ChristianMilitaryWives

     On January 22, 2010 To Save a Life is opening in theaters nationwide.  This exciting Christian based film confronts many teen issues.  New Song Pictures gives viewers a touching story that will certainly change the way they see people.  The story is inspiring and the way it deals with the issues the characters face is remarkable.

    To Save a Life is the story of a teenage boy, Jake (Randy Wayne), who must make the choice to do what is popular or what is right.  In the past he made the choice to be popular and it cost him a friend, literally.  Now he will not let that happen again.  Jake must also decide what he believes as far as God.  A youth pastor, Chris (Joshua Weigel), comes into Jake’s path and he has a very unique, but effective way of dealing with the teens. Jake’s faith is tested by many difficulties, but the final outcome is inspirational.

     To Save a Life discusses difficult topics such as suicide, cutting, divorce, teen pregnancy, dating, partying, drinking/drugs, depression, abortion, adultery and more.  Although it is very tastefully handled, parents and leaders should know.  This is a very moving film that will help adults to understand what our teens are facing and teens to see what their actions towards others could be saying.

    To Save a Life is a powerful movie.  It is a great film for any teen, parent, youth group, etc.  I do want to warn there are some topics that might be too mature for younger kids; however most teens are aware of these issues.  Please check out the official website www.tosavealifemovie.com to find a theater near you and for resources.  Today many teens are faced with issues and situations similar to those discussed in the movie and this film may be just what is needed, to save a life. 

    
Fountain of Youth is the debut Christian short film from Light in the Dark, Inc.  The film is only 12 minutes long, but the story is timeless.  Light in the Dark, Inc. is a unique production company with high standards and a promising future.

     Fountain of Youth is the story of a young man struggling with being in a rut.  When he hears tale of a “fountain of youth” he is intrigued.  He talks with an elderly man that tells him where the fountain can be found.  He and a young female friend set off on a journey to find the fountain.  What they find is inspiring.  The cast, although debuting in this film, is talented.  Much thought was put into every scene.

     Light in the Dark, Inc. was started in 2003 by Allen Carrescia.  It is run by Allen and his brother Reid.  Allen graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston.  Reid is currently at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.  They are presently working on other short films with a feature film in the near future.

     Fountain of Youth is an inspirational film that will touch many of lives.  The simplicity will draw viewers in to the story.  The cast does a great job of keeping your attention.  The film is available for only $5 (free shipping) at www.lightinthedark.com.

     Now available on DVD, THE PERFECT GIFT is an inspirational Christian movie about the reason behind the Christmas holiday.  It is an extremely well-made production for the entire family.  This is sure to be a Christmas classic.  Like other Christmas classics it makes viewers seriously think about situations/relationships in their own lives and leaves them feeling hopeful in the end.  It explains the sad truth that Christ is being excluded from Christmas – it is like the whole world throwing you a birthday party… and you weren’t invited!  This question in the movie urges viewers to think how the world has commercialized Christ’s birthday, does not even acknowledge Christmas as His birthday.  An example of this is that in America it is not widely acceptable to say “Merry Christmas”; we are expected to say instead “Seasons Greetings.”  The film highlights the meanings of some popular Christmas symbols like the tree, wreath, candy cane, and the nativity. 

      THE PERFECT GIFT is the story of a spoiled young girl, Max (Christina Fougnie), who feels cheated that Christmas is on her birthday.  Max is too consumed with her birthday gift list and cake to be concerned about Christmas.  Her overworked mom must ask neighbor, Tony (Matt Wallace), to watch Max after school.  While hanging out at the church where Tony works, Max meets a mysterious drifter, Jess (Jefferson Moore).  Jess helps Max, Tony, and the whole community understand why we celebrate Christmas.

     THE PERFECT GIFT reveals in a loving way the meaning of the perfect gift.  A hint – it is NOT something you can buy.  It tells the unchangeable story of Christmas in a humorous and exciting new way.  The film has an uplifting message about standing up for what you believe.  The film has a very talented cast and high quality production.  The theme song Emmanuel (You are with me) written by Tim Brown and Mark Smeby is extremely moving.  It is performed by Mark Smeby who also acts in the movie as bad guy, Blaine Pollett.  You can find out more about the movie, view a study guide, and purchase the film at www.perfectgiftmovie.com. 

     THE PERFECT GIFT is a great way to start the Christmas season and is a Christmas must see movie!

