A Publication Dedicated To Christian Film and TV Stars and Their Many Fans Volume 13 Number 4 This 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. Heartfelt Greetings To All Our Readers

Christian broadcaster Jensine Bard has two roles Andrew Garfield as Desmond Doss in Hacksaw in this issue, an interview and a Christmas Memory Ridge, a film we believe Academy Award Status

Good Things Can Change For The Better...... Page 2 Christmas Memories...... Page 3 From Deanna Lund, Donald James Parker, Jensine Bard, Dan McGowan Jensine Bard is Broadcasting for God...... Page 6 Hacksaw Ridge: A Film We Are Pleased To Give Our Full Support..…. Page 10 Francine Locke Always On The Job...... Page 12 Mystic Dreams, Dusty Roads by Robert Valleau...... Page 13 A Top Cast In A Faith Thriller...... Page 14 Dave Bethel reviews Is My Bow Too Big? by Victoria Jackson...... Page 15 ALL GOOD THINGS CAN Our Mission Statement Point North † Outreach, Inc. is a non- CHANGE FOR THE BETTER denominational Christian organization A major change is in the works that that highlights, promotes and supports what is will definitely effect our layout while at the being done in regard to faith and family same time better serving our readers as well as productions. Our publication, Point North † those connected with film and TV productions. Tidings, is for all fans of the media who desire Too often we have missed reviewing to see more faith-based and family films and or announcing a production because the TV shows. Our goal is to inform our readers information is needed to be out before our about these productions and artists, encourage regular issue is ready to go. What we wish to them to support the films and TV shows they do involves two steps. create that reflect Christian values, thereby First, rather than regular magazine ensuring a vital and growing market for the issues we will convert to newsletter form using programs and films that will positively impact PDFs to go out as often as we have news our culture. Through publication interviews coverage. We will still run pictures when fans may witness the transforming power of possible. Some newsletters may be longer as God's love and saving grace through His gift of we will of course need to have interviews the risen Jesus Christ. The Point North † from time to time. We are talking of no more Tidings staff and the media stars with whom than a couple subjects for publication because we work acknowledge and respect that the even some of you have felt we were Christian walk is a continuing process of overloaded at times. growth in faith, hope, and love to reach These could come out as often as once spiritual maturity. We also seek to share this a month and more frequently when there is a with non-Christians so that they may need. experience the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. Secondly, and this is eventual, we will have a web page so that we could go beyond our subscriber list and make the news available Point North † Outreach/Tidings to everyone. Links would be announced on Board of Directors: Carolyn Eichelman, Fred social media and when necessary, email. We do Eichelman, Rhonda Fleming, Deanna Lund want to widen our circulation. There are and Nancy Stafford. Director Emeritus Joyce magazines on the net already doing this such as Meadows FaithFlix whom your editor has had the Advisory Board: Bootie Chewning, Jayne pleasure of writing for. Crimin, Kathy Garver, Jenn Gotzon, Kim Under our bylaws all directors had to Headlee, Rebecca Holden, Richard Lyons, Ron approve this, as well as a majority of advisory McGehee, Caroline Munro, Ann-Marie board members. This has been done. Murrell, Kerri Pomarolli, Laurie Prange, Carol This change will not have an effect on Lyn Webster, Advisory Board Emeritus Grace our mission statement and our goal of reaching Lee Whitney more readers and being of more service to Tidings Editor...... Dr. Fred R. Eichelman those involved with faith and family Special Correspondents...... Nancy Stafford, productions will be realized. Bob Valleau, Dave Bethel Ye Olde Editor admits that he will Columnists..Kerri Pomarolli & Dan McGowan miss the magazine format which we have used Printing...... DTS Reprographics for thirteen years as Point North Tidings and Publisher...... Point North † Outreach, Inc. two years before that as The Point North Office: 545 Howard Drive, Salem, VA 24153- Bulletin, however fifteen years is a good run. It 2167 (540) 819-2032, (540) 389-9400 is time for new blood to be involved and I [email protected] welcome the help. http://pointingnorth.com Fred R. Eichelman, Ed.D. This publication, like the corporation, is not for profit and is free for our readers.

