A Publication Dedicated To Christian Film and TV Stars and Their Many Fans Volume 11 Number 2This publication is going out to those who have expressed an interest in the great influence film and TV can have on Christianity. Published by Point North Outreach, Inc., a not for profit organization.

Brian Bird reports that When Calls The Heart has been renewed by Hallmark for a Second Season, Story on Page 3

More Film, TV and Book News

God's Not Dead Review Page 2A Needed TV Renaissance, Interview with Brian Bird Page 3Return to the Hiding Place, Interview with ReAnn Ring Page 7The Ability To Love Never Dies, Review of My Dream Beside Me Page 9Make a Joyful Noise, Column by Nancy Stafford Page 10The Good Book, Review of an innovative Film Page 11Having a Child's Heart, Interview with Ann Ault Page 12Jenny L. Cote is back with Number 5 in her Epic Series Page 14Coming Events: Western Film Fair and Gideon Page 15Kerri Pomarolli Gives Us A Guide for Devotions & Survival, Review Page 16Screenplay by New Writer wins Dove Award Page 16

Worth Seeing More Than Once

God's Not Dead There was a glaring over sight in the last issue we need to correct now. Nothing was said about a great film that is still running, God's Not Dead. We have to rely on information given us and what we find on the net and this is a film we should not have missed. We loved Kevin Sorbo's faith film What If and was glad to hear about his latest. The theme covers a topic that has been a great concern to us. Over the years we have read and seen on TV horror stories about what many young Christians have had to put up with on college campuses. Seeing that topic so well handled in the film was an overwhelming experience. Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper) is a young Freshman Christian needing a class in philosophy for his major. Unfortunately Professor Radisson (Kevin Sorbo) is a hardened atheist who wants his class to accept the idea that God is dead. On the first day he demands each student to write and sign that statement on paper. Josh refuses even though it jeopardizes his education, his relationship with others and even his future marriage. Radisson challenges Josh to take a portion of three classes to prove there is a God. It is quite a challenge and Josh has to use every resource possible against a teacher who says that the only god is he himself in that classroom. Both do a superb job of acting, but they were not the only ones. Lest the reader be misled, this film is more than a debate between a young Christian and a man who admits he hates God. There are several very interesting side stories including a Muslim student at risk because she believes in Jesus Christ, a Christian girl whose mother is dying of Alzheimer disease, a young man from China who must weigh what he has learned from Josh against his upbringing and a young non believer who finds she has cancer. Especially interesting is Reverend Dave (David A. R. White) who interacts with all of them while dealing with problems of his own. We admit we at first wondered what part Willy and Korie Robertson (Duck Dynasty) would have in this film, however despite having short roles they are

very instrumental. The film also makes use of the Christian singing group, Newsboys, and they too are significant to the plot. Pure Flix turned out a professional motion picture that can stand with the best of the big studios and is Oscar quality in our opinion. Sadly when first released the theaters showing the film were limited to 780. However, the reaction of the audiences and their demand required many more theaters to be opened and even the naysayers among critics have had to admit it is a success. In the theater where we saw the film there was applause and finally a standing ovation. Something repeated in many theaters showing this film. People were invited at the end of the film to text all their friends with the news that “God's Not Dead”. Theaters always warn you to have cell phones off, but as the credits rolled, cell phones in the theaters lit up as that message was being texted. Some like our film making friend Rusty Whitener added, “God's not even sick.” One concern we consider unwarranted is that the film will be preaching to the choir. While that is often a concern with faith films, Christians should invite their non Christian friends and family members as their guests to attend a showing. A lot of questions are skillfully answered about God and Christianity.It must be added that even the choir at times needs reinforcement. We recommend that after the film finishes its theater run it should be shown in churches, colleges and Bible Studies. It is worth seeing more than once. -The Editor

Point North † TidingsEditor.........................................Dr.Fred R. Eichelman Special Correspondent.........................Nancy StaffordColumnist............................................Kerri PomarolliPrinting.........................................DTS ReprographicsPublisher........................Point North † Outreach, Inc.Advisory Board: Bootie Chewning, Jayne Crimin, Kathy Garver, Kim Headlee, Rebecca Holden, Richard Lyons, Ron McGehee, Caroline Munro, Samantha Landy, Kerri Pomarolli, Laurie Prange and Grace Lee WhitneyPoint North † Outreach, Inc. Board of Directors Carolyn Eichelman, Fred Eichelman, Rhonda Fleming, Deanna Lund and Nancy StaffordDirector Emeritus...............................Joyce MeadowsOffice: 545 Howard Drive, Salem, VA 24153-2167(540) 389-9400 dreichelman@yahoo.comhttp://pointingnorth.com

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A Needed TV Renaissance We have long been fans of films and TV series that Brian Bird has been responsible for and recently had the opportunity to talk with him. We also found that he has a legion of fans who refer to themselves as “Hearties.” Kind of like the Trekkie movement and after talking with him found ourselves signing up.

