master also come to faith, Allen buys his freedom. As a free man, he serves God first as circuit riding preacher and then as a pastor in Philadelphia. Even so, Allen cannot completely leave the injustice of his past behind. When the White senior pastor tells Allen and other Black congregants to “know their place,” —which is in the balcony, away from White parishioners—Reverend Allen must make a decision. How will he stand up for his people? When an epidemic strikes Philadelphia, will he risk his own life to help those who treated him as a second-class citizen?

William Carey has an established career as a Baptist minister in England, but the spiritual condition of those who have never heard the gospel haunts him. His strong conviction drives him to do the impossible: leave everything he knows to share the good news in India. In faith and with little else, Carey and other missionaries arrive in Calcutta. Soon, Carey finds himself in the midst of family sorrows, financial struggles, and deep cultural opposition. Despite his faith in God’s call, nothing seems to go well. But when a high-caste Indian has a chance encounter with the missionary group, Carey sees a glimmer of hope. In a place so hostile to Christ and his messengers, will someone finally believe?