We often talk about radical faith, but what does it look like to actually live it? This review explores a story of someone who gave up worldly success to answer God’s call and challenges us to consider our own obedience.
From Rags to Riches and Back Again
“Mully” documents the life of Charles Mully. Abandoned by his family at age six, he spent a decade begging on the streets of Kenya.
After finding faith, his life took a new direction. Through hard work, he started a taxi service that grew into a business empire and made him a millionaire.
He married his wife, Esther, and they had a large family. One day, an encounter with street children and a stolen car changed his perspective.
Mully felt a clear call from God to sell all his possessions and dedicate his life to caring for Kenya’s orphans. He announced this plan to his skeptical family and began bringing homeless children into their home.
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His own children struggled to adjust to their new, crowded home, and the local community viewed his actions with suspicion, questioning his motives. This was the start of the Mully Children’s Family (MCF).
The documentary follows his efforts to build this organization from the ground up as he faces opposition and hardship. From just a few children in his house, MCF expanded into a massive operation that would eventually care for thousands of children across the country.
The story chronicles his rise, his fall from wealth, and his new purpose.
The Cost of Answering the Call
The film presents a modern-day parallel to the rich young ruler, but with a different outcome. The biblical figure walked away sad, but Charles Mully walks away from his wealth with conviction.
The story’s main message is about the nature of true obedience. It suggests that answering God’s call sometimes requires a radical, seemingly illogical surrender of worldly security.
The film does not present Mully’s choice to sell his businesses as a general command for all believers, but as his specific, personal response to a direct call.
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The film draws parallels to Old Testament figures like Abraham, who left his home for an unknown land, and Noah, who built an ark based on faith alone. By referencing these well-known stories, the film provides a scriptural context for Mully’s choices.
When Mully digs for water where experts failed or builds a bridge over a dry riverbed, the narrative brings to mind stories of God providing for His people in the wilderness. These moments frame his actions not as reckless gambles, but as acts of faith in a God who promises to provide.
Mully’s internal struggle is clear; he moves from a man who once refused beggars to one who sacrifices everything for them. This shift demonstrates a deep change in his understanding of stewardship as he moves from accumulating wealth for himself to using it all for others. His actions reflect the command to care for ‘the least of these.’
Putting Your ‘Yes’ on the Table
While God may not call most of us to sell everything we own, “Mully” pushes us to examine what we are willing to give. The film challenges viewers to redefine what “provision” and “security” mean in their own lives.
One practical lesson is learning to listen for God’s direction, even when it seems foolish to others. When Mully announced his plan to his family, they thought he was crazy.
His decision to trust God’s call over human logic is a powerful example. This wasn’t a rash impulse but a deep conviction born from prayer and a clear sense of God’s leading, even amid his own doubts and fears.
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His obedience prompts us to reflect on the areas in our own lives where faith might require an unconventional action. Another lesson is about seeing needs right in front of us.
Mully’s life changed after his car was stolen by street children, a group he once belonged to. He could have reacted with anger, but instead, his heart broke for them.
This scene prompts us to view difficult people and situations as potential assignments from God instead of as simple annoyances. It encourages a shift in perspective from self-preservation to active compassion.
In doing so, the film forces us to question whether our security lies in our possessions or in our obedience to God’s purpose. The film shows that ministry often begins with a simple, compassionate response to one person’s need, rather than with a grand plan.
What Are People Saying?
“Mully” was received as an inspiring and moving documentary. It found a strong audience within faith-based communities.
Reviewers frequently pointed to the power of Charles Mully’s personal story and celebrated his sacrifice and faith. The film’s ability to document a modern story of radical obedience connected with viewers, who found it both demanding and motivating.
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The partnership with Focus on the Family also indicates its strong appeal to a Christian audience looking for uplifting content. The film contains intense moments, which certain viewers found difficult.
Critics noted that the inclusion of reenactments and raw news footage of violence in Kenya was potentially disturbing for younger audiences. Commentary also pointed out the initial family conflict as a complex element of the story.
While these aspects did not detract from the overall positive message for most, reviewers noted them as points of caution. These cautions were aimed at families considering the film for younger viewers and those sensitive to depictions of marital strife, even when resolved in faith.
Its target audience praised the film’s straightforward, faith-forward narrative, though secular critics might find it less nuanced.
Crafting the Mully Story
Interviews with Charles Mully, his wife Esther, and their children form the backbone of the documentary and give it a personal feel. The film blends these interviews with dramatic reenactments of key moments from Mully’s early life.
Director Scott Haze combined this with archival news footage to contextualize the challenges in Kenya. This approach creates an immersive experience and grounds Mully’s personal story within the wider socio-political context of the nation at the time.
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In promoting the film, Charles Mully stated he hoped to inspire viewers to get involved in helping others, even in small ways, and to support those who need hope.
Our Verdict and Viewer Guide
“Mully” is a powerful and convicting film that is well worth watching. It effectively tells a story of faith and sacrifice that will challenge and encourage believers.
It avoids feeling preachy by grounding its message in one man’s authentic and difficult life. The film’s raw portrayal of Mully’s struggles and triumphs makes his obedience to God’s call both relatable and astounding.
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This film is recommended for adults and mature teens interested in stories about social justice and faith in action. Parents should be cautious.
The documentary includes reenactments of domestic abuse and violence. It also contains graphic real footage of riots, beatings, and dead bodies.
There are verbal references to rape and drug use by former street children. While there is no foul language or sexual content, the mature themes and violent images make it unsuitable for younger viewers.
The story’s honest look at family conflict and doubt adds to its authenticity. You can watch ‘Mully’ on Amazon Prime today. Click here >>
Your Turn
Now, a question for you: After hearing about Mully’s radical sacrifice, what is one “small” area of your life where you feel God might be asking for a bigger step of faith?
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Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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