Points of Light

Irish host Derick Bingham uses an epistolary format to present the stories of five people whose lives, he says, changed the world, narrating the contents of the imaginary letters he writes to each of those profiled. Two are familiar—C.S. Lewis, the atheist-turned-Christian-apologist and author of The Chronicles of Narnia stories, and American evangelist Billy Graham, the renowned preacher whose crusades are known worldwide. The others will be best remembered by citizens of the United Kingdom: Elizabeth Ann Everest, nanny to Winston Churchill; Amy Carmichael, an Irish missionary to India; and Jane Guinness, whose prayer life influenced and inspired her Christian service within her family (known for its historic place in the brewing industry). Although all of the segments are well researched and make generous use of archival footage, on-site photography, and dramatic reenactments, some are more effective than others (where there appears to be scant information about Carmichael, Bingham fills in with details of the Churchill family; where there are rich resources, such as in the life of Graham, the result is more focused). As an introduction to some worthy but lesser known figures of Christian ministry, this is recommended, overall. Aud: P. (J. Reed)