Daniel Lissing (Jack Thornton) and Erin Krakow (Elizabeth Thatcher) When Calls The Heart, Hallmark series.

Ed.: You seem to have a great feel for history films and TV series, something very evident in the successful When Calls The Heart. Do you especially enjoy period pieces?

Brian: I do actually. We owe much to our history collectively. We need to draw upon the lessons of the past and the wisdom of our forefathers. It is like medicine to the culture to go back to the virtues of the past and some of the teachings that have developed over the course of history to help us find our way as human beings.

Ed.: In regard to When Calls The Heart can you tell us what is ahead for the series?

Brian: As of this interview, we have literally just been informed that the Hallmark Channel has decided to renew the series for the series. We finished Season One with twelve episodes and in the case of television shows it takes a little time to find a show voice. It is up to us as writers and producers to find the show's voice and there is a lot of trial and error. This first

season we feel we found the right mix of emotion, adventure, romance and powerful life lessons. Now going forward we have to redouble our efforts to keep the tone consistent and entertaining, to continue exploring the relationships in the town of Coal Valley. To explore some of the challenges a young teacher has in teaching children in a small frontier town. It doesn't have the modern-day conveniences, especially for her growing up in a wealthy family in a big city-and we hope to continue those themes. We hope to continue the theme of community. I think one of the things the audience has really appreciated, struck a nerve with them is the sense of community. This is a small coal mining town in 1910. It's a place where people who care about each other, who take care of one another, who reach out to one another in encouragement and comfort. We all have that capacity now, but our culture has become so fractured that we miss out on the opportunity to be good neighbors. We are all walled off in our houses and we don't know what is happening next door. That is why I love the community of Coal Valley as it represents the shared values of hard work and compassion for one another. Our goal for Season Two will be to continue the relationships, the powerful story telling of a young school teacher trying to pursue her passion.

Sandra Elise Williams who starred as the Amish mother, Rebecca Lapp, in The Shunning and The Confession films for Hallmark. We interviewed her a couple years ago. Her work in both were Emmy quality.

Ed.: Your films The Shunning and The Confession are also very special. We interviewed one of the main stars, Sandra Williams who was outstanding. Why do you think audiences are so attracted to films? And when may we expect the third in this

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trilogy by Beverly Lewis? Brian: We talked to Beverly Lewis about this too. She is really our creative partner in these films, as we adapt her great novels. I think there is a real hunger for the same values I just mentioned about in our town of Coal Valley in When Calls The Heart. You see virtues and simplicity plus hard work and caring for one another. Those are staples in the Amish communities as much as hay-bales and sacks of wheat flour. They always have been and always will be because family and piety are most important aspects in life. We live in a culture that is increasingly more isolated for us individually. We get trapped in our own little bubbles. We rarely have an opportunity to feel a sense of community. Church is one place where people still get a sense of community. Beyond that we are in our own rooms watching our TVs, on our iPads, surfing the internet, there is a real isolation being foisted on us by technological changes and advancements. I think people when they watch a movie about the Amish or a TV show like When Calls The Heart, have a hankering in them that stirs up cravings in their own lives. Mankind was not meant to be alone as scripture teaches us. When I was growing up my family had supper every night together. Using Coal Valley as an archetype, everyone in this community would have supper together.That's a meaningful value in a community. That would be the same in an Amish community. People crave that that because we're given reasons NOT to be together. It's a rosy value.

Ed.: You have an outstanding record and we know our readers would like to know what drew you into film and TV as a career.

Brian: I started out as a journalist, a newspaper reporter and magazine reporter. I loved TV and film growing up. Watching TV and going to movies was a hobby at that time. My wife's great uncle, Don Ingalls, was a long time writer and producer in Hollywood. He was a descendent of the Ingalls family of Little House on the Prairie He took me aside, because he had read some of my work , and said “You have a gift. Have you ever considered film or television?” It caught me off guard as though I loved television and film, I had never thought about that myself. He thought

I would be good at it, he gave me a couple books to read. He also gave me a couple scripts to read to learn format. At the time he was working on the show Fantasy Island, and gave me a couple episodes from the show and asked me to take a stab at it. I had to carve some late-night hours because my first son was born about then, and turned in an episode which Don felt was really good. I was encouraged to come in when the show was renewed and pitch some ideas. They liked what I did and made a deal with me. That was in 1984 when I had my first opportunity in the “big leagues.” Don was my first mentor in the business. It was so much fun as in journalism you are in kind of a box which you need to be. In fiction you get to openly play god as a writer, inventing the world and creating the characters. I enjoyed it so much I knew this was what I wanted to pursue and God continued opening up doors. I have now been doing this for thirty years.

Roma Downey, Della Reese and John Dye

Ed.: We were also drawn by your work in Touched By An Angel. Roma Downey, Della Reese and John Dye were perfect in their roles. What was it like working with them?