Saving God, an exciting Christian film, is available on DVD. This is an inspiring movie about making choices and finding hope. The story brings to mind the Scripture Romans 3:23 NIV “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. We all have done things in our past that we regret. But because of God’s grace we can be forgiven and change. People are capable of changing with God’s help. It was awarded five Doves from the Dove Foundation, their highest rating. Saving God has also been nominated for the 2008/2009 Time for Peace Film Award. The story is moving and the cast is very talented and well known. Grab your popcorn and enjoy an extremely entertaining and motivating movie. The Story Saving God is the story of Pastor Armstrong Cane (Ving Rhames), a recently released prisoner. He entered prison a rebellious young man, but left prison a man of God. His father had died while he was locked up and that was a turning point in his life. His father was the pastor of a small church in his hometown and now he would take over. In a very tender moment in the movie Cane visits the graves of his parents and tells his dad that he would not let him down. He will have several people from his past telling him that he can not change his violent ways. Armstrong returns to his father’s church to find that most of the congregation had left because of the decline in the neighborhood. The area was now overrun with drug dealers and violence. Armed with his love for God and a megaphone he is determined to take back the neighborhood and overcome his past. By a chance encounter he meets Norris (Dwain Murphy), a young man that is making bad choices. Cane tries to help Norris turn his life around. Norris must first decide to give up his drug dealer lifestyle. That is not so easy because he is ruled by a violent drug dealer, Blaze (Dean McDermott). Norris does not know that his teenage girlfriend is pregnant, but he wants to get his life straight. The struggle that occurs for the life of Norris is exciting and dangerous. The Actors Ving Rhames plays Armstrong Cane. He was born and raised in Harlem, New York, so he can identify with the neighborhood in the movie. Rhames also served as Executive Producer of Saving God. He is a Golden Globe winner and very experienced actor. He is also nominated for the 2008/2009 Time for Peace Actor Award for his exceptional performance in this film. Mission Impossible, Kojak, Pulp Fiction, Con Air, and Lilo and Stitch are only a few of the movies he has acted in. In this film he does an outstanding job. Ricardo Chivira is wonderful as Danny Christopher, a superficial TV preacher. It is a long way from his role as Carlos Solis on Desperate Housewives. He has had numerous guest star appearances on Monk, 24, JAG, NYPD Blue, and the George Lopez Show. Chivira is also active off screen as a breast cancer advocate. This is an issue close to his heart as his mother passed away at the age of 43 years old of breast and ovarian cancer. He is honorary spokesman in San Antonio, Texas for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The brutal gang leader, Blaze, is played by Dean McDermott. He is known for being a very talented actor and being married to Tori Spelling. His acting career includes Open Range, Kojak, Brian’s Song, Without A Trace, and the reality show Tori & Dean: Inn Love to name a few. Dwain Murphy is outstanding as Norris Johns, a young drug dealer who has a tough choice to make between being a thug and being a THUG for Christ. Murphy is best known for his role as Eric in Degrassi: The Next Generation. He has acted in many films such as Poor Boy’s Game, How She Move, and The Line. He has a passion for acting, but also enjoys basketball in his free time. Extremely talented actress Genelle Williams plays the girlfriend of Norris Johns. In the film she finds out she is pregnant and tries to find the right time to tell Norris. Williams has a long list of acting credits including The Lazarus Child, It’s a Boy Girl Thing, The Orphan, and more. In 2007 she was nominated for the Gemini Award for “Best Performance in a Leading Role” as Monica in the mini-series Doomstown. Saving God is a brilliant Christian movie. Who will save God for the souls who have lost Him? It is a quality film with exceptional actors and an amazing message. It has some violence and the subject of drug dealing so it may not be suitable for younger children. This would be a great movie for adults to share with their teens. The excitement and teen issues will keep them interested. This film expresses the topic of choices and how even those choices we make as young people can altar our life, so it is important to make careful choices. You can purchase Saving God wherever Christian movies are sold or at the movie’s website www.savinggodmovie.com.

Now available on DVD the award winning film, Fern Hill.  This Christian film is about true friendship, hope, adventure, and faith.  It takes four young boys on the adventure of a lifetime.  We all have cherished memories of our childhood friends; this film reminds us how sweet that time together was.  It has been awarded the Family Approved Seal by the Dove Foundation.  This is a great adventure film for the entire family. 

