All God’s Children (2008)
All God’s Children, a documentary directed by Scott Solary and Luci Westphal, sheds light on a tumultuous chapter in the lives of missionary families.
Through the eyes of three families—Beardslee, Shellrude, and Darr—the film unravels a cautionary tale of abuse, resilience, and redemption.
In the 1950s, these families tackled a journey from North America to West Africa, driven by what they believed to be “God’s Calling.” Their mission was to spread Christianity across the globe. However, their children faced a stark reality.
Sent to the Mamou Alliance Academy in Guinea, they spent nine months each year cut off from their families. The boarding school, run by the Christian and Missionary Alliance, became a place of emotional, spiritual, physical, and sometimes sexual abuse.
The children endured in silence, their voices stifled by the complexities of their situation. Without reliable means of communication, they grappled with the effects of abuse inflicted by an all-missionary staff.
The unfolding horrors left scars that would take decades to acknowledge. When they finally broke their silence, seeking justice seemed perilous. The Church initially denied all allegations, perpetuating their suffering.
Yet, the survivors and their parents persisted. Their activism led to a groundbreaking investigation—the first of its kind—into the Mamou Alliance Academy.
The Christian and Missionary Alliance was forced to confront the stark realm of abuse within its own institution. The survivors’ resilience underpins the film’s narrative, revealing the intricate tapestry of their struggle.
All God’s Children not only unveils the secrets of one school but also serves as a testament to human endurance. Its impact reverberated beyond the Mamou Academy, inspiring investigations at other schools across denominations.
The survivors sought more than justice; they sought healing. Their journey, meticulously documented, challenges us to navigate the ever-evolving world of faith and accountability.
It’s an exploration of the enigma surrounding faith, abuse, and resilience. When it comes to uncovering the truth, All God’s Children stands as an eloquent reminder that our pursuit of justice is not merely individual—it’s woven into the fabric of our shared humanity.