Brian: It was a great blessing, a great joy to work on that show. They were a great team. I did the final five seasons of the show as a writer and co-executive producer, working with another of my mentors in the business, the creators of the show, Martha Williamson who also by the way now has her own show on the Hallmark Channel, Signed, Sealed and Delivered, which is really a terrific show as well.

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But, Touched by an Angel was an iconic show in our culture. Even today it is strong in most people's memories. What was so profound about it was that God was the star of the show. When Martha was creating the show she told CBS, “The only way I want to do the show is if God is the star of the show.” They agreed and the series went for nine seasons, over 200 episodes, and became a top ten rated series. We were quoting scripture right and left on that show. Talking about great virtues, the angels were speaking truth of the Bible from the Old and New Testament. I remember some people wanted to know why it was not more specifically a Christian show. My answer to that was always, the show would not have been on the air were if we was that inclusive. CBS wanted to reach the largest audience possible and we realized if we were two sectarian you would run the risk of alienating a large portion of the audience. Martha's goal and my goal was a wide audience as what we were doing was stirring up water cooler conversations. We got lots of fan mail from people who loved the show who would give testimonies about how their lives had been changed for the better by watching Touched By An Angel. We had suicide prevention groups tell us that the show caused their calls to increase with people wanting help, after being inspired by an episode, to not take their lives. I don't know of another entertainment program in the history of TV that could claim that lives were saved as a result of its story telling.

Left to Right, Executive Producer Brian Bird, author Janette Oke and Executive Producer Michael Landon Jr. on Langley B.C set.

Ed.: You have some interesting current

projects. What can you tell us about them.Brian: The Ultimate Life is a sequel to The Ultimate Gift and that came out in Theaters in November and is now on DVD. It will be on television soon. Michael Landon Jr. my partner and I worked on that together. He directed and I wrote. It is based on Jim Stovall's books. He is a terrific motivational speaker. He is all about helping people get their financial houses in order. It was a great project to work on, and there is a third film now being talked about Ultimate Legacy, which I also hope to work on. The next feature film I have coming is Captive now in post production. It is a true story. It is based on a true story, the 2005 story about Brian Nichols who shot up the courthouse in Atlanta, killing four people and then escaped the courthouse and the city was on lockdown for the next 24 hours. He took this young woman, Ashley Smith, hostage in her apartment over night and during that time she convinced him to give himself up after reading to him from Rick Warren's book, A Purpose Driven Life. What a lot of people don't remember about that story is that Ashley was a Chrystal Meth addict at the time she was taken hostage. She had her own story of heartbreak before this ordeal Her husband had been murdered three years earlier and he died in her arms and that sent her into a spiral of drug abuse. She lost custody of her five year old daughter. But, despite all that she was able to convince the killer to do the right thing. I'm thrilled to have been able to write and executive produce that project because Rick Warren is my pastor, and I love being able to tell a story which proves that there is a reason for everything. It's not about us. It's about what God has shaped us to accomplish in this world. That's what Ashley Smith was able to convince Brian Nichols of. Had she been a church lady, it might not have been as compelling a story. But she believes that it took a killer to save her life. Brian Nichols taking her hostage, she believes is the reason she has been clean and sober for the last nine years. I'm also writing a screenplay for The Boy From Babyhouse 10, based on the acclaimed international book, with my former writing partner John Wierick. It is one of the most powerful true stories I have ever read. Both John and I are adoptive fathers, so this one is very special to us. Michael Landon Jr. and I

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also have The Nazarene in development, a six hour miniseries on the life of Christ. We want to tell the Jesus story for skeptics, by telling the story through the point of view of Luke who wrote his Gospel after Paul's death. We are using Doctor Luke, the smartest guy in the room as our story teller.

Ed.: It makes sense that you would like this version as a former investigative reporter yourself as Doctor Luke used that approach in researching the life of Christ.

Brian: Yes, he interviewed the main players who were first-person witnesses to Jesus's birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection and we love the idea of telling this as a “witness to history” story.

Ed.: It is obvious that your influence has gone beyond film and television and that you have both a mission and a ministry.

Brian: One thing that may interest you about When Calls The Heart is the “Hearties”. They are a spontaneous group of Super-Fans who emerged out of the audience landscape They now number over 14,000 members on Facebook and they are the most loyal group of fans any TV show could ever ask for. Kind of like the Star Trek “Trekkies,” well now we have the “Hearties”. I have never encountered anything like this show of support for a series, even when I was on Touched By An Angel. They love the themes and virtues we have woven into the show, along with the characters, lessons and romance. They are even talking about holding a convention. During the last few episodes, the show actually trended in the top-ten topics in the US because of the “Hearties.” The amazing thing about this is that we did not invent this, This is not some cynical marketing effort by us or Hallmark to build a fan base. This is a spontaneous outpouring of praise and love because somehow the audience out there discovered When Calls The Heart and for them it has become the cure for what ails TV. I have this growing sense that this will become a series classic that will go on for years. We would like

the show to strengthen the demand for more shows the family can watch together. So many series shows today yield to the lowest common denominator, and we are radically different with When Calls The Heart. Michael Landon Jr. and I very much want to be at the center of starting a new renaissance of family programming. This culture is sick. I am not saying this from a judgmental standpoint but from a compassion standpoint. Our culture is sick, is unhealthy and needs medicine. I believe one of the medicines the culture needs is the church, but we family—and-faith inspired people working in the media need to speak more boldly. This is a giant conversation that will go on with or without us, so we need to be a vital part of it.

