Beyond the Next Mountain (1987) - full transcript

Look a lad to me.

Twenty-two, Major.

Twenty-two.

You want to die
in the jungle?

I was in trade in bombs,
a chemist.

I had every reason to believe
I would always be a chemist.

Two years ago a great revival
swept across Wales.

Brought men to God.

It brought me to India, Sir.

To push your religion
on some bloody savages

who wouldn't know Jesus
if He came down



all flaming white
from those great windows

in the Abby.

The Bible charges us
to go and tell, Major.

The increase
is not ours to give.

You do-go-odors

you come out here
looking for God knows what,

upset the order of things.

I am here by God's grace, Sir.
I have His permission.

I am asking you for a guide
to assist me up into the hills

to make contact
with the Hmar tribe.

The Hmar's don't fancy
visitors,

particularly white visitors.

They are quite likely
to lop off your head.

The man who hangs your likeness
over his door



also inherits your sen/ices

as his personal slave
for the next world.

So you see, Roberts,
they are already religious.

Chalow, boy, Chalow!

Listen to me lad,

in 1871 the Hmars took 500 heads
from our tea plantation

in less than a day's ride
from this station.

Took two columns
of Assam rifles to tidy up.

That's a lesson.

Colonial policy
absolutely prohibits

your mucking about
with the tribals.

You will leave this district
at first light.

You'll need the luck
of the Devil

to get back to Chittagong
in one piece.

I will need the leading
of God, Sir.

[ Music ]

[bird and animal noises]

[singing] Guide me,
O Thou great Jehovah,

children to this
wondrous land"

I am weak,
but Thou art mighty;

hold me in Thy
powerful hand.

Bread of heaven,
bread of heaven,

feed me now
and evermore.

Feed me now
and evermore.

[ suspenseful music ]

Children to this
wondrous land.

[Forest noises]

I am your brother.

I bring an offering
of peace from God.

It is in this book.

[ Music ]

(Rochunga) In the years
before I was born,

my father told me
of a white-skinned missionary

who came to the Hmar people.

He was called by our tribe
Mr. Youngman,

and the stories he told
changed our ways forever.

My father gave his name
to Jesus

in the time of Mr. Youngman.

He was fifteen years old.

Now I am his son...

...and he is the preacher
on this mountain.

The forest is our home

and also the home
of many wild animals.

The Royal Bengal tiger
lives in our woods.

This morning I saw
big tracks in the mud.

We learn quickly that a tiger
talks with his tail.

If he does not put it
all the way under his legs,

then you know he wants you
for food.

[Tiger roaring]

[Elephants trumpeting]

Herds of wild elephants
pass near our village,

or right through it,
if they get angry.

The elephants tail
also speaks to us.

If it is up,
you should be gone.

It can squash a man
before he can run.

[Elephants trumpeting]

When we have church,

I often think
of Mr. Youngman.

I wonder why he left us.

Why he never returned
to our hills.

Monkeys are like
noisy children.

They like to follow me
everywhere.

If you climb up a tree
and swing with them,

they think you are a monkey
and go away.

[Monkey noises]

Unless...

[ Suspenseful music]

[commotion amongst villagers]

Governor has sent for you,
Chawnga.

[commotion amongst villagers]

Pal!

[ Music ]

But if colonial policy
is to permit these tribesmen

the liberty of preaching
the Christian gospel

any way they please,

I cannot issue a permit for you
to go into those hills.

Then the Christians
in those tribes

should be moved down
into the valley

where my people can keep
an eye on them.

Ah, biscuit,
Dr. Abernathy?

What ma'am?

Biscuit?

Oh, thank you.

Back home we call these
little things cookies.

[ Music ]

I've heard a lot
about you, Chawnga.

My people have given me
full reports on your activities

in those hills.

Yes, they have.

lengti ziem a na?

Speaks only Hmar,
Sir.

Have the guard
translate for you.

Ask this man,
who gave him permission

to preach the gospel
to his tribe.

Engtin nge Christian
I lo ni?

[Horse huffs]

Pakar Ha,
pairs" Ha!

