God Grew Tired of Us

Imari Palma
Pastor Sam
UNST-Gospel According to Walle
11/03/09

God Grew Tired of Us

This film/ "semi-documentary" directed by Christopher Dillon Quinn and Tommy Walker and directed by Christopher by Dillon Quinn is very touching. The history and plot of this story is that, "In 1987, Sudan's Muslim government pronounced death to all males in the Christian south: 27,000 boys fled to Ethiopia on foot. In 1991, they were forced to flee to Kenya; 12,000 survived to live in a U.N. camp in Kakuma. Archival footage documents the 1,000 mile flight; we see life in the camp. We follow three young men who repatriate to the U.S. John Bul Dau goes to Syracuse, and by the film's end, becomes a spokesperson for the Lost Boys and Lost Girls of Sudan; Daniel Abol Pach and Panther Bior go to Pittsburgh. All work several jobs, send money back to the camp, search for relatives lost in the civil war, acclimatize to the U.S., seek an education, and miss their homeland" (ihailey@hotmail.com).

This film's main characters are: John, Daniel and Panther. They embark on a new and incredible journey to the United States. They experience culture shock in many ways that are amusing and fascinating to me, someone who take so many things for granted. When they arrive on the airplane, everything is foreign to them from the speakers to the processed food; they even eat the butter by itself not knowing exactly what to do with it. When they finally arrive to their new apartment they are introduced to running water, a heating stove, cleaning supplies, a flushing toilet, and different types of food. They become amazed by these things and watching them in a fascination within itself. It made me smile, observing how they interacted with this "new world." Life is not easy for them in America either, unfortunately. They have a hard time finding jobs and fitting in. They have to pay rent and assist their families back at their homeland. They work extensively and even experience some racism. I felt so sympathetic watching their journey. They are so hard-working and take every blow that comes their way and it is so inspiring. Although, these three men fight through their struggles.

I appreciate how real this film is. It does not "sugar-coat" realities. Although moments of the film are heart-wrenching, a lot of the movie is humerus and interesting as well, which I liked a lot. The big issue will not be solved till Jesus comes again. There will always be hardship, strife and suffering but stories like this gives hope for dying nations.

God is evident in every aspect of this film. From protecting the survivors of the war and giving them a place to be safe to guiding these men to America to create a new life for themselves. In the gospel of Matthew Jesus' parting words before ascending to Heaven is to preach the gospel to all nations. In this movie, these people of Africa had not heard the good news but the hospitality and chances they are given is a witness within itself. The title of this movie, God Grew Tired of Us, is ironic because, of course, He never grows tired of His people.