LEADER’S GUIDE

At cinemAs June 10

Find special videos and other resources at miracles.damarismedia.com

AT CINEMAS JUNE 10

Introduction

What’s the Story?

Background

Meet the Characters

Refreshment Ideas

Quiz: Film Trivia

Film Chat

Activities & Questions Part One: Perseverance and Faith

Activities & Questions Part Two: Seeing the Miracle

Poster

Invitations

Credits

Contents

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Introduction

These free resources from Damaris Media are designed to help churches and individuals think through the issues raised by Miracles from Heaven (in UK cinemas from the 10th June 2016).

This inspiring story provides a great opportunity to look more closely at themes of faith, perseverance and the miraculous. In this leader’s guide you’ll find:

Refreshment ideasQuizzesA chance to do your own ‘mini-review’Perseverance and Faith – activities and questions, part oneSeeing the Miracle – activities and questions, part two

There are also special video features, which are available at miracles.damarismedia.com.

For more resources like this, and for the latest news from Damaris Media, subscribe to our mailing list at damarismedia.com/signup.

Please feel free to use whichever parts of this guide you feel are most appropriate for your group.

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View the trailer/Before the Film

Watch the trailer for Miracles from Heaven (available at miracles.damarismedia.com) with your group to get people excited about the forthcoming cinema trip.

1. What is your impression of the film’s characters and its story?

2. How did the trailer make you feel? What kind of emotional experience do you look for at the cinema?

3. How do you feel about the fact that Miracles from Heaven is based on a true story? What questions are you hoping will be answered in the film?

You could share the trailer on social media to encourage others to join your trip.

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What's the Story?

Background

Based on the inspiring book and astonishing true story, Miracles from Heaven is a portrait of a family who discover joy and hope in the toughest of times.

Christy Beam (Jennifer Garner) lives a happy, ordinary life in Texas with her veterinarian husband Kevin (Martin Henderson) and their three daughters. But her world is about to be turned upside down. When eight-year-old Annabel (Kylie Rogers) falls mysteriously ill, Christy finds herself heading on a heart-gripping quest through a medical maze, even as her faith begins to flag.

Through the friends she meets along the way – including Angela (Queen Latifah) and Dr Nurko (Eugenio Derbez) – and through a series of unexplainable events, Christy encounters miracles both big and small.

For the real Christy Beam, her daughter’s inexplicable recovery from an incurable digestive disorder was only the beginning of the journey. She found herself inspired to write a memoir about their family’s experiences. ‘Since so many people seemed to connect with our story, I wanted to pour my heart and soul onto the pages,’ she says. ‘Our life was literally displayed for all to see because I felt people needed to understand the various aspects, good and bad, of what we endured in order to better help them face their own struggles.’

Miracles from Heaven was published in 2015. Before it even hit the shelves, the book attracted the attention of producing team Joe Roth, T.D. Jakes and DeVon Franklin (Heaven Is For Real, 2014). ‘We were looking for an inspirational, uplifting story,’ says Franklin. ‘Then I read Christy’s book... It was so compelling. It was a page-turner. And it was so honest about how families really deal with uncertainty.’ Director Patricia Riggen (Under the Same Moon, 2007) was also drawn by the Beams’ true-life tale. ‘I relate to emotional stories, I relate to human stories. I love to show goodness in people and this film was going to allow me to truly do that.’

Miracles from Heaven stars Jennifer Garner, Kylie Rogers, Martin Henderson and John Carroll Lynch, with Eugenio Derbez and Queen Latifah. ‘We all have struggles in life, but I really believe that there are miracles all around,’ says Garner, of the personal encouragement she’s taken from the story. ‘We’re just lucky to live in this world full of beauty.’

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Left to right - Adelynn, Christy, Kevin, Annabel and Abbie Beam Left to right - Annabel, Christy, Adelynn, Abbie and Kevin Beam

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Meet the Characters

Christy BeamChristy (played by Jennifer Garner) is a tenacious, devoted mother whose world is flipped upside down when her daughter is struck with a rare, incurable disorder.

Annabel BeamAnnabel (played by Kylie Rogers) is an ordinary ten-year-old who finds herself on an extraordinary journey.

Dr NurkoDr Samuel Nurko (played by Eugenio Derbez) is a renowned medical specialist who goes the extra mile for his patients.

Kevin BeamKevin (played by Martin Henderson) is Christy’s husband and steady rock, a hands-on father who’s calm in a crisis.

Abbie and Adelynn BeamAbbie and Adelynn (played by Brighton Sharbino and Courtney Fansler) are Annabel’s supportive sisters.

AngelaAngela (played by Queen Latifah) is a kind stranger who welcomes Christy and Annabel into her life.

Family images courtesy of the Beam family.

Christy Beam and Jennifer Garner with Annabel

Eugenio Derbez and Dr Samuel Nurko

Kevin Beam

Adelynn, Annabel and Abbie Beam

Annabel Beam

Angela Cimino with Annabel

Martin Henderson

Courtney Fansler and Brighton Sharbino with

Kylie Rogers

Kylie Rogers with Eugenio Derbez

Queen Latifah

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Family Picnic: Refreshment Ideas

If you want to provide some food and drink at your film event, you could go for some snack ideas inspired by the BBQ and family picnic we see in the film. Since Miracles from Heaven is a summer release, you could even hope for your own little miracle and plan for good weather – why not have your picnic outside?