Chawnga says that in the year
of the Flowering Bamboo,

a white missionary
who knew the Lushai language

came to the Hmar people.

Missionary?

Yes, Sir.

This missionary
lived with the Hmar

in the Hmar village

and ate the Hmar food and wore
the Hmar tribal clothes.

Missionary Roberts,
Welshman,

some years ago,
defied orders.

Sneaked into the hills
without a permit.

When they caught him,
he'd already gone native.

Tell this good man
that we're here

to take the place
of this missionary...

Roberts.

Roberts.

Tell him that we will
build a church

for the Hmar Christians.

Welsh Missionary Roberts
ai awh turin kan lo kal ania.

Biakin kan sak ang a,

Hmar mipuite tan
malsawmna tamtak

kan thlen tir dawn ani.

chu an mani in enkawl ani.

Chawnga says
that to the Hmar people,

no one can take the place
of missionary Roberts.

The greatest blessing you can
bestow upon the Hmar people

is to let them alone.

Excuse me.

You and your people
shall accept the help

offered by Dr. Abernathy.

Translate!

Kristian lawmna riltu
neiin in pawn tur ani a,

eng pawh nise in pom
reng reng a ngai.

Pathian a choh in tranpuina
kan beisei ang.

He says that he will
accept help only from God.

[Yelling and commotion]

Joytie, Joytie!

A boy, ma'am.
From the tribe.

Yes, yes I know.
Put him down please.

Pal!

Quick, quick Joytie...

Pa]! Pa]!

Pal! Pal! Pal!

[ Soft music ]

Pa, why did they
beat you?

They do not know
our ways.

They think Hmar people
are like animals in the forest.

If only Mr. Youngman
could come back.

He would tell us
what to do.

He not coming back, boy.

Never.

He gone from India,
many years.

Gone? But why?

If we are to be free,
someone must help us now.

Someone who knows our ways.

This person must write
God's book in Hmar language.

Can you do it,
my father?

I have not the learning.

There must be someone
who is proud to be Hmar.

How much learning
would be needed?

There ls school
In Churachandpur,

96 miles through
the morning sun.

They would know
the answer.

Cross valley.

Many days journey
is tea plantation

of the English.

There, your grandfather
and other Hmar warriors

took many heads in battle.

And can you see
far end of valley,

another mountain?

Oh yes, Pa.

I have seen it
many times.

If you climb to top
of far mountain,

what would you see?

You will see still,
another mountain.

And can you see
top of mountain,

where sky touches
the earth?

Yes.

It is called by men
the horizon.

Wherever you journey
my son,

the horizon is always
just in front of you,

beyond the next mountain.

God's love is like the horizon,
always there waiting for us,

leading us on.

Pa, Pa.

I want to give my name
to Jesus for this learing.

I will follow Him
to the horizon.

That night, my father
gave me his only rupee.

In the outside world
he said

a rupee could be traded
for many things.

[Female speaking
Hmar language]

My mother did not sleep
the night before my journey.

She prayed for my safety

but she could not hold me
with her eyes.

[Speaking Hmar language]

[Elephants trumpeting]

If elephant chases you,
run straight ahead,

then make sharp turn to right,
straight again,

and another right.

Four times and you will
be back on your path.

His trunk will smash me
in a tree.

All elephants left-handed.

They cannot turn quickly
to right.

Always they fall to the ground
when they try.

It takes an elephant long time
to get up, son.

You will be far away.

Remember, Satan is like
rouge elephant.

He is left-handed, too.

In outside world

he will try to lead you
into sin.

When evil tempts you,
tell Jesus about it

and He will tumble Satan
on his back.

Will I know, Pa?
When I am tempted?

You will know.
God keep you.

Pal!

I could not shame my father
to look back a second time,

but I strongly felt
a need for this.

Deep in the forest,

great pythons hang like
tree branches.

When you pass below,

they drop without a sound
and make rings around you.

Their muscles ripple
and bulge

and they can
swallow you whole.

Oh Lord

what learning could be mine
in a great snake's belly?

