Tom Radford's documentary chronicles the life of Chester Ronning, best remembered for his close and longstanding relationship with China. Over the course of his life, Ronning worked as a cowboy, ambassador, college president, missionary and a member of the Alberta legislature. But throughout all of his careers, his lifelong ambition was to explain China to the western world. His story is a rare example of the meeting of East and West in a compassionate, remarkable man.
Ages 15 to 17
Ethics and Religious Culture - Religious Diversity/Heritage
Geography - Human Geography
History - World History
Discuss the primary reason(s) for Ronning's life-long interest in China. Research The Boxer Rebellion (1898 - 1901). How did this historical event impact the Ronning family directly? Would Chester Ronning be someone you would have liked to know? Support your answer with references from the film. By what standards could he be considered a great man?