Let's face it--most of what passes for "reality TV" is really fake. People act differently when they're in front of a camera, and much of it seems so scripted. But there's one program that stands out in authenticity, entertainment, and edification.
When I think of the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), I cringe. As a Christian, I'm embarrassed by the network's comical (Jan Crouch refuses to look like a normal grandma) and corrupt (Larry Huch, Paula White, Benny Hinn, etc.) personalities. But there is treasure among the trash. Travel the Road is an amazing adventure every week. The show's premise is simple: two young guys (Tim Scott and Will Decker) with nothing but backpacks and a video camera, traveling throughout Asia and Africa, taking the Gospel to the poor. Over the years, TTR has shown us
-- a macabre ritual involving giving dead people to vultures in Tibet,
-- a man who stole from a church in India, hysterically begging the missionaries to pray for him because his hands have been struck with a mysterious skin ailment,
-- our heroes unarmed and alone in a tent, surrounded by lions all night,
-- Tim and Will trudging through the swampy jungle of Borneo, having to stop and pull leeches out every five minutes,
-- Chinese authorities harassing the missionaries,
-- Siberian thugs threatening to kill the guys,
etc., etc. Like I said, reality and adventure!
In the Phoenix area, TTR is on Channel 21 at 9:30pm Saturdays. Check your local listings.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)