FLYWHEEL, FACING THE GIANTS, & FIREPROOF!

I thought I had told as many of you as I could about these movies, but perhaps not. So, I am gonna tell you all about them- PLEASE hear me!

The creators of FIREPROOF are also the creators of FACING THE GIANTS and FLYWHEEL. They are a Church in Georgia. If you go to http://slownewstoday.blogspot.com/2008/11/featured-friday.html and click on the links I've provided you can learn about Alex & Stephen Kynndrick and the Church in Georgia.

You see the thing is when FLYWHEEL was released it did not do well - no matter how great the storyline was. If you watch it, you will see why. However, with FACING THE GIANTS - they hired a producer, producer ONLY, from what I know. The actors in FACING THE GIANTS are none other than members of the Church and community! One of them is a frito lay truck driver! They are not people pursuing Acting careers - they are everyday people like you and I, just trying to make a difference in this world. So no, the acting is not up to the "Hollywood" measures by no means - but the message and the fact that this Church is doing all they can to share God with people is enough for me to ignore the acting and fall in love with the movies and the people behind them. On top of that, because of the fact that they are not some big time hollywood actors, the movies seem so more realistic and I love that!

I've not yet seen FIREPROOF as it did not hit theaters until after I left, but I will buy it on Jan 27th - without ever watching it before because I believe in it, I believe in the people behind it, and I want to support this as much as I can. I will probably buy it as gifts for others, just as I did FACING THE GIANTS. I however, have read the book and I'm literally on the edge of my seat waiting to get my hands on that movie. I fell in love with FACING THE GIANTS - it's my favorite football movie and by far one of the best movies I've seen in my whole life - so I believe that FIREPROOF will be even better. I do believe that Kurt Cameron was also NOT PAID - he'd read the script, said the movie had to be done and he'd be honored to provide the leading role!

This Church has got something, and they are doing everything they can to share it, to share God's love with those in their community, with us, and with everyone they can reach. Sadly, if people do not go to the Theaters to watch it, if people do not buy it, do not rent it - the makers of these movies and other Christian films will no longer create them, because they can not afford it. Do you know how many movies come out every Tuesday? A movie has to make a killing to be successful and I'd much rather pay those prices for a movie that is Christ centered. Wouldn't you?

I recommend also watching The Holiday - no it's not Christ centered, so why am I suggesting this? The storyline of Arthur Abbott is why. Pay attention to that old man and what he says about Hollywood and movies - you'll see what I am saying is true. If a movie does not make a killing - it falls flat on its face. I don't want to see that happen to Christian films. I want to see more of them made!

My family enjoyed FACING THE GIANTS so much that we watch it regularly as a family - my children request it! It does not get any better than that! For my children to request a movie that tells them how much God loves them and that nothing is impossible with God. When friends visit; it is the first movie they want to watch with them. So they're sharing it, spreading the word about it...

I remember talking to Jenny H. about having a movie night for M2M to watch it, but we couldn't figure out whose home we would all fit in or how we'd get away with a "movie night". It would have been a blast though! I also, let Tara F. borrow the movie - she may still have it, as I can't find it - and if you do Tara - pass it around, let everyone see what I'm talking about. Or have that movie night! If you don't, Tara, well then maybe who ever ended up with it was blessed!

I went one step further, in 07 when I went on Urban Plunge - we got rained in - so we rented FACING THE GIANTS for us to watch, me, the leaders, and 14 teenagers! Some had seen it and they couldnt wait to see it again. The girls complained cause it was about football - but they fell in love with it, said it was the best movie. Teenagers!!! It just doesn't get any better than that - the only moment I've experienced better, was at the Sexuality retreat. When I awoke to hear teenagers singing praises to God and telling all their friends about the movie FACING THE GIANTS!!! They went as far as to have a movie night right there in the Avenue!

I pray that none of you are offended by my CAPITAL letters, but I want you to hear me on this. I'm begging you to hear me. It's great to save money and Kim W. helps you do it in amazing ways. She has probably already saved you money at least once with all her help. However, it is also great to spend money supporting something that is worth it. I love to buy crafts, especially scrapbook supplies and they are not cheap (especially in England) - however, if I needed the money to be able to buy FIREPROOF, I would not purchase any supplies until I had that movie in my hands!

Please if you watch any of the movies - I want to know your thoughts. I want to know if it touched you. I want to know if it hit home, because I'd almost bet my first copy of FIREPROOF on the fact that you will not walk away unmoved in someway, hopefully you've caught the drift of how badly I want that movie.

For future invitations to weddings I plan to give the Bride & Groom those 3 movies + the book THE LOVE DARE - ask Christy L. or my Mom about that book... :)

I pray I've not offended any of you here, that is not my goal, and if you know me - you know that. My goal is to ENCOURAGE you to watch these movies, to spend a little extra (that you saved from Kim's advice) and support them. I am very passionate about this, and by George when you are passionate about something - it's really hard to keep your mouth shut. Now go, and let me know what you thought!

Tonya

P.S. If this is year "7" of your marriage - prepare to be moved even more! Rumor is year "7" is the worst...but year "8" and "9" well it's make up time. :)