My mother gave me rice

for the first night
of my journey

to the outside world.

How did she know I would be
too frightened to hunt?

My father says,

all the animals in the forest
are created by God.

That He gave each
their ways.

Would He favor me
over the night creatures

that sounded so hungry?

[ Music ]

[Tiger roaring]

[ Suspenseful music]

[ Music ]

[Monkey noises]

Where was the outside world?

[Students singing]

[Teacher and students
reciting the alphabet]

[Children laughing]

Rochunga, you please stand up
and can you read this?

God... is our refuge
and strength.

Very good.

Your English is very good

and someday you will become
a good teacher

to teach English
to the tribal children.

[Rochunga and students
reciting the alphabet]

Very good,
very good.

Isaac.

Name is calling you Isaac,
what name is calling me?

Rochunga.

Yes.

Name is calling me Rochunga.

What other name
is calling me?

Isaac?

Other name
is calling me teacher.

Seasons mark years
for Hmar people.

Each Spring we take land
from forest for rice planting.

Spring of 1942,

stories reached our village
of great noise that came down

from the sky.

Workers who were there,
when the noise passed

said it was all over them.

The outside world
had found our hills.

Japanese were the terribles
from a far away country.

They marched across the boarder
of Burma into India.

Rumors said a mad chief
called Hitler

was going to kill every race.

And Japanese were with him.

Allied forces said
they had come to help us.

But when we tried to speak
against them,

they show us power
of their guns.

[Gun blast]

[Commotion amongst villagers]

Hmar people had not seen
so many white faces.

And for first time
we thought how to lock doors

and hide our women
and children.

Captain Surgian?

Who is it?

I found a tribal
who speaks English, Sir.

Are you sure
he's not armed?

Unarmed, Sir.

Very well.

Send him in.

Do you speak English?

What is your name?

Rochunga.

Now you listen to me
very carefully.

We're dug in here with orders
to maintain strict

radio silence.

Do you follow me?

Let me put it
another way.

Can you find your way about
well, in these jungles?

[ Music ]

[Soldiers conversing -
dogs barking]

Message!

[gun cocked]

[Gunfire]

Wet.

Legible.

Very good.
Very well done.

Ah, yes.

Well, even soldiers
get paid,

so I'm prepared to give you
a little something.

One.

Two.

They're yours.
You've earned them.

These are a wartime scarcity.
They're as rare as gold.

And you know it.

One, two.

Tumara nam ki?

Do you speak English?

I do not understand you.

I do speak English.

No, no, no
don't leave yet.

I could buy you
a cup of tea.

But the tea here
is tasteless.

All the good tea
goes to the soldiers.

Shortages.

Now at this very moment,

I could be enjoying
this cigarette,

but then I would
have nothing.

But in a fortnight,

I could make twice as much money
with this, as I gave you.

What are you going to do
with your rupees?

Now, I know you understand me
because you are a businessman.

You can make more rupees
with those.

Rupees save for school.

Forget your school, man.

Now I have a friend,
a nice chap,

a fisherman who lives up
the river.

Now he's got a boat,
a large boat,

but very little else,
he's a poor man.

Now yesterday,
I saw some dead mules.

Army mules.

Bloated, floating down
the river.

How they died,
I don't know,

but I can speculate.

Floating along side
the dead mules

were rock sacks, crates,
barrels, Armies!

So my friend loaded them
onto his boat,

almost a day's work.

Now he would have
gladly given them to me

but he's a poor man

and he expected something
for his labor.

I've seen those goods
with my own eyes.

But I have no rupees.

Malaria pills,

people are desperate
for Malaria pills.

But who can afford them?

School, huh?

Saving for school.

[ Music ]

Hello, Mr. Yankee!
How do you do, Sir?

What would you like?

This?

Hello, Tommy Boy!

Hello!
Hello, Tommy Boy.

You want something?
Anything you want is here.

[ Parade music ]

Smile Rochunga,
look happy!

Smile and our sales
will go up.

Where is your
patriotism, son?

What's the matter?
Are you ill?

Is he one
of your people?

