LIHUE — There are lots of ways to impact the world, said Sarah Jane Murray. The problem is, most people don’t know it or believe it. “We often think that we are very small and there is only so much
LIHUE — There are lots of ways to impact the world, said Sarah Jane Murray. The problem is, most people don’t know it or believe it.
“We often think that we are very small and there is only so much that we can do,” she said.
But people have the power to do much more. Murray looked at filmmaker Shara Pradhan, sitting next to her, and continued.
“The story you told with Heidi and Roland’s lives is an extraordinary example of the ripple effect that two lives can have,” Murray said.
That story will be shared tonight with the showing of “Compelled By Love,” Pradhan’s first feature documentary, at 7 p.m. at Wilcox Elementary School. It is about Dr. Heidi and Rolland Baker of Iris Global Ministries. Their work has helped an estimated 50,000 children in 40 nations, “helping the poorest of the poor.”
The 75-minute film, which came out in 2014, covers a period of 20 years. It was shot in 10 countries and on four continents in war zones, brothels, bushes and Ivy League campuses.
“From Hollywood to Mozambique, this film transcends all political, religious and social barriers,” according to a press release. “Follow Rolland and Heidi Baker’s journey into the world’s darkest and most desperate places, as their pursuit of the presence of God has transformed a nation through love in action. The film chronicles the power of one life fully yielded to God and the truth that love wins.”
Pradhan served as Heidi Baker’s assistant from 2004 to 2009 and today is a casting director with Bethel TV. She and Murray will be at tonight’s screening to speak with the audience and answer questions.
Pastors Steve and Victoria Franks of King’s Chapel Kauai helped arranged the showing and visit. They like the message of the film and wanted to give people here a chance to see it.
Pradhan, an ordained minister and missionary, is touring the Hawaiian Islands to promote “Compelled By Love,” not so much to highlight the Bakers but to live a life of faith. She wrote, directed and produced the film.
“I wanted to make the film as an example and inspiration to every person that watched it, whatever the call of God is on your life, you find it and you run after it,” she said. “And the power of surrendering everything and that you can change the world with just a full yes.”
The Bakers, she said, transformed a nation by believing and moving forward. Others can do the same, no matter their past.
“It’s not about their gifts or their talents or their history or the cards they were dealt,” Pradhan said.
Pradhan’s parents were atheists.
“I was raised in a household where I thought Jesus might be related to Santa Claus,” she said. “I never saw a Bible, never stepped into a church.”
She became a Christian in her teens.
“I knew my life’s purpose was to give Christ’s love away,” she said.
Murray, a writer born in Ireland, met Pradhan at Princeton University. She is working with Pradhan on her next film, some of which they plan to shoot on Kauai.
She is focused on storytelling and how it can remind people of the things that are important in life. Great stories, she said, can move hearts, transform cultures — even change the world.
“That’s really my passion,” Murray said.
“That’s the power of stories. That’s why they’re important. That is why we have to reclaim them. We need more stories and good news to reach the world.”
“Compelled By Love,” she said, is a story that needs to be shared. That’s why she’s here.
“I think one of the key takeaways is, you find your calling, nothing can stop you,” Murray said, “but you have to be willing to take a stand for it.”
