The Least of These

As the social fabric of life in rural India disintegrates in the late 1990s, journalist Manav Banerjee (Sharman Joshi) moves with his pregnant wife to the town of Orissa in hope of a better life and the promise of a lucrative career. When speculation mounts that local Australian missionary Graham Staines (Stephen Baldwin) is illegally proselytizing leprosy patients, Manav agrees to investigate undercover for the newspaper. What he finds is a series of revelations that are difficult to fathom and even harder to explain, and Manav is forced to make a choice between his own ambition and the truth. In the end, his actions spark a tragic event that is felt around the world.

Based on a true story and shot on location in India, Staines beautifully illustrates the power of love, hope and forgiveness to overcome hate. Aneesh Daniel directs the film, featuring Stephen Baldwin, Shari Rigby, and Bollywood star Sharman Joshi.

My Review: "The Least of These: The Graham Staines Story" uses a (fictional) journalist to unfold the story of what is happening in India in the late 1990s as the backdrop leading up to the ultimate death of Graham Staines and his two sons. It's a very good storytelling device that introduces us to all of the characters and gives a connection with each. Filmed in India, the scenes present both the beautiful and bleakness of India, but my deepest recollection is the stunning beauty shown. The story does tell us about Graham Staines, but he is seen as part of God's plan rather than this being a biography of his entire life. He is clearly portrayed as a man of courage and humor while being determined to fulfill God's purpose in his life through his love for God, his family, and the people of India, especially the lepers.

Many of the actors were unknown to me, but all impressed me with their talent. I loved Sharman Joshi as the ambitious journalist who is sincere in seeking the truth, yet open to seeing the truth as it unfolds throughout his investigation. Stephen Baldwin was excellent as Staines. His accent bothered me a bit, but considering Staines had lived in India for over 30 years, it made sense that the accent would not be as strong. Shari Rigby was perfect was the quiet yet strong wife of Graham. The actual Gladys Staines both forgave the people who murdered her sons and husband and remained in India with daughter Esther until 2004.

The original soundtrack of the film was outstanding and included award-winning musical artists such as Michael W. Smith, Nicole C Mullen and Toby Mac.
TheLeastOfThese.movie
Graham and Gladys Staines - Missionaries to Orrisa  

See "The Heart of the Movie" for more background info on the making of the film:

Get tickets!! Theaters and Tickets

No Longer a Slumdog by K.P. Yohannan

No Longer A Slumdog: Bringing Hope to Children in Crisis, is written by Gospel For Asia founder K.P. Yohannan. While many people are aware of the poverty that is widespread throughout India, it is hard to even imagine just how full of despair many of the citizens are. Despite being officially illegal, the caste system is alive and thriving. Your socio-economic level is determined and birth and there is no changing it. Within the pages of this book, Yohannan gives a voice to the voiceless with both tales of unmitigated horror, but also with the hope than can be found.

Hopelessness seems predominant through many of the stories shared, yet the stories of hope through lives transformed through the Bridge of Hope Centers sponsored by Gospel For Asia. The stories of abject poverty, human trafficking, illiteracy, and early deaths are heartbreaking and seem insurmountable, yet Yohannnan also presents happy endings that are triumphant and show you ways that can make a profound difference. Ignoring the problems will not make them go away and it is true that the numbers of those trapped in this vicious cycle are overwhelming, but he presents solutions that you may contribute to help alleviate. You may not be able to save all, but perhaps you may help save one child.

** Get your FREE copy of "No Longer A Slumdog"

Gospel For Asia website

Gospel For Asia FB

@GospelforAsia on Twitter

 K. P. Yohannan on FB

Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder and international director for Gospel of Asia, has authored more than 200 books. He is on the board of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), and his Road to Reality radio program airs on more than 900 stations worldwide.


I received a copy of this book from Gospel For Asia in conjunction with FlyBy Promotions. All opinions are my own.

Veil Of Tears

Narrated by Natalie Grant, Veil of Tears tells the untold story of millions of women in India who are culturally oppressed simply because they are women. Their value is only in their ability to produce sons and to provide for the needs of their men. Once her husband dies (which is ALWAYS the fault of the wife), the widow has no value. This film was shot on-location across various regions of India spanning from the majesty of the Taj Mahal to remote tribal villages to some of the worst slums imaginable.

This documentary, produced and directed by Kenny and Kyle Saylors, gives a glimpse of the heart-breaking tragedy that these women face, but also shows the resilience and ability to survive the persecution, rejection, and poverty they face daily.
The film brings an overall view of darker side of life, but also shares the stories of a few women to personalize the anguish they face. But, there is Hope and the film leads to ways that millions of women are now receiving hope through the efforts of Dr. KP Yohannan and Gospel For Asia. Their Bridge of Hope program cares for tens of thousands of children, helping them break out of the generational curses of poverty and hopelessness. Women minister to women to teach them a skill to be used to support themselves and their families, and to teach them their value to Jesus Christ. 

