Torchlighters FAQ
About Torchlighters
What are Torchlighters?
Torchlighters: Heroes of the Faith videos bring the stories of real-life faith heroes to children in a format that is engaging, inspirational, and educational. We aim to help parents, teachers, and faith communities raise up a new generation of Jesus followers who will themselves become “torchlighters,” carrying the light of faith into the future.
Torchlighters began in 2005 with the release of The Jim Elliot Story, the inaugural episode. Since then the series has grown to include 22 episodes and has spread around the world through partner distributors, television broadcast, and Internet streaming. For more on the story behind the series, check out this feature interview in the Christian Post.
What age range are Torchlighters designed for?
Torchlighters are especially recommended for children in the 8-12 age range. Many children at this age are ready to make a decision to follow Christ and are deeply impacted by heroes who live out their faith with courage and integrity. Torchlighters are also enjoyed by teens and adults, many of whom also appreciate the accompanying documentaries. Please note that Torchlighters stories are true and contain some material that may be frightening or too mature for younger children. Parents and teachers are advised to review the videos before showing to younger or more sensitive children.
Who is the producer?
Christian History Institute (CHI) is the executive producer of The Torchlighters, as part of our mission to share the story of the Church with the people of the Church. Herald Entertainment is the producer of the videos, under the direction of Robert Fernandez.
What is your denominational affiliation?
We are aligned with no particular denomination, but we adhere to the Apostles’ Creed and seek to present the history of the Christianity in accessible ways. We believe the glory of Christ is shown by presenting the work he has done in and through his people at various times and in various places. All Torchlighters were men and women who showed themselves faithful to Christ and to the Word of God.
How can I use the Torchlighters videos?
Check out our Ministry Ideas page for tons of great suggestions. Feel free to submit your ideas to us as well.
Are you going to make more episodes of the Torchlighters?
At this time, we are not planning to make more episodes of the Torchlighters. We are grateful for the opportunity to share the stories of these 23 heroes of the faith and trust God will continue to use their testimonies for many years to come.
Bonus Material
What is included on the DVD?
Who makes the documentaries?
Our producer, Robert Fernandez, does extensive research in creating each episode of Torchlighters. Because we don’t like to waste anything, we take his research one step further by rounding up subject experts, filming them on location, and producing our engaging documentaries as a way to help fill in the blanks and tell the rest of the story. Adults enjoy them, and many kids do as well.
Who writes the study guides?
We at CHI have been creating study guides to go along with our films on Christian history for years, so when we started the Torchlighters series, it was only natural to extend their use with quality material for parents and teachers. Guides are produced in house by our staff, often with a few of our own children as willing “guinea pigs!”
Will the study guides be translated into languages other than English?
Who sings the Perpetua song and how can I get it?
Access
Are digital versions available?
What other languages do you offer?
All Torchlighters include a Spanish track, and many have been dubbed into other languages as well. Check with our distributor, Vision Video, for up-to-date information on available languages.
Do Torchlighters provide subtitles?
Yes, all Torchlighters episodes include optional English and Spanish subtitles.
Where can I buy Torchlighters outside the United States?
Please consult Vision Video’s foreign vendor page to find a distributor near you and ask for Torchlighters!
Permissions
Can we show Torchlighters to groups?
We allow you to show Torchlighters to a small group of children in your home or church (fewer than 10 children). For larger groups or public showings, please obtain a CVLI license from Christian Video Licensing International. Countries serviced by CVLI are Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States. All others should contact Christian History Institute to make arrangements to show our DVDs. To show a copyrighted movie to a group without a license can be a violation of copyright.
Related Projects
Do you have any books?
The Torchlighters Ultimate Activity Book is a full-color resource with 144 pages of fun, educational activities for children—including eight unique pages for each of the first 16 Torchlighter heroes.
We also published The Torchlighters Biography: Corrie ten Boom, sharing Corrie’s story through pictures and engaging text that appeals to young readers. Find it here.
Find more books from Christian History Institute here.
What other videos do you have for children?
Christian History Institute has produced a number of excellent children’s programs, available here on our storefront.
What other resources do you recommend for adults who want to connect to their faith heritage?
Visit Christian History Institute (the producers of the Torchlighters) to find many free resources including all back issues of Christian History magazine, our “Today in Christian History” feature, and a selection of award-winning films on the history of the faith.