We can only say AMEN to this. Brian Bird's views mirror what we are trying to do in every way. We are heartened by the fact that we know many folks who now share that same idea, some of whom are at this very moment engaged in creating such needed films and TV series. They fully have our support as we support Brian. In our nest issue our conversation with Brian will continue as he is also involved in a very innovative mentoring program for new script writers. .-Ed.

Left to right, Daniel Lissing (Mountie Jack Thornton) discusses a scene with When Calls The Heart Head Writer and Executive Producer Brian Bird, author Janette Oke and former Bethany House Publishers editor Carol Johnson.

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Return to the Hiding Place

As fans of Corrie ten Boom we were familiar with her books The Hiding Place and Tramp for God. The film based on The Hiding Place is a classic and we were very pleased to learn of this new production, Return to the Hiding Place. Nancy Stafford tipped us off. We also know that the person who could tell us all about it was ReAnn Ring.

Ed.: We intended to first talk about the film, however we have seen your video clips on the net and learned a lot about you. What is Safire Publicity, that's your company, right?

ReAnn: That's my company. I do everything from helping people with social media to how to nurture your ministry on line to market and present a message. Anything that has to do with media publicity. I help people who might be shy of a camera, to be more professional.

Ed.: And what is this 3:15 project?

ReAnn: The 3:15 project was a ministry project that we started a couple years ago. These

gentlemen wanted to have a way to put the testimonies of Christians on video. It was non profit. I loved it. They came to me and asked me to help get the word out. Very moving to have at events for churches or conferences. It was very challenging. A way to give your testimony according to 1 Peter 3:15. It had incredible results in getting the word out. Video is so big now, you can search on the net or social media.

Ed.: What inspired you to get into this kind of work?

ReAnn: One day the Lord woke me up. I had a gifted friend who inspired me and I wanted to help her. I thought of paying it back by paying it forward. I realized I could help her with the media. I call myself a liaison to baby boomers. I could work with very gifted people and take their messages to younger people. This is how I got my foot in the door.

Ed.: So this is what drew you to the film, Return to the Hiding Place.

ReAnn: When author and speaker, Pam Rosewell Moore, and I began working together, I had been so impressed by the women's conferences she spoke at years ago. She had been the long time traveling companion, assistant, and nurse to Corrie ten Boom until her death in 1983. We began to do ministry trips together. We were in Chicago when I heard about the film Return to the Hiding Place and arranged for a meeting with Chicago actress Mimi Sagadin who portrays Corrie ten Boom in the new release. We fell in love with the film

LeAnn Ring: A Lady With A Mission

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and I began talking about this film on Facebook . I was so blown away by the idea behind this film I knew I had to be involved. I was asked if I would like to do publicity for the film as I knew the story better than anyone else through my research. So I started helping them promote and to get the word out.

Ed.: We noticed that the emphasis on this film is young people. In fact the printed storyline reads: “Dutch Resistance fighter Hans Poley in World War II, found refuge at Corrie ten Boom's house., which is crowded with Jewish refugees and becomes part of her teen age army. Hans gets a false identity and joins the Dutch Resistance. As the Nazis commit atrocity after atrocity, the danger for Hans and his new compatriots increases tenfold.” It seems to center on young people involved in a cause.

From left to right, actress Mimi Sagadin who portrays Corrie ten Boom, Pam Rosewell Moore and ReAnn Ring.

Ed.: And now the big question, what is the status of the film to date and when do we get to see it?

LeAnn: We open on May 23rd and have received over nineteen awards and recognitions to date. And we are working on reservations for people to see the film in selected areas. There are thirty theaters on the website so far. (See end of article.) If you want to request the film in an area you can. There needs to be 500 tickets

reserved to bring a film to that area. Right now we are working with churches and several well known names. It is an incredible film with an incredible cast. We have John Rhys-Davies who you may remember from the Lord of the Rings films and the TV series Sliders. There is also Mimi Sagadin as Corrie ten Boom, David Thomas Jenkins as Hans Poley and many other excellent stars. We could not have found a better cast.

ReAnn posing with the folks responsible for the film, Spencer Productions. From left to right Maria Eugenia Spencer-Wardrobe and Production, Dr. Peter Spencer-Director and Screenwriter, LeAnn and Petra Spencer Pearce-Producer.

