Breakthrough: The Story of James O. Fraser and the Lisu People

Ken Haron's docudrama chronicling the early missionary life of James O. Fraser (adapted from the biography Mountain Rain, penned by his daughter Eileen Fraser Crossman) serves up a heartfelt look at the trials faced by many missionaries, the cultural impacts of Christianity on Chinese natives, and the power of prayer. Inspired to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ shortly before graduating from college in the early 1900s, Fraser (played by Stuart Simpson) left Britain to join the Christian cross-denominational China Inland Mission (later named OMF International, the producers of this film), ultimately choosing to work in a remote area of China, home to the Lisu people. Frasier, who found that the Lisu had no written language, transcribed into English what he heard—compiling about 400 Lisu words in all—creating what is called the “Fraser Script,” which remains the region's official written language. Fraser struggled for six years, enduring many setbacks and bouts of depression before the Christian faith took hold among the Lisu, thanks in part to the support of fellow believers in England, who organized prayer sessions on behalf of his work. DVD extras include interviews with director Haron and star Simpson, and more. An engaging spiritual profile, this is recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)