Lekhabu tamtak
dawra a um a.

He says we have many books
in our store.

Hmar tawngin lekhabu
inchawk ka nuom.

He says he wants to buy book
in Hmar language.

Pa.

Pa...

...please.

How was your journey?

Still takes five days.

All of the rivers
have not moved.

Tea is very good here, Pa.

Like rich merchant.

Please.

Pa, I've lived
with soldiers.

I know what money's doing.

That much I learned from war.

And now war is finished.

All Hmar people know,
Chawnga's son not student.

Pa.

I can't be just forest.

Last month,
I saw Shillong.

I even ride bus
in lmphal.

You give coin to driver

and wheels take you
everywhere.

When I was a boy,

you told me you work all day
in outside world

for one quarter rupee.

Your son has 100 rupees.

And he will have more.

Does Jesus still have
your name?

Last Sabbath day,

I preach about flood
in time of Noah.

Sanglien stood up in church

and said he did not
believe that.

Waters could not cover
our mountains, he laughed.

He walked away,
others left with him.

If Sanglien could read Bible,
he would know.

So much learning
will take years, Pa.

And million rupees.

It is your path
to horizon.

Get out, get out!

Go to Prime Minister.

Deli?

He will help you.

Prime Minister
not see me.

He owns our country now.

Tell him, Hmar people
good citizens.

Pa.

You have to be big,
important.

God will help you.

I will pray on mountain.

I am here to see
Prime Minister.

Your pass, please.

I know Prime Minister
is in residence.

Your pass.

I must see
Prime Minister.

As citizen of India
it is my right.

Your pass.

I am from hills of Manipur

and I am here to see
Prime Minister.

I applied for government
scholarship at University.

But I received reply
I am not eligible

because Hmar tribe,
to which I am,

is not included
in national census

for tribes
in Northeast India.

Not included
in the national census?

No, Sir.

I don't know much about
the Hmar tribe.

Khasi and Naga of course
you know, but not Hmar.

Many Hmar villages, Sir.

How many of you
are there?

Oh, well then how would
you know,

you haven't been counted.

Pardon, Sir.

Hmar tribe
and neighboring tribes

inhabit territory
4,000 square miles.

4,000 square mile territory,
no government school.

4,000 square mile territory,
no post office.

Oh, dear.

Do me a favor.

Write down all of this
information on a piece of paper

before you leave.

I promise you
I shall read it.

Thank you, Sir.

I say, look here.

You're a bright chap.

We need to educate
bright young men like you.

We need them
for government posts

in the tribal areas.

I shall see to it that you get
your scholarship.

Yeah!!

[Indian commentary]

[Hmar tribe singing]

Stop there!

Is this your doing?

Yes!

Rochunga Pudaite.

Are you Indian?

From state of Manipur,
in Northeast.

This piece of paper
will tell you

how you can have
eternal life.

White missionary dumb.

I never met a missionary.

I have always been
follower of Christ.

You lie.

All Indian Christians
are converts.

We got rid of Jesus Christ
when we got rid of the British.

You think because
you are a jungle boy,

you should have
special privileges?

I came here to study.

I cannot afford to be
angry with you.

This is for you sister.

Oh, sister.

University of Allahabad.

Dear Mandi,

Thank you for answering
with warm friendship

letter in English,

I write to you
at St. Mary's college

in Shillong.

It pleases me
that young Hmar lady

is seeking higher education,
as I am also.

At University of Allahabad

I must study hard
to pass examinations,

but I am thankful to God
for opportunity.

Dear Friend Rochunga,

Please do not think my letters
are only schoolgirl way

to practice
English writing.

There is one person
I write to and pray for always

and it is Rochunga.

If it pleases you,

continue to write
English letters to me

as you have
for past one year.

And it will please me
to continue to answer.

I want to say thank you
to Philosophy.

[Debate group applauding]

I want to thank them
for permitting me part

in debate.

From fellow students tonight,
I learn many beautiful things.

A beautiful philosophy.

Of wise and beautiful sayings.

Of strong and beautiful
teachings of Koran.

So, I want to say thank you.