From what we have seen we can highly recommend this film and encourage you to take advantage of the web sites below.

Link for tickets and trailer:www.seatzy.com/hidingplace

Link for film website:www.hide-movie.com

Link to reach LeAnn Ring:www.facebook.com/SafireProductionsMedia

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The Ability To Love Never Dies

When we were given the opportunity to review the latest production by Greg Robbins there was only one concern. We have enjoyed and supported his work in the past as he is a film maker who continually improves in his craft so would our expectations be too high. There was nothing to fear as once again Greg Robbins has hit the ball out of the park. His latest feature film, My Dream Beside Me proves that we may expect the best from him and this may be considered his best so far.

Based upon a true story, My Dream Beside Me is a romantic comedy about two people who many in our youth culture would consider beyond their “prime of life.” Even before this latest generation this attitude has existed as we can all remember how some families would be upset if an older single member became involved with another senior. Almost as though there were something sacrilegious about it. An attitude we must mention that is pretty well non scriptural as the Old Testament is full of tales about romance being found in later years.

In this story we see that God does bless beautiful romances without putting a boundary on age. Mary Kay was married for 34 years and she was left a widow in her mid 60s. Paul Rich was 84 and lost his wife of 66 years. Their story is a blessing to all ages and will go a long way in helping younger generations better understand older generations.

Mary Kay Rich told her story to Greg Robbins through the diary of Paul Rich, pictures and videos of their life together. Robbins saw this as a story that would inspire others and would be helpful to marriages. Something is very special is added to this film in that Mary Kay played herself. It was not easy as she is now again widowed and had to actually fall in love in the film and not display her loss for her beloved Paul. Actor Jack Rose took the role of Paul and despite being a much younger man easily plays the role of a man from 85 to 101 thanks to superb make up and his acting ability. The two work well together. The story takes place at a time when they are renewing their vows on his 100th birthday and Mary Kay is interviewed by a reporter. The reporter role is also well handled by an actress we have covered before, Francine Locke. There is another important message that should not be missed by seniors who, though happy in their marriages, think the time of romance is over. It never is and date life for seniors can be as much fun as when newly married. Actually, more fun. Love is forever.

You should check out the film's website.

http://mydreambesideme.com/

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Nancy Stafford

Make a Joyful Noise

Meeting New Friends I've been having a blast Speaking at all the 'Women of Joy' Conferences this year! I'm loving every minute! I wasn't familiar with Women of Joy---but the moment I began working with Debbie and Phil Waldrep, I knew these folks are the 'real deal'. They LOVE God and they LOVE and care deeply for the women who attend their conferences. Getting to know them and WOJ has been a huge blessing to me, and I know this conference will bless you too--and change your life!

With fellow speaker, Jennifer Rothschild

Women of Joy has been encouraging women with the Word of God, great music and worship, and the spirit of friendship for more than a decade. Each WOJ weekend is designed around a core of deep Biblical teaching and incredible worship, with plenty of 'bonding and fun' time scheduled into every weekend! With 7 hours of free time built into Saturday afternoon, you can make new friends, have fun with the friends who've come with you, shop, dine, sight-see….or just rest. It's amazing to see the difference that 48 hours makes in your own life, and your friends and women's group!

Our amazing worship leader Charles Billingsley and attendees Pastor Connie Carrona and Linda Lindsey. I've loved meeting Mothers and Daughters and Grandmothers who attend every year as their family 'tradition'! I've enjoyed meeting groups of girlfriends who make this their annual 'retreat' together, and others who bring their entire church women's group!

I hope you will join us for our last event in San Antonio, Texas September 12-14 and make Women of Joy an annual tradition...to meet God and godly fun women.

http://womenofjoy.org/beyond-beautiful/2014-09-12---2014-09-14---san-antonio-tx---henry-b-gonzalez-convention-center/36/

www.womenofjoy.org

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The Good Book

Jenn Gotzon contacted us about this film. As movie buffs we have developed a liking for many of the old silent films that dominated the screens until the 1920s. We assumed those days were gone until we were pleasantly surprised to find that a new company, Mainstreet Productions, has taken this art to a new level. Our friend, actress Jenn Gotzon contacted us and said “you have to get in touch with Sharon and Fred Wilharm. I have just finished a short film for them and you will love it.” We did and we were sent a preview copy which has already been successfully tested in a Bible Study.

We found that Fred and Sharon Wilharm have put together a faith film that is without dialogue and runs several excellent short stories in one hour. Titled The Good Book, the acting, music and filming convinces the viewer that they are hearing dialogue. It is not the over the top acting in those old silents, it is professionally done so that nothing is missed in the viewing.