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 2 Donald James Parker

Deanna Lund

Several days ago the editor asked me to write a short blurb about a special Christmas memory. I told him that I was on it. Today I sit here analyzing my first three failed attempts to complete what I thought was a simple assignment, causing me to reverse gears. I've reached a point that I'm convinced my most salient Christmas memory is from Christmas 2016. You might be saying, "Hold on, One of the best Christmas's I can Christmas hasn’t arrived yet." You're right, but remember was when Michele was a baby and in running Christmases Past through my instant Randy and Kim were about eight and ten. replay machine, I've made a very disconcerting (and hopefully life changing) discovery. After My husband Don Matheson and I had pondering the past, I have arrived at the bought a log cabin up in the mountains and we conclusion that transparency is a healthy decided to have a very natural and spiritual approach to preparing for Christmases, and holiday. My mom came out from Florida and frankly all days, of the future. So I’m going to Don's mom came from from Detroit. get real with you. I loved Christmas as a kid – mainly We cut down our own tree from the because I got spoiled with a small mountain of back yard and decorated it with home made gifts every year. When I grew up, the gifts stuff. The moms made egg nog and we made dried up and Christmas not only was no longer all our gifts,watched the snow fall and sang the most special time of the year, but became a christmas songs. It was so special. No TV no time of disappointment. In thinking back I shopping, no heat, ,just a fireplace. dwelt on my very first acting role – as a 4th grader. I played Pedro in the famous I can appreciate that I was quite a bit story Why the Chimes Rang. Pedro had a younger than the grandmas, so it was priceless lesson for me to learn as I mouthed the words when on the drive home, my mom said "that he had been assigned, but unfortunately that was a truly memorable Christmas but in the important truth didn't penetrate to my heart. future the only ice I want to see is in my tea" Only this week as I struggled to compose this did the full impact hit me. I had loved Christmas for the wrong reasons as a kid and that mistake prevented me from enjoying

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 3 Christmas as an adult. The words, "it is more Jensine Bard blessed to give than to receive" and "Jesus is the reason for the season" had been merely pithy slogans instead of wisdom to live by. I I've had WONDERFUL Christmas should not have been cast as the little boy who memories throughout the years - from the sacrificed his dream to help a total stranger – McNally's Greek lamb or turkey with all the and in so doing triggered the sounding of the fixings, fabulously decorated table, tree, florals bells which had been silent for years. My - a plethora to behold - to Barbara's famous perfect role would have been Ebenezer Yorkshire pudding, 7 wonderful doggies and Scrooge, so all I would have to do was act wonderful husband, Bill, a veteran from the naturally. Bah Humbug! "greatest generation" - to dancing and singing as a kid at the Sons of Norway Lodge in I realize now that I was seeking to Eureka - where Norwegian pancakes, Lefse, receive love. Jesus didn't tell us to be loved. He Krumkake and music would ring on through told us to love others. That is a trait of the evening - as we danced around the tree and selfishness. Confucius wisely pointed out that "Silent Night" was the song of choice for this 5 man all wrapped up in himself makes a very year old little girl - with big hopes and small package. When my focus is on finding dreams! love from others, people become objects to be used and abused. The whole point of Christmas The Reigning King is to get us to Easter where Jesus sacrificed His life for us. The only gift I ever really needed Copyright 1983 Words/Music by Jensine Bard was given to me 2000 years ago. But like the Hebrews who wandered in the desert for forty To a Little Town called Bethlehem years without entering the Promised Land, I have complained and whined about not having The Wise Men came, The Wise Men Came, onions and leeks from Egypt and failed to be sufficiently grateful for the manna and quail To see the child born in that day that the Lord provided. The Son of God, The Son of God Here's the main nugget of wisdom: when we seek to be loved by people instead of (Chorus ) loving others, we will never be satisfied. We'll always want more love the next day and the Hallelujah, Praise and Glory to the Savior now next week and the next year. I realize we need we sing! to be loved, but we should get our daily dosage of that from the Lord. Anything that we receive on top of that from others is just frosting. Hallelujah, Son of Mary, Jesus Christ the news When we give love away, it not only never born kIng. dissipates, but can have a ripple effect (like the TV commercial with the random acts of With Triumphant joy they worshiped him. kindness). Giving truly is better than receiving. And lastly, we need to practice the With Gifts of Love, With Gifts of Love., attitude of gratitude. If we can put those lessons to daily usage, we'll never utter "Bah, And beheld Him as the one who'd come Humbug." I can't wait for Christmas this year so I can put my new found insight into To be the Savior of us all practice. Have a blessed Christmas and remember – Jesus really is the reason for the (Repeat Chorus plus Chorus 2) season