 

     Fern Hill is the tale of Colin, his best friends, and the loss of his father.  His father was a pilot and his plane disappeared when Colin was only five years old.  Although there was an investigation, nothing was ever found.  Colin and mother were forced to move on without closure.  She remarried an overbearing man that pushes him too hard.  After Colin has a vivid dream about his Dad, he devises a plan to find him or at least try.  He tells his plan to his three best friends and asks them to join him.  His friends Kenny, Seth, and Bob are going through their problems and are looking for a get away.  After debating all the obstacles and donuts, they innocently prepare for their journey.  They soon find that the least of their concerns is that they are hiking to Fern Hill in the Colorado Mountains.  They face many other challenges - fear, dark, the woods, wild animals, rain, a lost map, and the rumored madman Old Man Tyler’s cabin.  But the biggest challenge just might be facing the truths they find out about themselves. 

 

     Fern Hill was written many years ago by Cole Claassen of Agape Productions.   This may be his debut feature film, but this film is high quality.  The cast is amazing and very talented.  Many were local actors from Crested Butte, Colorado where the film was shot.  He was setting out to make this movie with almost no budget and a crew of friends and family when a friend made a small investment in the film.  Cole says that memories from his own childhood are where he got the idea for the film.  Growing up he had three adventurous best friends.  Also while in high school Claassen experienced being part of a search and rescue team for a plane crash of a friend and their family.  The poem ‘Fern Hill’ by Dylan Thomas, about childhood, also played a part in the story of this film.

 

     The next film for Agape Productions is Tennison Hopps.  Visit the movie’s website www.tennisonhoppsmovie.com.  The film is set in New Mexico Territory in 1889.  Tennison Hopps is a coming of age story about two brothers’ fight to save their family after a tragic loss.  Tennison is faced with the most difficult circumstances a young boy can imagine, and sets out on a journey across the rugged southwest to rescue his brother.  This film is a faith-based family drama about a young boy’s journey from childhood to manhood, with the help of two unlikely new friends.  At this time Agape Productions has actor Tom Berenger (Major League, Sniper, Gettysburg) attached as well as distribution offers with prominent worldwide companies.  They are currently seeking investors for financing to complete the film.  To find out more about this outstanding opportunity contact cole@agapefilmvideo.com. 

     Fern Hill is a touching story of childhood, friendship, and adventure.  The simplicity of childhood is memory we all cherish.  Simplicity like how a three day weekend away from school can make your day.  This film helps to remind us through its talented characters how great those times were.  After watching this movie, you might very well give those old friends a call. 

      Now available on DVD is the heartwarming Christian movie Clancy.   This film is a touching story of a girl overcoming horrible situations in her young life with unmovable faith.  Very entertaining and keeps you on the edge of your seat.  It has comedy, suspense, and drama.  So grab the tissues, popcorn, and Clancy for your next movie night. 

      Clancy (Christina Fougnie) is a young girl abused by her mother.  Her mother not only physically abuses her, but also blames Clancy for her not having a life or money.  She tells Clancy that her life was so much better before she had her.  Clancy runs away to avoid being taken away by social workers and hopes while she is gone her mom will get help.  On the streets she crosses paths with an angry homeless veteran, Nick (Jefferson Moore).  An immoral mayor desperate for re-election plots a devious plan to “find” the lost girl.  He includes the police chief in his plan to set up the homeless man.  With the promise of restarting his life, Nick agrees to keep the girl out of sight.  But when a loan shark corners Nick, he and Clancy escape to the country.  The corrupt mayor now sets his sights on a more shocking alleged rescue/manhunt across county lines. 

 

    Clancy is an emotional rollercoaster.  Viewers will hold their breath in suspense, laugh, and cry.  Clancy is a positive child and even though she is abused, she does not let anything get her down.  She says “Bad things are always going to happen, but being miserable doesn’t have to.”  She explains the Gospel to Nick in an easy to understand and effective way.  The simple truths that Clancy explains to Nick are what bring the two of them together.  As the young girl grows on the homeless veteran he discovers that he wants to care about another person and his own life again.  Because of some strong topics – abuse, runaway, homelessness, bribery, etc. it may not be suitable for younger children.

 

    Clancy is a high quality film and the entire cast is extremely talented.  This is the first starring role for Christina Fougnie, but viewers will only see a professional young actress.  The writer (Jefferson Moore) also plays Nick in the film, does an outstanding job.  The production is very entertaining and brings the reality of the story to life.  You can find out more about Clancy and purchase the DVD at the movie’s website www.clancymovie.com.