But I do not feel
that fellow students

want to say thank you to me

for beautiful teaching
of Jesus in Bible.

My tribe is mostly Christian,
two generations,

with no help
from white missionaries.

Former times in my tribe,
we cut heads off our enemies.

Now we pray
for our enemies.

Former times in my tribes,
we make slaves of weakling.

Now we help make
weaklings strong.

Suicide, in former times
in my tribe - many, many.

But now hardly ever.

Changes did not come
from white imperialists.

Changes did not come
from whips and guns.

But from a book.

[dinner conversations]

[Indian language]

I was a student once,

so I know what it feels like
to crave a good meal.

You didn't know that
about me did you?

Tonight my dear Rochunga,
my dear, dear friend,

you are my guest.

No more sitting in stores
with those dirty little tabas

or those walking tribes,

"Buy me a cigarette,
buy me a cigarette!"

Buy me brab.

We made good money together.

Look there's a job
I can offer you.

House, car,
percentage of profits.

Well?

Does that please you?

My business enterprise

is growing by
leaps and bounds.

Can we be partners, again?

I am offered scholarship
for study in Scotland.

Scotland!

Do you want to be a student
all your life?

I want to accept.

I can learn Greek language,
Hebrew language...

Greek language,
Hebrew language,

you can study
in your spare time!

Together we could become rich,
Rochunga!

Do I at least
tempt you?

Yes.

Well, what do you say?

Sorry

I do not say
what Rochunga do.

God say.

How can anyone
trust God?

I mean, He's so infinite!

[ Music ]

Dear Mam/ii.

In Scotland,
I study very hard

Hebrew language
and Greek language,

so my tongue aches
from making

so many strange sounds.

All my fellow students
have white faces,

so at first, I cannot tell
one from another.

A letter to your father
I have written, Mawii,

asking for you
in marriage,

according to customs
of our tribe.

I pray you will speak for me
to your father

and that your family
will begin negotiations.

How different my life would be
if you were here.

I never know
like this cold weather.

And in whole world
how small we are,

our tribe.

It is a lonely road of study
that the Lord has found for me,

and each new door
that opens

seems to take me
further from you.

[Engine sounds]

[City noises]

Dear Mam/ii.

Now two oceans
stand between us.

How can I explain
big city, Chicago?

On street,

walk in sea of faces
but no smiles when I pass.

Still, Jesus knows Rochunga
in great far away country.

That is magnificent secret.

Dr. Bob Pierce has kept promise
to sponsor my studies

at small college
near Chicago city.

Only God's miracle
could bring me so far.

I live in lady's house
near school.

Mrs. Bartlett.

Sometimes work to pay
for my room.

In USA, they have machines
for everything.

All money says,
"In God We Trust".

I trust too,

but never have enough
this money.

[ Piano music ]

And now,
both hands together.

[ Piano music ]

Very good!

[ Music ]

Hey nigger,
where's the fire?

This ain't peace work.

[ Music ]

Sorry to disturb your rest,
this session is History.

[Bell rings]

[student chatter]

You're not keeping pace
with the class, Mr. Pudaite.

It is a policy at this school
to encourage foreign students,

but I cannot
lower my standards.

Not even for you.

I am most regretful, Sir.

New Testament theology
can be quite demanding.

Perhaps you should
rethink your program.

No, Sir.

I must have every
possible knowledge

for my translation work.

Your what?

Hmar people,

have own language
for centuries.

But only spoken,
never written.

The Lord's goodness
allowed me to make grammar

to help our people.

Grammar?

Yes, I found sounds
of English alphabet

work very well,
with minor variations.

Our ah, became you're a,
b stays b, and cho, c.

This discovery

allowed me to spell
almost everything we say

with English alphabet.

Now, I am struggling
through letters

from the apostle Paul.

My head aches with so many
shades of meaning.

You are presuming to translate
the subtle doctrines

of the word of God
for a primitive people?

Are you working
from the Greek?

Yes, Sir.

This book is the only one that
can lead my people into Heaven.

They must know who they are,
what they can be

and where they will go.