The film starts out with a colorful, fairy tale type story about the Taj Mahal and the love and honor Shah Jahan had for his 3rd wife, Mumtaz Mahal. But the storybook quickly changes to the stark reality of the plight of many Indian women today. Instead of being cherished by their husbands, we learn of the despair. The Saylor Brothers skillfully pull you into the the stories of these women.

The cinematography is outstanding, and I love the way the story moves from various regions of India, clearly demonstrating that this dehumanizing of females is not merely a few isolated instances. The viewer is moved by the despair these women and their children face daily, but we are led to the hope that can be found. Follow-ups on some of the stories that were so heart-wrenching are now colorful and joyous as these women have learned that they are loved and that there are people who are willing to help. The colorful saris and beautiful smiles the women are wearing by the end as they work and worship together is a joy to behold.

Erica Lane's music was another favorite part, and the songs stayed with me long after the credits had ended. You will also want to check out the Special Features section to find out more behind-the-scenes stuff and a couple of more stories. Obviously, this is not a film made to entertain, but it is one you will want to share with others. Perhaps you will be led to find a way to help other women and children realize the hope these women now have.
Proceeds of this film will be donated toward continued efforts to change lives on a social, educational, health and spiritual level. Take a moment to learn more about the mission of GFA and how you can be a part of our movement to rescue generations of women from persecution and rejection and into the hope of Jesus Christ.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this DVD from EDIFY/MEDIA as part of the movie's promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Veil of Tears website
Gospel For Asia website
Veil of Tears FB page

Erica Lane - "For Those Who Love Him" music video

GIVEAWAY!! Edify Media is prepared to give 1 of my readers a copy of Veil of Tears. International Widows Day is June 23, so in honor of these women, the winner will be selected at 7pm (CDT) that day.  Just leave a comment on the blog to be entered.  (Also, keep in mind that I have to approve comments. Just leave one...I will post it ASAP!!) *US and Canada only.

Mother India

Winner of “Best Short Documentary” at the 2012 San Diego Christian Film Festival, Mother India is a compelling documentary that chronicles the adventure of 25 courageous orphans living as a family along the railway in Tenali, India. Mother India brings to light the struggles faced daily by over 31 million orphans in India and the challenge of rescuing them from a life of begging and addiction.
 
Filmmakers David Trotter (Director/Executive Producer) and Shawn Scheinoha (Executive Producer) went to India with the intention of filming a documentary on the plight of the orphans living on the streets of India, but became involved with a group living in the railway station of Tenali (Andhra Pradesh). “India is growing in both population and industry, but few people know that there are over 31 million orphans in this nation,” commented Trotter. “Each of these young lives is much more than a statistic. Every one of them has a name, a face and a story.” Scheinoha added, “We’re not out to just tell a tragic story. We’re focused on raising awareness and changing lives.” Mother India was filmed from December 29, 2011 to January 8, 2012, and is narrated by Grammy award winner, Rebecca St. James.
 

Mother India on YouTube
Word Films on YouTube
Word Films Facebook
Word Films Twitter
Word Films Website
Mother India Website

Havest India on Facebook

Harvest India Website

We all know about the poverty in India, but this film puts a name and face to those who are suffering in a way I have never really noticed before. As you watch the film, you grow to care about these kids--some are adults now, but that makes it more tragic to realize what they have gone through to survive. During the filming of Mother India, the filmmakers were presented an opportunity to a tour of the Harvest India campus and children’s home in Tenali. Suresh Kumar and his wife, Christina of Harvest India helped expedite matters, but it further heightened my awareness of the complexities involved in helping these children and the glimmer of hope that can be offered. You feel overwhelmed as you watch at the enormity of it all, but even helping one or two can make an impact on those who will need help in the future. It is always better to do something rather than nothing.


This is not a film for young viewers. Some of the topics are drug abuse, sexuality, violence, and HIV/AIDS. You hear children talk of being used for sex, drug use is shown, and wounds from abuse. Nor is this a film aimed only at a Christian audience, but is intended to bring awareness to all about the plight of these kids. If your family, church, or organization are wanting to be involved with a ministry, watch this film and you will realize the needs to be met. 

Purchase DVD here
 - Spread the word.
- Sponsor a child.
- Serve with organizations who are helping orphans in India.

I received this movie free from Word Films as part of their Blogger Review Program, via Blogger Gateway. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."



I received this movie free from Word Films as part of their Blogger Review Program, via Blogger Gateway. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." .