What is Lifted?
Lifted is a 75-min documentary telling the remarkable journey of the Schoen family in Suriname—from Ivan’s rooftop calling, to the dangers and joys of jungle life, to the spiritual transformation of whole tribes, and now the rise of an indigenous-led radio ministry.
When Ivan and Doris Schoen left behind their home in the United States to enter one of the most isolated places on earth, they couldn’t have imagined the story God was writing. For more than 50 years, they lived among the Wayana and Trio people of Suriname, raising their children in the jungle, translating Scripture into a written language for the first time, and witnessing the power of the gospel transform entire communities. Today, their legacy continues—not as a story of the past, but as a testimony of God’s ongoing work. Indigenous believers are now leading the ministry, broadcasting the Word of God across the jungle through shortwave radio towers.
Through breathtaking visuals, rare footage, and firsthand testimonies, Lifted captures not just history, but the living faith of people once trapped in fear, now alive in Christ. But Lifted is not just a film—it’s an invitation. An invitation to see God’s power in some of the hardest to-reach places, and to join in prayer, support, and celebration of what He is still doing today!
“From a dying people to a living church—this is the story of being lifted.”
-Tom Schoen
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The Story Behind Lifted
A Call That Changed Everything
From the Roof of a House to the Heart of the Jungle
It began on an ordinary workday. Ivan Schoen, a carpenter in Florida, climbed down from a rooftop after reading a newspaper article about five missionaries martyred in Ecuador. Their story didn’t stir fear—it sparked a call. Ivan later said, “It was as though God spoke directly to me: these are the same people I want you to serve.” Most men would have finished the shift, shaken off the thought, and gone home. Ivan turned in his two weeks’ notice.
With his wife Doris, he set out on a path of training, preparation, and obedience. Four years of Bible school. Medical and dental training to meet the practical needs of isolated people. And then—in 1961—with three small children in tow, the Schoens boarded a plane for Suriname. Critics warned against taking kids into a hostile jungle. Family members pleaded with them to reconsider. But Ivan and Doris believed God had called not just one man, but their entire family. And that decision proved vital: the Wayana and Trio allowed the Schoens to stay because they came with children. They came not as conquerors, but as family!
“If the King calls you, unpack your bags—you’ll see Him do impossible things.” — Ivan Schoen
Who Are Ivan & Doris Schoen
Living Among the People
Trust Earned Through Daily Life
The Schoens cut airstrips, built homes, and ate what the jungle provided—even monkey meat made into “burgers.” Slowly, wary eyes became open doors. Bound by animism and fear of spirits, the people lived under constant dread. But trust was built—children played together, shamans saw compassion in action, and hunters taught the Schoen boys their skills.
Over the next 40 years, Ivan Schoen accomplished something extraordinary: night after night, he sat with index cards, capturing words, sounds, and meanings. Patiently, with the help of local leaders like Chief Noë, Ivan pieced together a written form of the Wayana and Trio languages—languages that had only ever been spoken. This painstaking work made it possible to translate not just verses, but the entire Old and New Testament into the heart language of the people. For the first time in their history, the Wayana and Trio could read God’s Word for themselves!
“God’s Word in our language changed everything.”
— Wayana Elder
Transformation Through the Gospel
From Fear & Dealth to Freedom and Life
The Wayana and Trio lived in a world ruled by fear. Spirits haunted their nights. Shamans held power over life and death. Violence between tribes was routine. And most devastating of all, infants were discarded at birth—sometimes buried alive, sometimes left on the ground—because parents believed spirits had cursed them. Entire generations were fading away.
But the Word of God changed everything.
Through Scripture translated into their language, the people discovered a Creator greater than the spirits they feared. They found forgiveness in Christ, and with it came freedom from the cycle of fear and death. Shamans threw away their charms. Warring tribes reconciled and began gathering in worship together. Whole families were baptized in the rivers that once symbolized danger.
Most profoundly, the practice of killing newborns came to an end. In their language, salvation came to be described as “lifting”—a father picking his child up from the ground and choosing life. This became the people’s picture of what Christ does for us: He lifts us out of sin and death into new life.
“We were once a dying people. Now our villages are full of children." — Trio Mother
The Mud and the Blood
A New Chapter
Canadian Partnership in Action
The story of Lifted doesn’t end with the film. What began with Ivan and Doris Schoen in the 1960s has now become a movement carried forward by the Wayana and Trio — and strengthened by the partnership of Canadian believers like you.
In 2019, the vision for radio stations in Suriname took shape. By 2022, tribal elders were making plans with TWR missionaries. In 2023, the government granted long-awaited broadcast licenses. Then came the challenge: transporting transmitters, solar panels, and even entire prefabricated buildings into remote jungle airstrips — one flight at a time.
In 2025, that vision became reality. Both radio stations are now complete, broadcasting the gospel across the Amazon, and training has begun so that Wayana and Trio believers can disciple their people through the airwaves.
“None of this would have been possible without you. Through your prayers and support with TWR Canada, what once seemed impossible is now a reality.”
— Tom Schoen
Be Part of the Story
The story of Lifted is still being written. From one family’s obedience, to a new generation of Indigenous believers leading their own people to Christ—this is God’s ongoing work in the Amazon.
You can be part of sharing that story. Host a Lifted Viewing Party with your church, small group, or community and inspire others with what God is doing.
To make hosting easy and impactful, request you free Lifted Viewing Kit! Each kit includes the film, discussion guides, promotional tools, and personal support from our team.