Rochunga, what is your
denominational background?

I'm afraid
I have only Jesus.

Simplicity has its strengths.

[ Music ]

[ Piano music ]

[door opening and closing]

[ Piano music ]

Sorry dear,
let's start again.

[ Music ]

Come on, Rhonda.

Rhonda.

[Knock on door]

RD?

Yes.

R0, can I come in
for a second?

Working, Charlie.

Hey, come on Ro.

Sunday afternoon here.

Come on.

You need to relax.

How long are you going to
keep up this grind anyway?

God's work, Charlie.

Ah, come here,
come here.

Now look out there.

See there's a whole big world
outside this school

and your job
and this room.

It's beautiful, Ro.

I got you a date.

A date?

Charlie, I'm indeed grateful
to meet your friend here.

He's the cutest thing.

Ya'll know that?

Ya'll sure
don't talk much.

Charlie.

One moment, private.

What's the matter?

Excuse please.

One moment, just.

Rhonda.

What's the matter, Ro?

Charlie, English
very difficult language.

I studied hard.

In Churachandpur little boy,
I study English.

In Allahabad University,
I studied English.

In the British Island,
I study English.

In America,
I study English.

Charlie, what language
is she speaking?

I don't understand her,
one word!

What are you boys
doing anyway?

Talking dirty?

[Elephants trumpeting]

Dear Mam/ii.

Final books of New Testament
stand open on my desk.

Three years translating
is nearing end.

Great joy should be mine.

But days come

when upstairs room
cannot hold me.

[Tiger roaring]

I dream of Manipur Hills

and long for mist
of our mountains

to push against my face.

Most deeply,

I dream of the one
who understands my heart.

[Type writer machine sounds]

Excuse me.

I am Rochunga Pudaite.

I was told I was wanted
in this office.

Yes. Mr. Pudaite.

This is addressed
to the President

but he feels
it's for you.

Thank you.

Dear Sir,

At a recent
missions conference

in Toronto,

I heard that
Doctor Bob Pierce

is sponsoring a student

from Northeast India
in the United States.

Inquires have led me to believe
that such a student

may be on your campus.

Some years back,
I lived and worked

in the tribal areas
of India.

If such a student
is indeed on your campus,

I would be most appreciative
of a name and address.

Sincerely Yours,
Watkin Roberts!

Mrs. Bartlett,
Mrs. Bartlett!

Mrs. Bartlett!!

Oh my goodness.

The grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ

be with you all.

Amen.

Revelation 22:21

Did you finish?

Praise the Lord.

[ Music ]

For British
and Foreign Bible Society,

London, England.

Thank you.

How long will journey
take please?

That'll ship two
or three weeks.

By air, it depends
on the load.

Maybe four
or five days.

Air will be
superior then.

Kinda hefty.

That'll be,
uh, $27.80.

Ship might be
better way.

That'll be $8.25.

What'd ya do,
rob a pinball machine?

You want to register
and insure the contents?

Yes!

Well you have to state
the value.

Three years work.

OK.

Minimum insurance
Will be $4.75.

God will be insurance.

Could you tell me please,

how many days journey
to Toronto, Canada?

We got London, here!

Oh, manuscript
goes to London yes,

but now could you please
send me to Toronto, Canada.

179 South...

[Train horn]

[ Music ]

Tell me Mr. Youngman's
story, Pa.

Just stood tall and pale
beside us.

But he not treat Hmars
like other men

from outside world.

Told us God not white.

Told us spirit of God
sees into our hearts.

In eyes, there was
strange searching.

[Keys rattling]

Excuse me.

I am seeking
Mr. Watkin Roberts.

Yes, I am Roberts.

Who are you?

I am Rochunga,
son of Chawnga,

from the Hills of Manipur.

Who?

Chawnga's son.

You...

Here, Sir.

Thank you.

Now.

Milk? Sugar?

Thank you.

Surely one of us could think
of something to say.

Don't you agree?

When I was a boy
you were a giant

that once walked our hills.

Every leaf in the forest
trembled with your name.