 

On August 4, 2009 The Board was released on DVD.  This is an inspiring Christian short film that can be used as an outreach tool.  It illustrates how a person’s soul (mind, will, emotions, heart, memory, and conscience) makes the important decision of accepting Christ.  This is a great way to tell the modern world about Christ through an entertaining and quality production. The story in the film and the behind the scenes story, make the message even more powerful.

 

The Story

     The Board is set in the fabricated boardroom of a person’s soul.  The soul consists of the mind, the will, the emotions, the heart, the memories, and the conscience of that person.  The film also explains that no matter how much hurt a person has in their heart, Christ is there and can take away the guilt and hurt. It shows how a soul makes the all important decision to choose Christ as Savior. 

     The story is that a friend has brought up the subject of salvation to this person. Now the soul must decide.  The film goes through the persons mind researching the evidence of Christ and how they can believe the Bible.  It shows how they feel about past experiences with Christians and church.  Each member voices their opinion and fights for what they believe to be true.  But they cannot disprove that Christ loves them and that He is pursuing them.  The decision they make will impact eternity. If this was your boardroom, how would you decide?

 

The story behind the film

    The Board was directed by Brett Varvel from Varvel Productions.  It is another film that follows the example of Sherwood Productions, including their church, Bethesda Baptist Church, and the congregation as actors, crew, stage builders, and lots of prayer.  The film was a family affair.  Brett Varvel also acted in the movie as Mr. Heart.  The story was written by Brett’s father, Gary Varvel.  He was influenced by a radio sermon by Rev. Colin Smith.  Brett’s brother, Drew Varvel acted in the movie as Mr. Emotion and also helped with editing the film.  Gary Varvel’s brother, Terry Varvel was also Mr. Mind in the film.  All involved feel that this is much more than a movie.  It is their hope that it will impact lives.  The main focus of this film is for it to be used as a gospel tract.  In the bonus features on the DVD they explain how God provided more than they ever expected.  Also on the bonus features on the DVD is an invitation by Mr. Heart and Mr. Will that is very moving.

    The Board is an entertaining and modern way to share the gospel. In less than 40 minutes this film can change lives.  This is a wonderful witnessing tool to be used by individuals, churches, schools, etc.  To learn more about how the film is impacting lives or to purchase the DVD go to www.boardmovie.com.  Also on the website is a bible study under the resources tab that can be used following the movie.  

Click below to watch the trailer:

Can We Talk? – A Movie with Racing Roots

By Dana Chaffin

 

     On June 6, 2009, Can We Talk was released on DVD.  This Christian movie explores sharing our burdens with others.  As Christians we are instructed to encourage one another.  Through the characters in this film you can see how God moves people into our path to help us.  The movie’s story is just one part of the message.  The story behind the filmmakers and the ministries that stream from that partnership make the message even stronger. 

 

The Movie

      Can We Talk is the story of a young man, Nate, who is trying to not only finish his senior year of high school, but also care for his younger sister.  With no known father and an absent mother, Nate is left to provide for the household.  The people in Nate’s community see him as nothing more than a trouble-maker, bad influence, & worthless, so he lives up to their expectations.  He has made bad choices in trying to survive and ended up in trouble with the law.  He only asks for help when pressured by losing custody of his sister.  His help comes from a stranger, Aaron who takes responsibility for Nate and tries to help him find his way.  He asks that Nate be able to do community service at the Kansas Auto Racing Museum with him.  Aaron is troubled by guilt of a tragic racing accident in his past.  He asks God to give him someone to help and that is what he got, Nate.  Aaron finds that he may be the one who gets help from Nate.  Together they overcome their troubles and become close friends.  This is a touching story of how God puts people in our lives to help us deal with tough times.  But are we listening?

 

Behind the movie

     Can We Talk is the full-length film by Covenant Films, LLC and Emmanuel Pictures.  Emmanuel Pictures is the movie ministry of Emmanuel Church in Abilene, Kansas.  The partnership of Covenant Films and the church was a joint decision between filmmaker Doug Thompson and the congregation.  They knew that this project was an adventure too big to handle alone, so approximately 60 church members joined the team.  The group was used to help with building the set, serving food, holding the team accountable, and lots of prayer.  Their goal was to honor God in the film.  The idea was an example from the Kendrick brothers and their partnership with Sherwood Baptist Church to form Sherwood Productions that produced movies Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Flywheel.  They hope to be able to generate funds from this film to make future films.

