INTO THE AMAZON: Review + {Giveaway}

One lost world, thirty men, seven mysteries . . . sound like a 1960’s sci-fi drama?  Well, it is much more than just another fantastical adventure to entertain.  This documentary-style movie, Into TheAmazon, is truly an opportunity to explore as a family and experience an incredible journey along with the men and boys from Vision Forum Ministries.  I recently received Into TheAmazon Study Course from Vision Forum to enjoy with my family and share with all of you. (There is a giveaway at the end, so hang in there with me.)

Our family is constantly on the lookout for trustworthy  quality movies that teach, which leads us many times to this very same company, Vision Forum.  Vision Forum has consistently produced Christian resources that families can count on to promote Biblical character, godly stewardship and defending the faith as a family.  The study course IntoThe Amazon, part of the Hazardous Journeys series, is no exception to the excellence set forth by this ministry.

We were extremely excited to try this study course, especially in the light of our family’s choice for science this semester.  We have chosen to discuss and learn apologetics and creation science using the Answers in Genesis curriculum, covering it together as a family.  IntoThe Amazon study course served as an excellent spring-board for laying foundations and creating excitement about this subject as a family.  Here is a quick promotional look at this DVD series.

What we all loved about this study course:

1. The focus of this series was to teach and discuss “a biblical response to radical environmentalism and a vision for manly stewardship”.  Doug Phillips, the President of Vision Forum, leads these men into the battleground of science to discover the mysteries of the Amazon, while challenging “main stream” media, academia and science.  We loved the heart and dedication of these men as they journeyed to uncover the glories of God in His creation, with the focus of praising and worshiping the One who made it all, not nature itself.
2. The beauty of nature, as created by God, was so beautifully depicted in each of these videos.  The amazing vastness of God’s creation and all that is still yet to be discovered was beautifully communicated by these men.  My children have a renewed sense of awe in God and the astounding way He creates for His glory.  The cinematography was gorgeous and my children were impressed by the images that were captured on film.  Vision Forum is excelling in showing the world that Christian film is NOT second rate.
3. South American geography, culture and history were presented in a fascinating way that my family had not really taken the time to see.  The men in this series traveled to the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu, the Peruvian Desert, and Nazca to tell of history and culture that point to our awesome Creator.
4.  This series also took a brave leap into uncovering the similarities between the ancient pagan Incan culture and our own “idolatry” as a society.  The final video, “The Mystery of Machu Picchu and the Mighty Inca Empire”, served as a heart-felt and sobering warning at the danger of exalting and worshiping the creation over the One who created, God alone!
5.  I love that Vision Forum is helping me teach my children that biblical Christianity includes taking a stand and defending the faith.  The men in this video presented with grace all that the Lord had imparted to them, without apologies.  This series was a wonderful inspiration for my husband and my son to continue their search for adventure and dominion that God has so graciously given to them as biblical men.

What I did not love about this study course:

The study course includes a DVD series that has over 7 episodes, a CD commentary, a bonus DVD and a study guide.  That is a lot of curriculum!  I was concerned that it would be too much information for my family.  Although it took us longer to cover this entire curriculum than I had originally planned, it was well worth the time it took to discover, learn and discuss all of its contents.  I was also concerned that it would become tedious to cover so much material.  I am happy to report I was wrong! (Yes, I was wrong.  Don’t expect me to admit that too much.)  The kids were actually seeking us out to start a new DVD and lesson.  That was a refreshing change of pace to say the least.

The Into the Amazon Study Course is available through VisionForum Ministries online and retails for $79.00 plus shipping and handling.  This course contains 4 DVD’s with over 300 minutes of footage, including a special bonus disc; a Mp3 Audio CD with commentaries for each video;  a 107 page Study Guide and Certificate of Completion signed by Doug Phillips, President of Vision Forum Ministries,  and Austin Collins, Wilderness Expert.

Vision Forum has offered to give away a full Into The AmazonStudy Course to one of my fortunate readers!  
Want to take it home with you?  Use the Rafflecoppter below to enter, with lots of extra entry opportunities.  Giveaway ends August 18, 2012 at midnight!

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The Joyful Socks Mom  

Where we are at?

Statement of Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  The blog owner receives a small portion of sales generated from these links, which helps to support this blog.  The blog writer does not receive compensation for thoughts or opinions expressed on this blog.  The blog writer did receive a free copy of the curriculum described above for the purpose of reviewing the item.  Thank you for your kind consideration.