Namaste (नमस्ते) palm tree! Kon'nichiwa (こんにちは) intercessor! May the blessing of GOD that enriches and is followed by no sorrow be your portion (Proverbs 10:22). Be at peace and move on! I am a film buff. I don't watch exclusively Christian films, but I exclusively watch films that edify me. Some films are commercially labeled "Christian" but unfortunately do not conform to the message and values of the Kingdom. I like films and series whose theme, message, script, and images educate, encourage, inspire me, and are in line with my values. There is no shortage of DVDs at home. I regularly offer Christian filmography on a personal basis and through the association Partage Ton Rhema.
The best of enemies
"When a man's ways please JEHOVAH, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbes 16:7, Darby Translation)
The film is based on real events. Summer 1971, in the midst of racial segregation, civil rights activist Ann Atwater (1935-2016) and Ku Klux Klan representative C.P. Ellis (1927-2005) were to co-chair community discussions on desegregating schools in Durham, North Carolina. The ensuing debates had an astonishing impact on the city and changed their lives. Ann is a born-again Christian, known for her generosity and, above all, her legendary outspokenness. She speaks her mind without filter. One of the lessons of this film is that some of our enemies are sometimes destined to be our best friends. We will get the best out of them if we talk with them to build, not to win. Because we are all created in His image and likeness, GOD will create bridges between their needs and ours so that we each receive the best of GOD deposited in the other. When we talk to build, GOD creates bridges.
The Least of These
"For GOD [is] not unrighteous to forget your work, and the love which ye have shewn to his name, having ministered to the saints, and [still] ministering." (Hebrew 6:10, Darby T.)
Based on the true story of Graham Staines, an Australian missionary who cared for lepers in India. In 1999, Hindu extremists set fire to the car in which Graham Staines and his two sons were travelling. The film tells the story of the Staines family, but in reality, every Christian in persecuted territory can relate to this story in some way. The heroes (and pioneers) write the story, but it is read after them. In an interview,, Gladys Staines (the widow) said, "The greatest legacy of Graham is the people we will see in heaven."
Pentagon Papers
"For which of you, desirous of building a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, if he have what [is needed] to complete it;" (Luke 14:28, Darby Translation).
The film is secular and inspired by authentic facts. It recounts the publication of the Pentagon Papers by the New York Times and the Washington Post in the early 1970s. Following the suicide of her husband, Katharine Graham (1917-2001) took over the head of the Washington Post, one of the most popular and influential magazines in the United States. She was one of the first women to run a major company in this country. When Benjamin Bradlee (1921-2014), the editor-in-chief, proposed to publish the documents, the opinions were hostile, the legal and financial risks were enormous. While choosing to publish the documents, she respects and considers the opinions of both sides, aware that they each want to preserve the magazine. The film questions the mission of the media and the pressures they can face. Let's not use the advice of those around us as an excuse to do not the right thing. I especially like this statement from Katharine "I'm asking for your advice, not your permission."
Woodlawn
"By this shall all know that ye are disciples of mine, if ye have love amongst yourselves." (John 13:35, Darby Translation)
In the 1970s, Tony Nathan, an African-American soccer player, joins the Woodlawn High School team. A difficult integration in the middle of segregation in Alabama. While riots break out in the city, Tandy Gerelds (1942-2003), the soccer coach, struggles to ease the racial tensions between his players. He agrees to have traveling sports chaplain Hank Erwin address the team as a "motivational speaker." Hank's speech will lead the team to JESUS CHRIST and the players' transformation will lead Tandy to the LORD.
The film is produced and directed by Hank's sons, 🙂 brothers Andrew and Jon Erwin, co-founders of Kingdom Stories Compagnies. Beyond the team's conversion, it highlights the questions of Hank and Tony Curtis Nathan, a model student and the first black soccer superstar in history. Sometimes what we fear is not failing, but succeeding. That's why it's important to make sense of what you do and to have a vision for your life. As I wrote in the sélection n°1 GOD's grace gives us abilities and opportunities, but it will not do the work for us. It is up to us to choose, dare, and move forward.
I hope you will enjoy this selection, and that through these films you will receive encouragement from the LORD. See you in a few weeks for the next one. Until then, I leave you with the words of the song below.
** Namasté (नमस्ते) = Good morning in Hindi (India)
** Kon'nichiwa (こんにちは) = Good morning in Japanese