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A Candle in the Dark: The Story of William Carey (1998) | Full Movie | Richard Attlee | Tony Tew

EncourageTV・47 minutes read

The narrator, a cobbler and pastor, is determined to spread the gospel in India despite the challenges faced, including cultural superstitions and financial difficulties, while striving to create a supportive community. Their mission evolves into a multifaceted effort, focusing on education, the translation of scriptures, and the abolition of sati, ultimately achieving significant victories in improving the local society and promoting Christianity.

Insights

  • The narrator, a cobbler and pastor in Leicester, is driven by a strong desire to spread the gospel worldwide and proposes forming a missionary society, emphasizing the need for community support through the establishment of schools, hospitals, and printing facilities to effectively reach and aid local populations.
  • Despite facing numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and cultural superstitions, the narrator remains committed to his mission in India, believing that providing the local population with scriptures in their own language is essential to challenge harmful customs like sati and improve their lives.
  • The arrival of new supporters and resources, including the New Testament and the commitment of individuals like William Carey and Raja Ram Mohan Roy, brings renewed hope to the mission, culminating in significant achievements such as the abolition of sati and the establishment of educational opportunities that promote spiritual growth and break down caste barriers.

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Recent questions

  • What is a missionary society?

    A missionary society is an organization formed to promote and support missionary work, often focusing on spreading religious beliefs, providing education, and offering humanitarian aid in various communities. These societies typically aim to reach out to different cultures and nations, facilitating the sharing of faith and resources. They may engage in various activities, such as establishing schools, hospitals, and churches, to address both spiritual and physical needs. The members often collaborate to raise funds, recruit volunteers, and coordinate efforts to ensure that their mission is effective and impactful.

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    Supporting a local charity can be done in several meaningful ways, including donating money, volunteering time, or providing in-kind contributions such as food, clothing, or supplies. Engaging with the charity's mission by participating in events or fundraising activities can also help raise awareness and resources. Additionally, spreading the word about the charity through social media or community networks can attract more supporters and potential donors. Building relationships with the charity's staff and understanding their needs can further enhance your support, ensuring that your contributions are both impactful and aligned with their goals.

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    Community service offers numerous benefits, both for the individuals involved and the communities they serve. For volunteers, it provides opportunities to develop new skills, gain experience, and enhance personal growth through meaningful engagement. It fosters a sense of belonging and connection, as individuals work together towards common goals. For communities, service initiatives can address pressing needs, improve local conditions, and strengthen social ties. Additionally, community service can raise awareness about social issues, encouraging collective action and inspiring others to contribute, ultimately leading to positive change and a more cohesive society.

  • What is the purpose of education?

    The purpose of education extends beyond mere knowledge acquisition; it aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and personal development. Education equips individuals with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of life, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society. It promotes social mobility, empowering people to improve their circumstances and pursue their aspirations. Furthermore, education cultivates informed citizens who can engage in civic responsibilities and advocate for positive change. Ultimately, it serves as a foundation for lifelong learning, encouraging individuals to adapt to an ever-evolving world and to understand diverse perspectives.

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Summary

00:00

Missionary Journey Amidst Trials in India

  • The narrator, a cobbler and pastor in Leicester, has a strong desire to spread the gospel globally, having studied various cultures and customs, and proposes forming a missionary society to reach all nations.
  • He emphasizes the importance of community in his mission strategy, advocating for establishing schools, colleges, hospitals, and printing shops to effectively preach the gospel and support local populations.
  • Dr. Thomas, a surgeon returning from Calcutta, urges the group to act quickly, stating that the need for laborers in India is urgent and the harvest is ready for reaping.
  • Despite initial resistance from his wife, Dorothy, the narrator is determined to go to India, believing it is God's calling, and eventually persuades her and her sister Kitty to join him on the journey.
  • After a challenging five-month journey, they arrive in India under the cover of darkness, where they meet Ramram Basu, a knowledgeable local who assists them in navigating their new environment.
  • The narrator expresses excitement about their mission in Calcutta, comparing it to the apostle Paul's experience in Athens, and acknowledges the challenges posed by the East India Company, which restricts missionary activities.
  • Tensions arise regarding their living situation, as the narrator's companion, John, insists on living in a mansion with servants, which the narrator believes contradicts their mission's modesty and purpose.
  • Financial difficulties emerge when John spends their funds on overpriced goods, leading to his arrest for unpaid debts, which jeopardizes their mission and leaves the narrator feeling isolated and burdened.
  • The narrator struggles with providing for his family's basic needs while facing illness and despair, questioning whether he has misunderstood God's will in bringing them to India.
  • Despite the hardships, the narrator receives support from local friends, highlighting the importance of community and gratitude for God's provisions, even in challenging circumstances.

