Machine Gun Preacher

By Anthony:

Recently I watched a movie called "Machine Gun Preacher."  It is based on the true story of Sam Childers, who became a Christian soon after getting out of prison, and went on to pastor a church.  He later went on a mission trip to Uganda, and heard about the Lord's Resistance army and how they were abducting children.  He then felt called by God to both build an orphanage to feed hungry children affected by the war, and also to fight against the LRA in Southern Sudan in order to protect these children.  I thought the movie was very well done in all ways: acting, plot, special effects, etc.   It was very thought-provoking.  And it was well balanced.  The movie did not leave you with easy feelings.  There was stuff in the movie to make you think what he was doing was not a good idea and maybe even wrong, and stuff in the movie to make you think he is a hero.  They show him as a real person, with flaws and virtues. 

I'd recommend seeing it if you feel like learning more about the suffering northern Ugandans and the people of South Sudan have gone through, or if you are up for wrestling with tough issues.  The main issue raised is whether we should use violence to protect the innocent or whether violence only begets more violence.   I think I'd probably end up on the side of being willing to use violence to protect children. On the other hand, I'm not sure what I think of Childer's behavior for 2 reasons. 

1. He took things into his own hands, rather than trying to create bigger more meaningful change (such as getting other governments involved, having the US send aid to Ugandan army, etc.).  He seems to be the typical Westerner who doesn't want to work things through in a slow African way, but wants to jump in and immediately take charge himself to instantly solve problems.
2. There have been many Ugandans who were trying to end the violence with the LRA through peace talks, and a reconciliation/forgiveness process. For an American to come in and continue the violence, while many Ugandans were trying to solve the issue peacefully, well that is troubling and could have hindered efforts to have peace talks.  

It's tough to know the right answer. I certainly understand his motivation.  Perhaps it is we who are complacent and uncaring, and he is the one on the front lines doing what needs to be done. 

The movie also has some powerful scenes of him talking to Christians, to try to raise more money to feed his hungry children in Uganda.  It shows Christians who think they are poor, but are continuing to buy frivolous stuff while people are dying of hunger.   It was convicting to say the least.

The website of the real person is here - Machine Gun Preacher.  You can read about him and his ongoing ministry.