Video Librarian, November/December 2014

Offering an overview of the life and work of Andrew Murray (1828-1917), this documentary from producer Gary Wilkinson also chronicles the development of the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa during a period when the descendants of Dutch settlers—i.e., Afrikaners—were spread far and wide without a means to connect to their faith. Murray, born in South Africa but educated and ordained as a minister in Scotland, defied church authorities and traveled over long and difficult terrain in order to preach to Afrikaners who lived in areas remote from houses of worship, thus building the influence and strength of Dutch Reformists. Murray served as pastor at churches in a number of cities and towns, initially resisting a rising evangelical element but eventually embracing it as a populist means for bringing people closer to God. The author of numerous faith-based books that are now considered classics, Murray became head of the Dutch Reformed Church and oversaw extensive mission work in Africa until his death at the age of 89. Shot on location in South Africa, the documentary draws on comments from a variety of historians and experts on Murray's life and works to weave a compelling biography of a man driven by his mission. Recommended.