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 4 Hallelujah, Praise and Glory, to the Savior now the role of “Santa” in a national M&M’s we sing. commercial that would play that year - - and every year since! (No doubt you’ve seen the Hallelujah, seed of David, Jesus Christ the commercial that features the M&M boys reigning King meeting Santa, who is shocked the M&M boys DO exist!) (Repeat Chorus 1 and Chorus 2) In preparation for the audition I went out and bought everything imaginable so that I Ending could dress the part and BE “Santa.” I got the red suit, the white beard, the black boots… I even practiced a hearty “ho ho ho” during the Jesus Christ the reigning King, Jesus Christ the entire drive to the casting office. reigning King When I walked in it was clear I had arrived somewhat over-dressed. Some men When What, To My were wearing red hats with a white fuzzy ball Wandering Eye, Should on the end. Some had the fake beard. One guy had a pillow obviously shoved up under his Appear? plaid work shirt. (Unfortunately I didn’t need the pillow but that’s another story for another time.) Initially I felt completely silly for having gone to so much trouble to look the part. I was the only one in the room who went full throttle on the costume. But then I realized that this could work in my favor! Maybe the casting director would see how I was fully immersed in the role and so dedicated that I spent upwards of twenty bucks to put together an authentic “Santa” costume! (By the way, when I say authentic, I’m talking “cheap costume shop authentic.”) Suddenly I felt amazing and, if I’m honest, a wee bit cocky. I sat back in my chair and confidently read over the script fully knowing that of all the “Santas” in the room that day, I was the one who most resembled the jolly old fellow. And then – SANTA walked into the room! I mean – THE Santa! Actual outfit. Real beard. Jingling bells. Twinkle in his eye. The whole bit! This dude was so real I swear I could hear reindeer on the roof waiting for him to return. My heart sunk but I did the audition anyway. Dan McGowan By the way, if you’ve seen the commercial, you’ve seen the guy I’m talking When I am not leading worship for a about. And it ain’t me. I never auditioned to fantastic church in Southern California, I am play “Santa” after that, but I do still enjoy narrating audio books, providing voices for eating M&M’s. animation and appearing in TV commercials. A few years ago I auditioned to play

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 5 Jensine Bard Jensine: Thank you, Fred, for the honor of Broadcasting for God! being interviewed by you for your Point North Tidings publication - a joy indeed. To cut to the chase as they say: I left home when I was 17 to embark on a career in entertainment - traveling and touring as a professional singer, showcasing in Las Vegas and then eventually landing in Palm Springs at the invitation of an Uncle who was a Tennis Pro and aspiring Opera singer. When he moved back to India to live in an Ashram - and left me with his apartment - I found myself alone, without a job, no car and no means - but not for long (Not this Norwegian anyway!). I soon found work as a professional Model and Hostess - until one day, at the invitation of a friend for an evening out at the Gene Autry, I was asked to sing, was hired on the spot, and that began the extension of my career doing 3 shows a night, making Jensine Bard is Founder and President of great money, spending it all, meeting all Jensine Bard Ministries. Executive Producer the "right" people and miserable in the and Host of Testimony With Jensine Bard - a process. Fade in fade out - By now I had global media broadcast interviewing some of become bulimic, borderline anorexic, a today's leading voices. Recently, she gave us health food nut (that was not so healthy) the opportunity to turn the tables on her and and in search for God in all the wrong do the interviewing. places - I was a "Christian" in name, but not in heart. I was saddled with the hurts

from my past, the Church and "religious" Ed.: From our reading we see you had people and needed to see something "real" the opportunity to be in the or forget it! God heard and answered entertainment world as an accomplished when one day, during my routine visit to singer and song writer. What happened the local health food store, a gorgeous, for you to change your life? exotic looking woman asked if she could sit down and talk with me. What