The story revolves around young Daniel who receives a small red New Testament Bible from a church youth group. Circumstances cause him to run away from home. The Bible goes from hand to hand affecting the lives of several people including Daniel (Evan Fielding), the homeless man (played well by Torry Martin), a public defender and his wife (BK Bomar and Apolonia Davalos), a bag lady (Amanda Pentecost), a purse snatcher (Leanna Robbins) and a “church woman” (excellently played by

Jenn Gotzon). As each person passes it on they sign it and eventually it winds up in the hands of a missionary (Josh Childs). We have all heard stories about how a Bible found by a prisoner in a cell or in a drawer of a hotel room has changed lives and this film illustrates the power that scripture can have in changing lives.

There is always a concern that combining a number of stories in so short a period can be confusing, however the clever interconnecting of each vignette makes this a solid film that will move the audience and have them wanting more. Yes, there are messages, however you are not hit over the head with them as too often happens when Christians try to tell a story. Also many independent films have been criticized for their sound, their lighting and their editing. The Good Book passes all those tests. The Wilharms consider this a “World Outreach Without Words” and are providing a ministry kit. They hope to have this film featured in film festivals, churches and schools and you may contact them by going to the following website.www.goodbookmovie.com

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Having a Child's Heart

We originally thought we would only be reviewing a very enjoyable book, Hi From The Sky On The Road To Happily Ever After! Then we learned more about the author, Ann Ault, who is also an actress, a singer, a motivational speaker, missionary and a poet. We knew we needed to talk with her directly.

Ed.: You were originally a Virginia girl and from there you have traveled a great deal around the world.

Ann: Yes, I was an Air Force Brat. My dad was stationed three times at the Pentagon, he was a Brigadier General. I have traveled a great deal and the road has been rocky at times, but I discovered that Jesus Christ is the rock in rocky times when I gave him my life in NYC in 1974. For years I felt compelled to write a book about my adventures in the Lord and finally started writing it in 2012: Hi From The Sky On The Road To Happily Ever After! But, I had self doubts about writing the book and kept

thinking, “Oh Lord, that's all we need. One more Christian book.” God gave me a dream in 2012 about a hungry little lamb and when I awoke spoke to my heart, “Feed my lambs. Don't worry about yet another Christian book. You do it and leave the results to me.”

Ed.: Your book uses vignettes and parables to tell your story which is different. Your title itself is fascinating. It harkens back to the stories we loved as children.

Ann: The key, the reason for the fairy tale genre' in the title is that God's Kingdom is a fantastical kingdom that our child's heart craves, especially these days. It is the road to “happily ever after”. We're not there. In my journey, I had to find what ain't before I found what is (what works in life and what doesn't!) God wants to teach us his way and to stir our child's heart to believe in His Kingdom, which is real, not make believe. He wants to communicate with us and he wants to be in a relationship with us. Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship. But, how can we trust a relationship with someone we don't know? A good relationship requires effort. Acts 17:28 “In Him we live and move and have our being.” Christian films today can touch hearts such as God's Not Dead. Some people criticize so many good Christian films for not reflecting the Gospel enough, but I tell you it is whetting people's appetite for God's Word and for His Kingdom. He is stirring people's hearts that He wants to to communicate with us!

Ed.: You are working on a movie now we understand.

Ann: Yes, In 2001 I was given a book called Heart's Desire, by Patsy Oda, a true Japanese America love story. I felt the Lord morphing me from being an actress and singer to produce films and be a screenwriter. I went to countless Christian media conferences, classes and script doctors. Hearts Desire is a lovely story about a young Japanese American lady named Patsy. She was in a relocation camp and came to know the Lord in a very tight Buddhist community when she was only eight. She was able to hang on to her faith all during her growing up years. Patsy prayed for a Christian Japanese American

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husband, but it seemed impossible. She met a young man she really liked, named Walter. She liked Walter and they were obviously meant for each other, but she could not marry him because he was Buddhist. Walter, an electrical engineer could not understand why this ancient book called the Bible was coming between them. The book shows the struggles they had and a marvelous journey of the ultimate meeting of hearts and minds and how God worked everything for good. It is an incredible true story and I am working on that as a film right now! That is what I am doing right now and I will give you the web page for it. I am so thrilled when I see God's hand in our lives going before us planting things in our heart that years later sprout. Earlier in my life when I made mission trips to China and Japan, I developed a love for the people and know God was preparing me. I know God is moving, he loves those people.

Ed.: Something else we enjoyed in your book were references to certain films and TV shows and applying them to your messages. We are not just talking about faith films here, but films that still have a meaning Christians can relate to.