To eat:

Pizza. The Beam family favourite! Served hot or cold. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even look up a recipe for cheese-free pizza. Many of these recipes suggest alternative toppings on the pizza base such as green pesto, a thin layer of sliced courgettes, hummus, or curry sauce. Burgers or hot dogs. Serve with ketchup and fried onions.Sausage rolls or scotch eggs. These can be homemade if you have the time! Picnic sandwiches. You could either go for traditional fillings such as cheese, ham or tuna, or buy some ready-made fillings. Don’t forget to cut them into picnic triangles! Crisps and vegetable sticks with some delicious dips such as hummus or salsa.Salad. Summery salads could include ingredients such as cress, smoked fish, butter beans, lentils or sweet potato. You might even add fruits such as mango, watermelon, orange or pomegranate seeds.

To drink:

Fizzy drinks such as coke or lemonade. Throw in some ice and some lemon slices.Squash or juice.Beer or wine if the grown-ups fancy it. Serve chilled.

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Quiz: Film Trivia

Answers:

Test your memory and your movie knowledge with this trivia quiz.

1. Which popstar does Adelynn Beam (Courtney Fansler) want to be named after?

2. Which children’s television character is on Dr Nurko’s tie?

3. How many dogs do the Beams have by the end of the film?

4. Which American football player does Angela claim is her boyfriend?

5. Jennifer Garner, who plays Christy Beam, starred in which Oscar-nominated 2013 film with Matthew McConaughey?

6. What was the occupation of Jennifer Garner’s character in the hit US television show Alias?

7. Martin Henderson, who plays Kevin Beam, is known for which US television medical drama?

8. What is the name of the character played by Queen Latifah in the 2002 film Chicago?

1. Taylor Swift2. Elmo3. Five4. Tom Brady

5. Dallas Buyers Club 6. Spy7. Grey’s Anatomy 8. Mama Morton

Film Chat

What’s the first thing we all like to do when we leave the cinema? Talk about the film, of course! This is your chance to chat about your reaction to Miracles from Heaven as a cinematic experience before you start digging deeper into the themes.

You might want to play the film trailer, available at miracles.damarismedia.com, to refresh your memory.

1. What were you expecting Miracles from Heaven to be like, and did anything about the film surprise you? How much did you know about the story going in?

2. What emotional impact did the film have on you and why? Which moments in the story did you find most moving or memorable?

3. What did you think of the casting of the film? Which performances stood out to you and why?

4. How would you describe the tone of the film? How did the filmmakers balance the portrayal of the family’s struggle with moments of humour and hope?

5. How did you react to the way in which the story ended? How did you feel as the credits began to roll?

You could try summing up your thoughts in a mini-review of ten words or less! If you’re on social media, you can share your review on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #MiraclesFromHeaven.

You can find us on Twitter at @DamarisMedia to chat more about your reaction to the film.

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Part One: Perserverance and Faith

Icebreaker: Try, try again

You’ll need: Some grapes, two pairs of chopsticks, a bowl.

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The aim of this game is to think about persevering to overcome life’s obstacles. Split your group into two teams; the aim is to transport ten grapes per team, in a relay race, across the room and into a bowl using the chopsticks. (The grapes must be carried between the chopsticks - no skewering allowed!) If anybody drops a grape, their team must begin again from scratch.

Watch the video feature: Perseverance and Faith: Part 1, then talk about the following questions together.

‘It’s a film about fighting for what you believe in… and sometimes fighters aren’t burly men; sometimes they’re tough mamas who refuse to give up on their kids. So you will see faith in this film, and you will also see fear and people fighting against that… and the most powerful part is that you might even see yourself.’ Producer T.D. Jakes

1. How did you react to the character of Christy Beam? What were some of the defining moments of her journey through the story?

2. What does it mean for Christy to ‘become a champion for her daughter’s healing’? Have you ever felt called to fight somebody’s else’s corner in this way? What does it take to persevere on someone else’s behalf ?

3. What might we learn from Christy’s determination and tenacity? Were you reminded of any Bible passages which talk about persevering in the face of setbacks? If so, you could share these with the group.

4. What is the role of family and church communities in helping us ‘keep the faith’? Can you remember a time when somebody in your community has encouraged you in your faith?

Watch the video feature: Perseverance and Faith: Part 2, then talk about the following questions together.

5. We see Christy and Kevin responding very differently to the pressures caused by their daughter’s illness. Why do you think they react in such different ways? Whose response did you identify with most closely?

6. In what kinds of situations might we be called to protest and persevere for change? When might we be called to admit our helplessness and ask God to intervene? Is either of these a more ‘faithful’ response to suffering, or are we called to do both?

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Part One: (Continued)

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Part Two: Seeing the Miracle

7. How do Christy and Kevin work through the conflict caused by their different approaches? How can we maintain our relationships with family, friends and church communities during tough times?

