Marathon ice trek aims to inspire risky faith Print
Written by Staff   
Thursday, 20 January 2011 05:01 PM America/New_York

SurrenderedAntarctic documentary follows extreme explorer to the bottom of the world

 

A documentary-style account of an epic trek into the frozen wilderness of Antarctica, Surrendered and Untamed (978-0-801-01374-4, $14.99) aims to warm viewers’ hearts towards more risky faith in God and His promises.

Released this month by Baker Publishing Group, the 74-minute program follows extreme explorer Alex Harris as he attempts an unsupported, near-700-mile hike to the South Pole. The South African who has scaled the world’s seven tallest peaks battles sub-zero temperatures, frostbite and broken equipment in his quest.

Personal video diary entries by Harris and footage shot by co-director Joel Clark are linked by host Mark Batterson, a pastor and author, who reflects on some of the spiritual lessons to be drawn from the 65-day adventure.

The project began as a musical recording by Clark’s brother Jason. Several years ago he recorded an album called Surrendered and Untamed, after his dreams of success with a band were dashed just as the group seemed poised to break out. “It was about surrender to God, about chasing down His presence and what He has for me,” Jason Clark said.

When Harris later invited the brothers to join him on the Antarctic expedition, the message of the album seemed a perfect fit.

“There’s an epic sense to our journey” as Christians, co-director Jason Clark said of his personal music project. “It’s about risk, about coming into alignment with what God says and then taking practical steps to move in a direction that, in all honesty may look like the wilderness. It’s those people who will be world changers.”

Several songs from the album are featured in the DVD, which  includes almost 30 minutes of extra. In addition, the program is being supported by the simultaneous publication of a participant’s guide by Batterson and a book by Jason Clark exploring more of the same themes, each also titled Surrendered and Untamed and available from Baker Publishing Group.

To order, call 800-877-2665.