Ann: I know exactly what you mean. You can find God's truth planted everywhere. For instance an old movie like Close Encounters of the Third Kind through the lens of Christianity, truly expresses the born again experience. The guy, Richard Dreyfuss, he gets burned by the light and finds himself consumed by thoughts of a mountain top. He meets like minded people who also are trying to find the mountain top. However, many are called, but few are chosen. He finally gets to board the ship. That is the Christian journey to me. If we are going to stay true to God, if we are going to finish our journey on this road to The Kingdom of Happily Ever After, which is a narrow road, we have to depend on God to show us the way around these rocks and obstacles on our pilgrimage. The fairy tale is real. God's Kingdom is real, not make believe. This is the only time in eternity that God can test the human race. The only time we are to prove to God that we believe in him enough to obey him. In this film they finally made it to the

mountain top. God had me climb Mount Fuji when I was in Japan. This was in 1968 before I was officially born again. But, even then I knew that God was speaking to me when I was climbing the mountain. It was laborious and tough. When I got to the top it was worth it all for the sunrise. That is what God is trying to tell us in a film like Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I love that scene at the end when the big space ship comes in. The jaws of the pompous officials dropped wide open. There are many truths in unlikely films, such as Spiderman which resonates that “with great power comes great responsibility”

Ed.: We have to say that your music on CDs also reaches out. Very powerful. Both Ann Ault Sings To The Ancient Of Days and God Leads His Children have been well received, very powerful. We encourage our readers to check out your websites.Book Website: http://www.hifromthesky.orgFilm Website: http://heartsdesirefilm.comFor pics/resume/speed reel:http://resumes.actorsaccess.com/annault

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Jenny L. Cote is back with Number Five in her Epic Order of the Seven Series

We had the good fortune to review the first four books in this series of novels in which some delightful animals have been given eternal life and are on a mission to give support in different periods of history. Their missions have had them involved with Noah, Joseph, Daniel. Isaiah and many others. Most important is their interaction with our Lord Jesus Christ. The animals involved are Max a Scottish Terrier, Liz a French black cat, Al an Irish orange cat, Kate a West Highland Terrier, Nigel a British mouse, Gillamon a mountain goat and Clarie, a lamb. The last two are not quite what they seem to be. In the course of the story telling the animals acquire the ability for time travel. What makes these books so special is that Jenny L. Cote is a solid researcher, not just of scripture but of the places and times where these stories take place. The interaction of the animals is important as it gives an outside view of stories we have long been familiar with. Jenny brings

to light facts unknown to most readers and these Biblical characters take on flesh and bone as real people. There is drama, adventure, tragedy and humor, with triumph at the very end. This book, The Wind, The Road and the Way begins with the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus going from there into the Book of Acts. There is so much material in Acts that the author has made this a two parter and we have to wait for book number six. Jenny continues with excellent story telling as we look at the events that happen during the founding of early Christianity. Especially interesting is Paul as well as a Roman family we were introduced to in the last book. These books are for all ages and the author has thankfully more planned for the future. Of special interest is the adaption of these stories to film and we asked Jenny L. Cote to let us know what is in the works. She reports: “The update is that we have decided to produce an animated TV/DVD series prior to doing the feature film: Epic Order of the Seven. We're very excited to have animation legend Phil Roman as our Executive Producer (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Charlie Brown, Garfield, Tom & Jerry movie, The Simpsons, King of the Hill, etc.) We are so honored to have Phil leading us, and are humbled that he believes our series has awesome potential. He's excited about our Epic adventure! We're also thrilled to have Animation Director Rob Corley with FunnyPages Productions in Franklin, TN. Rob is a former Disney feature film animator and worked on projects including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Mulan, etc. His studio does incredible work, and has worked with numerous clients including Big Idea's Veggie Tale films. We're talking with investors and hoping to secure our funding so we can produce 26 episodes for season one that we would air on Netflix and DVD distribution in stores. Lori Marett is writing the scripts that will have my Epic Order of the Seven Characters entering pivotal points of time through the IAMISPHERE on mission for God to affect lives and history. The stories will not cover my book plot lines as we hope to make each book into a feature film, but they may tie in with the books here and there.” Good news indeed. Ed.

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A SHORT FILM MAKING CONTEST OFFERED BY THE WESTERN FILM FAIR The Western Film Fair will have their 38th

event July 10-12 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. There will again be a bevy of guest stars, film festivals, panels and memorabilia dealers. The guests scheduled are Joyce DeWitt, Jenn Gotzon, Jimmy Hunt, Piper Laurie, Ed Nelson, Jon Provost, Linda Purl, Karen Sharpe, Nancy Stafford and Parker Stevenson. Films made by guests will be shown. This year's event will see the start of a Western Short Film Making Contest. This has been in the planning since last Fall. They are ready to get information out now as many schools and film making groups are winding down from current projects and looking ahead to the next ones. The committee in charge of this project began sending packets with information to school cinematic departments as well as other young filmmakers. The material includes criteria with such things as film length (not to exceed 20 minutes) and while they encourage films with a Western flavor, it may be set in modern times. The film subject can represent any genre' however it must be family friendly. The deadline for entries will be May 15, 2015. That's right, a year to make the film or films as more than one entry is possible. They prefer submissions to be sent after January 1, 2015, however they will not turn down earlier submissions. The packet will include entry rules and other requirements. In June, 2015 the top ten entries will be selected by a panel of local Roanoke Valley of Virginia judges who are media and education connected. These will be run at the Western Film Fair in July of 2015 with dates and location to be announced. Nationally known media guests will select the final winners. Special awards will be made during the event's banquet, given publicity in mainstream and social media as well as to other film festivals seeking entrants. We have agreed to send out packets for the organization either by email or to a postal address. Contact dreichelman@yahoo.com or write WFF Film Contest 545 Howard Drive Salem, VA 24153. for information. The Western Film Fair is also on Facebook. Their web page is http://www.westernfilmfair.com.

