Watch Andrew Murray: Africa For Christ

Andrew Murray: Africa For Christ is a documentary film directed by Anna-Sofie Hickson and produced by Frontline Fellowship. It is a biographical account of Andrew Murray, a renowned South African pastor and missionary who lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The film explores Murray's legacy and his influence on the Christian church in South Africa and beyond.

The movie begins with a brief historical overview of the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa, which was the main denomination in the country during Murray's time. The film then introduces us to Murray, who is described as a man who had a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. Throughout the film, we see how Murray's faith inspired and guided his ministry, which focused on spreading the gospel and promoting Christian unity in South Africa.

The first half of the movie focuses on Murray's early years, including his upbringing in Scotland and his education in the Netherlands. We see how Murray's exposure to the Dutch Reformed Church and its Calvinist theology shaped his own beliefs and preaching style. We also see how Murray's experiences as a missionary in the Dutch East Indies (modern-day Indonesia) helped prepare him for his work in South Africa.

The second half of the movie explores Murray's ministry in South Africa, where he served as a pastor, writer, and advocate for Christian education. The film highlights several key moments in Murray's career, including his involvement in the 1860s revival in Worcester, his role in the 1894 General Missionary Conference in Cape Town, and his work as a leader of the South African General Mission.

Throughout the film, we also learn about Murray's personal life, including his marriage to Emma Rutherfoord, his relationship with his children, and his struggles with illness and physical disability. The film presents Murray as a complex and multi-dimensional figure, one who was deeply committed to his faith but also struggled with personal and professional challenges.

One of the strengths of Andrew Murray: Africa For Christ is the way in which it contextualizes Murray's ministry in South Africa. The film provides a nuanced understanding of the political and social context in which Murray lived and worked, including the impact of colonialism, racism, and apartheid. We also see how Murray's theology evolved over time, as he grappled with issues such as the role of women in the church and the need for racial reconciliation.

Overall, Andrew Murray: Africa For Christ is a well-crafted and informative documentary that sheds light on an important figure in South African church history. The film's use of archival photographs, diary entries, and interviews with scholars and theologians provides a rich and compelling portrait of Murray and his legacy. The movie is sure to be of interest to anyone interested in South African history, Christian missions, or the life and work of Andrew Murray.