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 6 happened next would forever change the Tidings. We need to ask you about one course of my life - as she shared her in particular who this editor has amazing and miraculous story - I wanted interviewed not just for Tidings but for to know more! I soon would become other publications, actress and singer involved in a Bible study hosted by Gene Rhonda Fleming. Rhonda is both a long and George MacLean, a renowned time dear friend and one of our directors Architect to Hollywood stars and Bible for Point North Outreach/Tidings. She teacher and the woman God so beautifully was one of the very first at our start. used, to get my attention - that day - in a health food store - for a girl she didn't know - and in a place she normally would not have been - Connie McNally - who to this day is still a dear and important part of my life! Together, she and husband Bill took me in as "God sets the solitary in families," and became my spiritual parents for a season - proof, that when one is "obedient" to lay your life, your agenda, Jensine: I was introduced to Rhonda your will and your way - down - for the through my broadcast affiliate in Israel sake of another - miracles can happen and (High Adventure Ministries - Jackie lives can be changed - as mine was. From Yockey) who suggested Rhonda to me as this point on, it was clear I needed to make a possible interview - connected me - and a complete break from entertainment and from there I worked with Ms. Fleming's focus on making Jesus the Lord of my life, Assistant, Carla, who provided me all I instead of my career. I gracefully ended needed to put a script together - that we my contract with the Gene Autry Hotel, both would have, in advance of our shared Jesus with the "singing cowboy" interview. Truly, one could tell the and began a new life - only this time, the professional she was (and is) - from start contract was "blank" and I was trusting to finish - the sharing of her faith, career God to fill in the rest! Much more to my and the miracles along the way. God has story, suffice it to say, "Whom the Son sets not only blessed Rhonda with uncommon free is free indeed" (John 8:36). No greater beauty and gifting as an actress and singer freedom (or JOY) than that! - but a heart of generosity that seems to supersede it all through her many Ed.: You have had many very fascinating philanthropic efforts. She is a rare interviews, a couple with folks we have Hollywood icon - that truly loves Jesus - had the opportunity to interview for

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 7 on the record and off ... humble, gracious, book: A Time To Betray (which should be giving and kind - a privilege to have made into a movie) - the true story of an interviewed and met, had fellowship and Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the prayer with ... an Interview I will cherish infamous Evan prison - who eventually forever! comes to Christ, but after much loss in his own life. The horrors Reza would witness as a child and teen would forever mark his Ed. This next question may be a tough one, life - he escaped to the U.S. - became a CIA it is kind of like asking someone who their double operative - and for years reported favorite child as there are so many choices. back Iranian activities, at the constant Are there interviews that particularly endangerment of his own life and moved you, ones that your listeners all could family. He is, by his own words, "a ship learn greatly from. out to sea that will never reach shore." Other interviews on the subject of terrorism abroad and within our own borders (reportedly embedded in all 50 states now) - are Terrorism Expert and Author, Erick Stakelbeck; former Muslim Terrorist, Kamal Saleem; former abused Muslim woman - Isik Abla - her book: I Jensine: That is a tough question since all Dreamed Freedom; and Brigitte Gabriel - my guests have been fabulous - each in founder of ACT - one the largest their own way - and each I have learned organizations combating terrorism in the from as Testimony has covered all walks U.S. today - her story unbelievable, her of life - from celebrity, dignitary, military, courage undeniable. IF we allow the political, lay and religious leaders - on continued spread of terror - within our cultural, racial, social and political topics own borders, the U.S. is slated for what is and hot issues such as abortion, terrorism, happening all over Europe today - save homosexuality, abuse, our veterans and so God's intervention and Godly leaders who much more. However, the one coming to will stop the infiltration, while at the same mind had to be my most unusual and time praying for salvation and healing for heart wrenching - Reza Kahlili - a pseudo those trapped in an "ideology of death" name to protect his identity, a mask to and NOT life. hide his face and a gadget to disguise his voice - during our phone interview - His

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 8 Ed.: We want people to follow your interviews who have not had an opportunity to know how and where they can catch the broadcasts. And there are past interviews they would love to hear.

