2 of 2

Of the three men, John is the most overtly spiritual. He offers sobering insights about fulfilling our God-given purpose, honoring our responsibilities to others, and celebrating Christmas with simplicity. The title of the film comes from comments John makes about why God allowed such atrocities in Sudan. Perhaps, he reasons, these are the last days spoken of in the Bible. Maybe God is tired of the bad things we do and wants to finish us.

In the end, it is the good things these men accomplish—despite unthinkable odds—that offers hope for the future. It isn't a starry-eyed Hollywood hope, but more realistic redemption—the kind that comes in fits and starts, in victories big and small. God may be tired of us, but if these men's lives are any indication, he certainly isn't finished with us.

Talk About It

1. What strikes you most about the John, Daniel, and Panther's reactions to America? Do any of their surprises surprise you?
2. What is your reaction to the title—and John's comments that inspire the title? Do you think God ever grows tired of us? If so, as John suggests, do you think that ever leads him to allow certain difficulties and horrors?
3. John marvels at the many ways Americans celebrate Christmas, with decorations, trees, Santa, and presents. He contrasts that with the simpler realities in Sudan, where they only have themselves celebrating the coming of Christ in their hearts. What do you think of his observations? Do they inspire you to do anything differently with your holiday celebrations?
4. When and where do we see the most effective community in the movie? Where is it lacking? How can you foster community for people such as John, Daniel, and Panther? (For ways to get involved, go to www.godgrewtiredofus.com or www.worldrelief.org.)

The Family Corner

Most of the violence in this PG-rated movie occurs in brief montages and blurry flashbacks. What's most disturbing are the verbal descriptions of the war in Sudan, especially when it's being relayed by people who experienced it firsthand, and when they were so young. Boys talk about watching their parents be murdered, of witnessing rapes and savage violence, of having to drink mud or urine to avoid dehydration. While not appropriate for younger children, God Grew Tired of Us could provide needed global perspective to mature teens.

Photos © Copyright Newmarket Films

© Camerin Courtney subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

Nicole Kidman narrates God Grew Tired of Us, a new, inspiring documentary about three young men—John Bul Dau, Daniel Abol Pach, and Panther Blor—who have escaped the Sudanese civil war to find new homes in Syracuse and Pittsburgh. The film won prestigious awards at the Sundance Film Festival last year, and now audiences around the U.S. are getting their chance to check it out.

Jenn Wright (Past the Popcorn) wishes this documentary, which concerns refugees from the Sudanese civil war who come to America, had been a lot longer. She writes: "God Grew Tired—which takes its title from John's impression that the Lost Boys' suffering was the result of God's frustration with humanity in general—is not only educational; it's also cause for reflection about the things we take for granted. … I would recommend this film for nearly everyone, though the descriptions of some of the atrocities may be disturbing to certain sensibilities. But the information is well presented and crucial to our understanding of the Lost Boys and their struggles—it's definitely a plight about which the majority of us could be more educated."

Mainstream critics are praising the film as "an affecting and engaging film."

first page |  2 of 2