And when I was older
you were a dream

that would not go away.

The Lord has given me
this moment to go back.

I see you Rochunga.

And I see your father.

Why did you leave India?

Your work had just begun.

Too many rules were being bent
by my presence.

Living under the same roof
with the tribals

got me into a muddle
with the other missionaries.

I was expelled.

You could go back now.

The independence of India
brought us religious freedom.

No one could keep you away!

The Hills of Manipur
demand strong legs, Rochunga.

Mine seldom obey me, anymore.

Going old.

Then we would carry you,
Mr. Youngman,

with honor from village
to village.

There are more than 100 churches
in our mountains.

So many?

And your early converts,

are now our elders
and leaders.

There is Tisena.

Who?

Tisena...

Yes, he traveled with me.
Was my guide.

And Talrema.

Oh, I had a student
named Talrema.

He writes our music.
The hymns we sing today.

Your own hymns?

Can you let me hear
something, just a line?

Well...

Pielral nisa ka Iungrila
a hung var ta.

The light of eternity
is shown in my heart.

l ta ka ni min nghil
tir naw ka Lal Isu

Don't let me forget
that I belong to you,

Dear Lord.

I ringna in min
ring tir Ia

Let me live
your life in me.

Please try to understand
my difficulty, Rochunga.

I went back to my trade,
a chemist,

perhaps 40 years ago now.

I've always questioned.

What an amazing Christ!

He never seeks
for our approval.

Only for faith to believe
that He is at work.

All is mystery.

To put ones life in His hands
is not to be led astray.

I was allowed
to carry the seed.

And you Rochunga,
young man,

you are the first fruits
of the harvest.

My father prays everyday
on God's mountain.

Chawnga is a clear
running stream.

He is also a rock
that will not move.

My father has kept my brain
from sleeping.

How can I help?

Our debt to you
is so great already.

Please, you must
allow me to help.

Do you know where I could
wash dishes in this country?

Train tickets
are very expensive.

[ Music ]

Dear Rochunga,

My brother has received
your communication

and spoken on behalf of you
to my father,

who is pleased
to be agreeable.

Praying God's blessing

on your long journey home
to India.

And waiting...

[ Music ]

[Hmar tribal song]

[Rochunga and Students
reciting books of the Bible]

Government house,
office of Prime Minister.

Dear Rochunga Pudaite,
the Prime Minister

will be pleased to grant you
an appointment on Tuesday next

at three o'clock,

to discuss you qualifications
for a government post

to the tribal areas.

It is an honor
for all our people.

I promise you Pa;

a way has been opened for me
to climb to the top.

Is the top where you
want to be?

This can be my platform
to witness.

The Hmars need someone
to speak for them.

Our villages have no
running water and electricity,

no hospitals.

I have given you
what you want.

Now why can't I have
what I want?

I have always
shown you my heart.

There is road
where God is leading,

but there are
many other roads.

Pa, I have to use all this
learning for something.

I have always prayed
God would keep

a great horizon
open to you.

We have to be careful about
appointing officers anywhere,

but even more so
when appointing them

to the tribal areas.

Now you, as a tribal person,
should eminently qualify.

I will forward your application
to the man in charge

of tribal affairs.

He will then grant you
an interview.

But you realize of course,

that the final decision
will be his.

I am anxious
that our tribal peoples

should advance,

but I'm even more anxious

that they shouldn't lose
their artistry

and their joy in life.

Mr. Pudaite.

Welcome indeed,
Mr. Pudaite.

I hope I am pronouncing
that correctly.

Yes, yes Sir.

You say it
isn't a family name,

it means "of the clan
of Pudaite".

That is correct, Sir.

Good, well it makes a perfectly
splendid sir name.

Do sit down, please.

Would you care
for a drink?

Fruit juice?

Whiskey?

Fruit juice,
thank you.

Jeremia.

I rather enjoy a whiskey
in the evening.

Fruit juice
for the gentleman, please.

Yes, it's a little chilly
in the evenings

at this time of year,
isn't it?

Well, Mr. Pudaite.