Jensine: Thank you for asking - and yes! There are many ways to catch the Testimony broadcasts: Susan Howard www.jensinebard.com (On the Web); ROKU, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, Jensine: One very powerful testimony (Digital Media); Testimony With Jensine was Award Winning Actress and Activist, Bard (ITunes Podcast); KHCS (Palm Susan Howard who played Donna on the Springs) - Testimony's Flagship Station - hit series Dallas in the eighties. Susan was KKVV (Las Vegas) - KFNX Independent my very first celebrity interview and Talk (Arizona) - KDAZ Son Broadcasting shared, not only how she came to faith in Network (New Mexico) - High Adventure Jesus Christ, her illustrious career, but Ministries (JERUSALEM, ISRAEL) - and also her passions - as an activist for Salem Radio Satellite Distribution conservative values, freedom and rights of (Making Testimony Available to 1,200 the unborn. Case in point - when she was Media Outlets - Nationwide) with more to asked to have an abortion on the Dallas come! show - she took a "pink slip" instead (after 9 successful seasons) choosing rather to What began with ONE word (Testimony), have a down syndrome child. And ONE Scripture (Revelation 12:11) and because of her stance against abortion, at ONE act of obedience (Make that call!) the risk of her own career, the entire TESTIMONY became a reality - Where narrative of Dallas became, not only glitz Truth Is Told, Lives Are Changed and and glamour and "who shot JR" but was Hope Is Given ™ - and where we now a national voice for the protection of "Overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and unwanted and imperfect children the Word of Our Testimony". everywhere. The show became inundated We definitely will be following your with letters from across the Country - and broadcasts and urge all of our readers to do all because ONE brave Actress, named the same. We are at a turning point in our Susan Howard, chose to make a stand for history and we need more voices out there like LIFE at the potential loss of her own yours. (career that is)! You can hear the rest of Susan's story at www.jensinebard.com This is one of the reasons we are in full support of Lisa's Bennett's work as CEO for (Archives) - a dear friend, sensational Victory Television and Victory Radio. We talent and speaker and filled with the will be covering that in the future. Another transforming power of the Holy Spirit! Christian who is out there paving the way.

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 9 the screen in the film Hacksaw Ridge. Though written about years ago and even HACKSAW RIDGE: A FILM having a documentary the story has WE ARE PLEASED TO generally been ignored. Crosby GIVE OUR FULL SUPPORT interviewed Desmond Doss and received personal permission from Desmond to make what some are saying is the best war picture ever made. However, to call it a war picture would be to underplay the general importance which director Mel Gibson brilliantly brings out in this epic.

The writing is tight, very well done with a dialogue that is outstanding. Things move easily from deadly serious to light hearted and when Andrew Garfield, who stars as Doss, smiles you have to smile. Garfield will no longer be associated as just The Amazing Spiderman. He is Desmond Doss and in our opinion deserves the Academy Award. Actually we believe the film itself, writing, cinematography, directing and other aspects are all worthy of Oscars.

When a publication like ours has covered a film for a decade and prayed for its success there is nothing sweeter than seeing your dreams realized. We have been familiar with the Desmond Doss story for decades. The story of a Blue Ridge Mountains Virginia born young man who DESMOND (ANDREW GARFIELD) was a conscientious objector during World BEING GIVEN A BIBLE BY War Two, but who felt he had a duty to DOROTHY (TERESA PALMER) save lives rather than take lives. Despite a BEFORE HE LEAVES FOR BOOT great deal of discrimination he became a CAMP. Medic and a real hero saving 75 lives at Okinawa alone and others before then. The story covers not just Desmond Doss as a man, but those things in his At last, thanks to the efforts of youth that made him the hero that he Gregory Crosby the story was brought to would become. In his current best selling

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 10 book Killing The Rising Sun, Bill O'Reilly make an excellent film. Dorothy loves this devotes nearly a chapter to Doss and calls mountain boy who is like no other man she him one of the greatest heroes of the has ever known and she shares his deep Pacific Theater. belief in God.

The element that draws us most is At the end of the film they show the tremendous faith Desmond has in what clips with interviews with people who he believes. He is a man of prayer and one knew and benefitted from the heroism of who studies his Bible. What made him this Desmond. There is also a very important way is shown with scenes from his youth. clip of President Harry S. Truman This is a very Christian movie and one we presenting the Congressional Media of can recommend to all our readers. Honor to Desmond Doss, the first non noncombatant to receive this award. Yes, it has an R Rating and this is due to graphic violence. It is after all a war We have heard applause and cheers film and it is necessary to show at the end of this film which we were realistically what went on at the time and moved to join. We believe this is a film how Desmond had to deal with it. There our country very much needs now and you is also rough language, however that is will want to see more than once. Thank mainly at boot camp, typical in the early you Gregory Crosby. forties, and again you see how Desmond handles it. There has even been one critic with the Chicago Tribute who was unhappy with the faith element despite this being a true story. However most critics who know film love it.

