Machine Gun Preacher is a documentary film released in 2014, directed by Marc Forster, that tells the story of Sam Childers, a former drug-dealing criminal who turned his life around after finding Jesus Christ one day. The movie is based on a true story of how Sam Childers, an ex-construction worker and biker, became a savior for children in the war-torn regions of Sudan.
The film begins with a brief introduction of Sam Childers' background, including his rough childhood, marriage, and drug abuse. After his release from prison, he found solace in the church and began a new chapter in his life. He started a construction business and was finding success financially, but he felt something was missing. One day, while watching a TV program about the civil war in Sudan, he felt a powerful calling from God to help the children affected by the conflict.
Sam set out on a journey to Sudan to find out what was happening to the children there. What he found was heart-wrenching; he discovered that the children were being forced to fight against their will in the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a group led by Joseph Kony, infamous for kidnapping children and turning them into soldiers. Sam was appalled by the atrocities, and he realized he had to do something to help the children.
Sam decided to build an orphanage in Sudan for the children who were affected by the war. He returned home to America to raise funds for the orphanage and his mission. However, raising funds was not as easy as he thought; people didn't take him seriously and thought he was crazy for wanting to help the children in such a dangerous region. Nevertheless, Sam did not give up, and with the help of his family and friends, he managed to raise enough money to build the orphanage.
Sam returned to Sudan with his wife, Lynn, and started building the orphanage. However, it wasn't easy; they faced a lot of obstacles, including resistance from the local warlords, who saw the orphans as potential child soldiers. Sam faced various challenges, including being kidnapped and tortured by the LRA, but he persevered and managed to build the orphanage.
The documentary also showcases the everyday life of the orphanage and how the children were coping with their traumatic past. Childers' commitment to giving these children a better future by providing them with education, shelter, and nutrition, was admirable. The orphanage was not only a place of safety and shelter for the children, but it was also a place where they could learn and create new memories.
The documentary goes on to showcase the difficulties of Sam's mission, including his struggles with his family due to his frequent absences and his struggles with fundraising, and his setback when the orphanage was attacked and destroyed by the LRA. However, he managed to overcome these challenges and rebuild the orphanage with the help of his community and supporters.
One of the most impactful moments in the documentary is when Sam takes a group of people to see for themselves the horrors of the LRA, and the effects of the war on the children in the region. The director shows how this visit strikes an emotional chord with everyone who witnesses the plight of the children and gives them a better understanding of Sam's mission in saving the children.
Overall, the movie is a deeply inspirational and emotional story that showcases what a person can achieve if they have a strong will, a compassionate heart and the determination to make a change in the world. It highlights the power of one man's faith and his decision to use his life to serve others. Sam Childers' journey from a drug-dealing criminal to a savior of children in Sudan is awe-inspiring, and this documentary is a must-watch for anyone who wants to witness the power of the human spirit.
In conclusion, Machine Gun Preacher is a documentary that follows Sam Childers' journey to save children in the war-ravaged regions of Sudan. It is a story of one man's journey to make a difference in the world, of hope and determination, and the power of faith to transform lives. The documentary is heart-wrenching, inspiring, and portrays a true picture of the dire situation of the children in Sudan. This is a must-watch for anyone who wants to experience the power of the human spirit to make a difference in the world.
Machine Gun Preacher Documentary is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.