8. How can we remember God’s goodness and faithfulness during testing times? Have you experienced a time in your life that severely tested your faith? What helped you to hold on?

Reflect

You’ll need: Bibles, worship music.

Read aloud one of the following Bible passages: Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 12:1-3, or Luke 18:1-8. Encourage your group to reflect in silence or with some worship music for a few minutes, and then to share any insights they may have.

Pray

You might want to close this part of your meeting with this suggested prayer or something similar.

Dear Lord, thank you that we can call on you even when we’re feeling helpless. Thank you for the people in our lives who encourage us when we need it. Help us to respond if there are people or causes we’re being called to fight for, and to persevere in our faith even when it’s hard. Amen.

Icebreaker: How do you see it?

You’ll need: A blindfold, a selection of household objects.

The aim of this game is to think about what it means to see the everyday world a little differently. Blindfold one member of the group and present them with a selection of objects from around the house. Without showing these objects to the rest of the group, or naming them, the blindfolded volunteer must describe the objects one at a time - their shape, texture and so on. The group must attempt to guess what is being described!

Watch the video feature: Seeing the Miracle: Part 1, then talk about the following questions together.

‘One of the most interesting ideas in our film is that even though Christy was praying for a big miracle, she didn’t realise until later that they were all around her the whole time. There were miracles of love and forgiveness, miracles that were simple, selfless acts of kindness.’ Producer DeVon Franklin

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1. How did the film portray the involvement of Annabel’s family and community in helping to support her through her illness? Were there any small moments which particularly struck you in this respect? 2. How do Christy’s experiences in the film cause her to question God’s goodness? What did you think of Pastor Scott’s response to her questions? Would you have been satisfied?

3. In your view, how important is it to have intellectual or theological answers to questions about suffering? What other kinds of answers does the film suggest might be important, too? What needs to be in place in order for us to hold on to faith in God during times of struggle?

4. What kind of faith journey do you think Christy might have been on if Annabel hadn’t been miraculously healed? What happens when our prayers don’t seem to be answered in a clear way or at all?

Part Two: (Continued)

Watch the video feature: Seeing the Miracle: Part 2, then talk about the following questions together.

5. What did you think that the characters of Dr Nurko and Angela brought to the story? How did they bring hope into the Beam family’s situation? What do you think motivated Dr Nurko and Angela to go above and beyond what might have been expected of them?

6. How, and why, has Christy’s view of life been transformed by the end of the story? What do you think it might mean to ‘live as though everything is a miracle’?

7. Did the film challenge your thinking about miracles in any way? Do you think it is harder to believe in an ‘unbelievable’ event such as a miraculous healing or to notice and appreciate everyday blessings?

8. In what ways could each of us ‘be the light in someone else’s story’? In the coming week, how might God be calling you to be a small miracle for someone who needs it?

Reflect

You’ll need: A small notebook for each member of the group, or scissors and A4 paper which can be folded into an 8-page mini booklet.

‘There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.’ Albert Einstein

On the first page of their notebooks, ask the group to write down the above quotation from Albert Einstein, or a similar quotation which inspires them to think about noticing the miraculous in the everyday. Encourage them to use their notebook throughout the week that follows to write down small things they have been blessed by or are grateful for as well as the opportunities they’ve had to bless other people.

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Please find a poster on the page opposite, and invitations overleaf for you to use in your publicity.

Part Two: (Continued)

Pray

You might want to close your time together with this suggested prayer, or something similar.

Dear Lord, we thank you for the times that you’ve intervened in our lives in big, amazing ways. But we also thank you for the small things we often take for granted: for your love shown to us through the kindness of family, friends and strangers. Help us to see these miracles for what they are, and to look for opportunities to bless others in the same way. Amen.

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JOIN US FOR A CINEMA TRIP, FOLLOWED BY CONVERSATION AND FUN

miracles.damarismedia.com

At cinemAs June 10

JOIN US FOR A CINEMA TRIP, FOLLOWED BY CONVERSATION AND FUN

miracles.damarismedia.com

JOIN US FOR A CINEMA TRIP, FOLLOWED BY CONVERSATION AND FUN

miracles.damarismedia.com

JOIN US FOR A CINEMA TRIP, FOLLOWED BY CONVERSATION AND FUN

miracles.damarismedia.com

JOIN US FOR A CINEMA TRIP, FOLLOWED BY CONVERSATION AND FUN

miracles.damarismedia.com

At cinemAs June 10

At cinemAs June 10

At cinemAs June 10

At cinemAs June 10

Credits

Author: Sophie ListerProducer: Judy MayPublishing Manager: Steve AlexanderCopy Editor: Steve CouchProofer: Jennifer McLeanVideo Editors: Sophie Lister and Aaron Witchard (AaronCam)Website: Steve CrossDesigners: Megan Glynn and Iain Gutteridge

The content of this resource is copyright Damaris Media and Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.© Damaris Media 2016.© 2016 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.Property of Damaris Media and Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.For community activities and promotional use only.Sale, duplication, republication or other transfer of this material or excerpts thereof is strictly prohibited.

Copyright

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