     Doug Thompson, Covenant Film president, is no stranger to the racing scene.  He has been racing various types of stock cars since 1969.  He has raced everything from dirt track ministocks to NASCAR Goody’s Dash Series.  He has 356 feature wins and 9 track championships.  Today Doug races a dirt track modified at Whiskey Lake Raceway in Kansas, the track featured in the film.

    Doug and his wife opened the Kansas Auto Racing Museum.  The 21-acre museum complex is located in the small town of Chapman, Kansas.  The museum holds the first NASCAR and NHRA trophies.  There are lots of restored race cars from different eras, photos and more.  For more information about the museum go to: www.kansasautoracingmuseum.org.

 

    Can We Talk has a very touching message.  The DVD includes lots of extras.  It shows the behind the scenes of making the movie and the characters.  Also it contains remarkable footage at Emmanuel Church with a special service.  It tells about Doug Thompson’s racing past and how God has been involved.  The DVD can be purchased exclusively at www.canwetalkthemovie.com.

 

Dana Chaffin is a Christian freelance writer who has published many articles on faithwriters.com. Passionate about Christian film, her desire is to get the word out about Christian movies to as many people as possible Email cajd34@netzero.com

Malatya True story of modern day martyrs
By Dana Chaffin
 October 20, 2009 is the second DVD release date for the stunning documentary Malatya. The film, which had an early release through Voice of the Martyrs on April 18th, 2009 in honor of the martyrs, is now releasing in its final form. This is a true story of persecution and perseverance. Three Christian men were brutally tortured and murdered, in Malatya Turkey, for their faith in Jesus Christ. It may be difficult for people to understand that Christians even today are beaten, raped, and killed for proclaiming Jesus. Many may read stories about martyrs, but to actually see that these men were real nowadays martyrs is dramatic. Like in America, Christians are not beaten for saying the name – Jesus. Their homes are not burned because they own a Bible. Americans are free to attend public church services and they do not have to hide in the woods after dark for a Bible study, like in some countries. However; if Christians everywhere do not stand up against this type of persecution, all countries may be affected. The story of these men’s lives and how their families and fellow Christians are persevering is inspiring. Also keep reading to find out how you can help persecuted Christians.

 The Story
On April 18, 2007 three men were murdered in Turkey for no other reason than they were Christians. The men murdered were Necati Aydin, 36, Ugur Yuksel, 32, and Tilmann Geske, 45. Necati and Ugur were Turkish converts and Tilmann a German citizen. The murderers were five young men 19 & 20 years old. These young men had attended the Easter service with the men they would days later murder. The day of the murder, the murderers came to the office inquiring about Christ. Necati and Ugur talked with the boys for awhile and then they were attacked and bound. Each of the murderers carried a note saying “We did this for our country. They were attacking our religion.” What is so disturbing is that Turkey is less than 1% Christian and 99% Muslim. In Turkey the meaning of being a Turk is to be a Muslim. These men had their hands and feet bound, their heads slammed against a wall, and tortured with knives. When the police arrived outside the office door, their throats were cut. These men paid the ultimate price for serving God. Their families and fellow Christians have also suffered due to the loss of these wonderful men. The strength and faith they show is inspirational. They continue to have church services and welcome newcomers even though they are at risk. The story of one of their children wanting to tell the murderers about Christ is touching. The families understand that their loss is not in vain. These great men are like seeds for the Turkish church.

 What can you do?
Get Involved! Be aware and inform others that this kind of slaughter happens and we must get involved to help our fellow Christians. Most of all PRAY for those persecuted and their families. Learn to pray for the Turkish Christians by viewing the special features on the DVD, there is a visual/audio prayer guide. At the website www.malatyafilm.com you can download a 30 day prayer guide. The Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit organization that helps persecuted Christians around the world. They offer many programs and ways that you can help those that are being persecuted and their families. Check out their website www.persecution.com to find out about their various programs. The Malatya movie will highlight the truth on October 20, 2009 that murders happen just because one is a Christian. The world will see the courageous story of these men who gave their lives for Christ. Be encouraged by how the families are continuing and not giving up after their loss. Sadly these men are not the first or last to die for their belief in Christ. You can purchase the documentary online at www.malatyafilm.com, www.familychristianmovies.com or www.vombooks.com.