23:32

Struggles and Hope in a Foreign Land

  • The speaker expresses a desire for a better life for his family, questioning why they must live in poor conditions, emphasizing the struggle of adversity and the importance of comfort for all family members.
  • During a voyage from England to India, the speaker reflects on the horrors witnessed, including a young woman being burned alive on her husband's funeral pyre, and prays for guidance to help the people overcome fear and superstition.
  • The speaker's wife, Kitty, is concerned about a disease affecting their family, and there is a sense of urgency to care for their sick child, highlighting the stress and fear of illness in their new environment.
  • A piece of land in the Sundarbans is offered to the speaker for cultivation, with a bungalow available rent-free, which he sees as a potential blessing from God, although it is revealed that the land is not free as it belongs to Mr. Short of the East India Company.
  • Mr. Short, who offers the speaker and his family temporary accommodation, mentions the dangers of tigers in the area, noting that 20 people were killed by them the previous year, which contributes to the local population's fear and reluctance to return.
  • The speaker contemplates a job offer as a manager of an indigo factory with a salary of £250 a year, considering the financial security it could provide, despite his primary goal of preaching the gospel.
  • The speaker's wife, Dolly, expresses doubt and frustration about their situation, while the speaker remains committed to their mission in India, feeling a sense of purpose to help those living in darkness and superstition.
  • The speaker learns about the custom of sati, where widows are burned on their husbands' funeral pyres, and recognizes the need to provide the local population with the scriptures in their own language to challenge this tradition.
  • The speaker experiences personal tragedy with the death of his son, feeling the weight of cultural superstitions that prevent others from helping, and grapples with the suffering of his family and the people they aim to serve.
  • A new arrival from England, William Walter, brings hope and resources, including the New Testament, which the speaker sees as a crucial opportunity to spread the gospel and provide education to the local villagers, reinforcing his commitment to their mission.

52:22

Missionary Endeavors in Serampore's Growth

  • The narrative begins with the arrival of a group, including William and Dorothy, at the Danish settlement of Serampore, located on the banks of the Hughley River, where they are welcomed by Joshua and Hannah, teachers from Bristol, who have come to assist in educational efforts.
  • The group discusses the potential for establishing a botanical garden with the help of Mr. Roxburgh, who is interested in receiving bulbs for the garden, and Colonel B, the Danish governor, who has offered to build a church and provide a school for the community.
  • William expresses his commitment to gardening, translating, and writing, while Joshua is expected to preach, and Hannah is encouraged to start a school, with the hope that their efforts will yield a fruitful harvest in terms of education and spiritual growth.
  • The conversation reveals the struggles faced over the past six years, including a lack of converts and feelings of abandonment by God, but there is a renewed sense of hope with the arrival of new ideas and enthusiasm in Serampore.
  • The group discusses the establishment of a print shop, with Mr. Ward needing ink, paper, and type to begin printing, and they plan to source materials from a merchant in Calcutta once they have Danish passports for protection.
  • Joshua expresses a desire to open a girls' school, but concerns arise about parental approval, particularly regarding caste issues, as they discuss the enrollment of local children in their schools.
  • The narrative introduces Brother Krishna, who becomes the first convert, highlighting the breaking of caste barriers and the importance of fellowship among believers, as they share a meal together.
  • William Carey is confronted by an authority figure regarding the legality of their missionary work, but he asserts their protection under the Danish crown, emphasizing their commitment to preaching the gospel despite legal challenges.
  • The story culminates in the baptism of Krishna, symbolizing the growth of their mission and the breaking of caste chains, as they celebrate the first fruits of their labor in spreading Christianity in India.
  • The narrative concludes with reflections on the achievements in education and translation, as well as the establishment of a new college by Lord Wellesley, inviting William Carey to teach Sanskrit and Bengali, indicating a growing recognition of their work and its impact on local culture.

01:16:39

Mission to Abolish Sati and Promote Education

  • The mission requires financial support of 500 rupees a month to operate effectively, which would alleviate the constant threat of arrest for its members, allowing them to focus on their work in India. William plans to leave by boat on Monday afternoon and return on Friday, emphasizing the importance of not rushing into decisions regarding the mission's future.
  • William reflects on his initial goal of converting Hindus through preaching, which has not yielded results after six years. He recognizes his true gift lies in languages, and he intends to study, translate, and teach, providing scriptures for future converts. He believes that being at Fort William will offer him the necessary time and resources to pursue these goals.
  • The mission's three main objectives are the abolition of sati, the establishment of a college to train church leaders, and the promotion of education through printing the word of God. William has been invited to meet Lord Wellesley next week, which could provide financial support and a platform to address injustices like sati.
  • William's work involves traveling 16 miles downriver to Calcutta every Monday and returning on Friday, where he engages in lectures and translation of both the Bible and significant Indian literary works. He meets Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a scholar opposed to sati, and they discuss collaborating to persuade the East India Company to ban the practice.
  • A devastating fire destroys years of translation work, including a Sanskrit dictionary and woodcuts, forcing William to start over. Despite the setback, he finds encouragement from his community and his wife, Charlotte, as they prepare for the college's first graduation ceremony, which will be open to all, regardless of caste or color.
  • Following the tragic murder of a colleague, William and Raja Ram Mohan Roy take their cause against sati to the highest authorities, utilizing every means to raise awareness. Eventually, they succeed in persuading the governor general to abolish sati, marking a significant victory for their mission and saving countless lives.
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