You've come to me
very highly recommended

and that pleases me as well

because we need qualified
political officers

in our tribal areas

and with you being
a tribal yourself,

that's a huge advantage.

Yes, the responsibilities
are numerous

but there are a number
of rewards, as well.

Pardon me, Allen,

I thought I'd bring this
in myself.

Oh, thank you darling.

This is Mr. Pudaite.
My wife.

This fruit juice is yours
I'm sure, Mr. Pudaite.

Thank you!

Allen, I hope
I'm not interrupting.

No, of course not,
sit down.

Well, good health.

I was just about to mention
to Mr. Pudaite

the benefits of the position
we're discussing.

Now, besides a more than
adequate salary,

you'll have an allowance
for a bungalow, sen/ants,

staff, a car and yes, a jeep.

That pleases me very much.

For opportunity
of serving tribal people.

I see that you've study abroad
in Scotland and in the USA.

Now that is remarkable
for a tribal, isn't it?

Prayers are answered.

Did you read anthropology
by any chance?

That's my field.

No, Sir.

Hebrew language,
Greek language.

Most of time
I was in America,

I was day and night
translating.

Today, my tribe has the Bible
in Hmar language.

Darling, would you please?

And was that the soul purpose
of your translating,

while in America?

Yes.

I translate Bible
in English language,

but necessary to study sources
in Hebrew language

and Greek language.

Quite an under taking
I'm sure.

Allen.

Thank you.

Well, Mr. Pudaite.

Of course I should
have suspected,

from the way you came here
dressed tonight.

But it seems that
in my enthusiasm

to enlist qualified personnel,

I'm guilty of overlooking
certain things

about Mr. Pudaite.

I am most certainly.

Well, it comes as a great
disappointment to me

to discover that you
are a mission native.

Some ill informed, shortsighted
white missionaries,

have ruined you.

To the Hmar tribe ever came
only one white missionary.

Alright, one.

Well he's turned you out
looking like something

out of Ball Street
or Sattle Row.

Sir.

Sir, Missionary Roberts
from Wales,

you've heard of him?

Yes.

He came to our hills
before I was born.

He lived with our tribe
like a brother.

I don't believe that.

He was preparing himself
to translate the Bible

into Hmar language

but British rogue
drove him out.

Yes, certainly.

Guns and gospels.

The British overtook this land
with guns and gospels.

Happily at least,
the guns have been withdrawn.

Allen, may I remind you

that there's freedom
of religion in this country.

That is not
the issue.

If Mr. Pudaite
is qualified...

Ruth...

Allen, if he
is qualified...

Ruth, please.

Will you excuse us
for a moment?

Dr. Monforce.

Allen, the man
is standing there.

I cannot, in all
good consciousness,

approve this appointment.

Allen, that is unfair.

I must consider what
the missionaries have done

to these tribals.

While failing to consider

what they may have done
for them.

[ Music ]

Ro, the day
will soon be gone.

This is my
father's mountain.

He speaks with God here.

And Rochunga?

Words will not come.

I made so many
promises, Mawii.

Promises I may never keep.

You told me to never doubt
in darkness

what God has taught us
in the light.

Your husband has become
a good student of the world.

Can a mistake not often be
a stepping-stone?

Mawii, could you stay here
for the rest of our lives?

Word of God has been sown
like wild grass over our hills.

It pleases the Lord for me
to marry a seed planter.

It also pleases me.

I have heard it said
that a wise man will travel

many miles to find
a hill girl,

when her beauty
matches the sky.

(Narrator)
Rochunga and Mawii Pudaite

have founded more than
80 schools,

a medical clinic

and a vocational
training center

for the peoples
in of Northeast India.

Today, 85% of the Hmar people
can read and write.

Since 1972,
with the help of many,

the Pudaites have mailed
millions of Bibles

to all names listed
in the telephone books

of the major cities of India

and to such other countries
as Pakistan, Burma,

Sri Lanka, the Philippines,
Taiwan, Thailand,

Singapore, Fienia, Zimbabwe,
Afghanistan and Hang Kong.

The list has no end.

The seed planting goes on.