GIDEON EVENT PLANS

The Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival has their 7th annual conference which will be held July 11-15, 2014, at the Orlando, Florida Airport Marriott Hotel.

Rodney and Lori Marett, directors of the Gideon, encourage individuals and families alike to attend. Family members can play in the gorgeous pool and enjoy the Orlando amenities while you attend workshops in the morning and afternoon - workshop topics include screenwriting, acting, film & television production, marketing and distribution. There will be special events and film screenings in the evenings.

Film makers have an opportunity to meet the VP of Programming & Syndication of Parables Television, Isaac Hernandez, to have their film considered to air on The Parables Network. 15 minute appointments are available for filmmakers to speak with Isaac, July 12-15 (Saturday-Tuesday). Spots are limited!

Actors whether new to the industry and need a professional reel or are a seasoned actor needing to update your reel, Director Gary Voelker is offering quality demo reels for an exclusive offer of $99 to those attending.

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas has just announced their newly developed production arm – Lighthouse Productions of the Carolinas Media Group. Rowena Kuo, Development Executive Producer for LPC Media Group, will be offering 15 minute appointments for anyone needing specialized services to tell your story!

For more information about the Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival, please visit the website at www.gideonfilmfestival.com. For updates and frequent posts about happenings and activities please become a member of the Gideon Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/gideonmediaarts/?fref=ts.

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Kerri Pomarolli Gives Us A Guide for Devotions and Survival

Only Kerri Pomarolli could write a book for devotions and at the same time give us hilarious commentary and messages to remember. We have had the pleasure of seeing Kerri on stage with her husband Ron MaGehee, seen her DVDs and performances on the net. We also know what a deep faith she has so this exciting new book by her is no surprise.

This is the type of devotional book we will keep handy by our desk. It is a series of lessons, each beginning with a Bible verse. This is followed by Kerri's account of something involving her life as a mother. Each sections ends with a special prayer related to the story she tells. All hold levels of humor, as we have often seen Kerri do, mixed with deep serious concerns about motherhood. All realistic and it is tempting to quote some of her tidbits here, however we do not want to be a spoiler.

Kerri's book title was inspired by the film, Mom's Night Out with her added line, “and other things I miss...” While this book would seem to be for women everywhere, especially mothers, this is not a “chick book.” It is definitely something men can learn from and would be especially good reading for young couples planning marriage. Both Kerri and husband Ron conduct excellent marriage conferences.

One of many Kerri's gems that we do have to repeat here is as follows: “We will continue to fall down and make idiots of ourselves in front of others and behind closed doors.. I think the best gift we can give each other and ourselves is to take our 'Perfect Christian' masks off and get real.” This is so very true.

This book is available in stores like Walmart and from Amazon in hard cover. Amazon also has a kindle version. We will definitely be buying extra copies as gifts.

Screenplay by New Writer wins Dove Award

Christian author Lanny Smith never realized his screenplay The Christmas Beacon would hit so close to home. "It's amazing to consider the many ways God can inspire us to tell His story - through our past experiences, present circumstances (and scenery) and even possible future outcomes," he said. "But that's a story for another day!"

The Christmas Beacon is an uplifting, romantic mystery about a desperate young man who seeks a miracle from God at Christmas to heal his cancer-stricken mother. Scott Weldon makes a bargain with God: if He would heal his mother, then Scott would erect a tall Cross in his backyard as a monument to Him. In his desperation, Scott mounts the Cross before his mother receives God’s healing and a mysterious phenomenon occurs: the Cross becomes supernaturally illuminated! The illuminated Cross attracts many to his backyard to see this wonder. This “miracle Cross” also draws controversy from the media, city officials and a menacing visitor. With the support of his pastor, friends and neighbors Scott is hopeful that God will answer his prayer. But with mounting opposition, will God heal Scott’s mother even if he’s forced to take the Cross down?

The Christmas Beacon screenplay was awarded the Dove Foundation's Seal of Approval for all ages. The Christmas Bacon novella should be available by early July, 2014 (BelieversPress).

Editor Notes: We had the privilege of reading this screenplay before it was submitted and feel it will make a great film.

Another screenwriter and author we keep track of is Rusty Whitener and his latest film Season of Mysteries is scheduled for production this Summer. Cast so far is Nancy Stafford who will have a major role.

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