A 21st Century Good Samaritan: Deidox’s Story of “Robert”
Last week I heard about the new project Brent Gudgel, Dan Portnoy and clan have been working on called “Deidox” from twitter. I’ve posted about some of Brent’s work before: The New Chronicle Project.
The Imagination of the Kingdom at Work
Think of Deidox, pronouced “day-docs,” as short narrative-driven films featuring glimpses of the Kingdom at work in our midst. In other words, these are documentaries of the Missio Dei in action. Not only are they stories told through a great medium, but they display the power of the imagination when led by God.
They write on their site:
Every day new stories of Gods redemptive and transforming work in and through His people are appearing around the world. But these stories often go untold, their ability to teach and inform lost forever. Deidox brings these compelling stories to life through short documentary films.
The point of these films is to inspire the viewers to “to realize anew how big and active God is, how He is reaching and changing lives in all countries…” as well as support those individuals whose stories are being told through the films.
For each Deidox story, we have identified a non-profit organization that compliments the themes and issues raised in the short film. One dollar of each download is then provided to that non-profit organization to help them accomplish their mission.
Being curious to know more about the films I downloaded the film “Robert” and put it on my iPod for later viewing.
About the Film Robert
“Robert” is about a doctor who used to work in an Emergency Room, but after seeing so many people come through who had no health insurance, and knowing there were many more who “fell through the cracks,” he began to feel convicted about how he might help those in need. Finally, following God’s leading, Robert opened a clinic that serves those who have no health insurance. The rest of the story traces how this move came about, the shape his convictions took, the toll this radical move has taken on him and his family and finally ends with some interaction with one of Robert’s patients.
Initially, Robert hoped other doctors would follow his example and reach out to others, but no one did. He says he feels more on the margins now, isolated, because there’s been so little support for the work he’s doing. Yet, this is the 21st century version of the Good Samaritan, and Robert’s example really does ring true to God’s heart of compassion. One can’t help but feel both sorrow as well as elation at this story of love in action.
The film is high quality not just in its production quality, but in its theological content. It’s challenging and hopeful to hear Robert’s story and to hear that there are people like him working “with the least of these.”
Because of the length of the film, and it’s very direct message, I can see using this film for discussion groups, teaching and sermon illustrations for church, and props for the class room as well (At least in a seminary). I recommend checking out the trailers and, if you have use for it, downloading the videos available.
There is handy a “pay what you want” feature to encourage the use of the films. These are films meant to be seen, stories meant to be heard, so don’t let a price tag stop you from sharing this stuff. The other day Brent wrote in an email to me: “Our hope is that these can be an encouragement and challenge to believers everywhere, and then those who are able to support the Deidox vision mission/vision financially, can pay whatever they want.”
Check out the films, I think you’ll be inspired by what ordinary folks are doing for the Kingdom of God.