There were many other fine performances including Hugo Weaving who played Tom Doss, Desmond's' father. He is a troubled veteran of World War One who today we would say suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Another Academy Award worthy performance and one that should speak today to what we are seeing happen to many of our young men and women who have to serve in combat. The relationship between father and son are very paramount to the story.

We also have to mention the ANDREW GARFIELD AND THE MAN sterling performance of Australian actress WHOSE LIFE HE IS PORTRAYING, and model Teresa Palmer who portrayed DESMOND DOSS. Desmond's girl friend and later wife, Dorothy Schutte. Together the two create a beautiful love story that in itself would

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 11 in this psychological thriller is a side we really Francine Locke haven't seen before. Francine plays the part of Always on the Job Dina Hewitt, a woman has lost both her memo- ry and her daughter. Follow as her therapist takes her on a roller-coaster journey of discov- ery, with an ending that will definitely sur- prise!

Francine as Dina Hewitt in Inseparable

And, speaking of producing, Francine Scouting Locations is now in preproduction with her first feature film, A Modern Prodigal. This is a compelling Actress Francine Locke is having an- story of a father who is on his own journey of other busy season! This summer she filmed the discovery as he retraces his son’s steps prior to teaser for Flying by Faith. Based on the true the son’s murder by a known drug lord. Once story of Doug White & his family, who are re- the production is underway, she’ll begin to get turning home from his brothers funeral. The pi- into her character as Dr. Chaffin, the head of lot dies just minutes after take off, leaving the illustrious Chaffin Clinic, whose only goal Doug, his wife (played by Francine) and their is to rehabilitate…or is it? two children alone, with the auto pilot set, the aircraft climbing. They are currently seeking Francine has the role of Grace in Mine financing, but even the teaser was amazing! 9, which began filming in Atlanta in Novem- ber. A heartbreaking story of triumph when the Trew Calling (Greg Robbins prod, walls of the mine collapse trapping the miners, Kevin Sizemore, Tracy Wilson), just won at also based on a true story. the PCIFF and Buffalo Intl FF. Francine’s per- formance once again is filled with a great depth of emotion. It’s a great film, thoughtful, funny, entertaining & filled with a message, be sure to see it as soon as it is released, looking for distribution!

Francine dons the Producer cap once again, with her short film Inseparable. Her role

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 12 Lastly (for now) Christmas Ranch is Here’s the premise: Feisty twelve- ready for sale, just in time for Christmas! Star- year-old Peep Holler finds living with her ring Francine Locke and Taylor Lyons (as her single alcoholic father challenging as she granddaughter) it is a feel good movie of sec- struggles with adolescence, faith and ond chances. And for everyone in the Balti- unforeseen tragedies at the beginning of more area, there will be a premier on Decem- the Oklahoma Dust Bowl years. But her ber 8th, at the Senator Theater! greatest challenge yet lies just ahead.

One day, Peep innocently uncovers a dark secret which drives her further from her estranged father, and, if revealed, could rip apart her best friend's family. While Peep copes with this secret, however, an untimely event occurs that alters her life perception... and sets her on a course that affects entire generations.

It’s a story about loss and life, tragedy and triumph, sorrow and strength. In August of this year, I contracted with award-winning producer, Douglas Maddox, DBM Films, to have Mystic Dreams Dusty Roads turned into a film. Since then, we have received an overwhelming response to the project. Recently, both of us were invited to appear with Host Gabby G., Up2Me Magazine Show on Atlanta Life Radio. Here’s the information if you can join us. Thanks! Francine is also in The Remember Box Please join me, on Saturday, MYSTIC DREAMS DUSTY ROADS December 10, 2016, 9am Central/10am Eastern, when I chat with Gabby G., By Robert Valleau Up2Me Magazine Show on Atlanta Life Radio. I'll talk about my writing career, the A few years ago, God gave me an book Mystic Dreams, Dusty Roads, and I'll idea for an inspirational story. Yet, I needed share my excitement about the film. I'll a unique cast of characters and setting. I answer some of your questions, have always loved Fried Green Tomatoes, too.Guesting with me will be producer and I began thinking along that plot line. Douglas Maddox, DBM Films. In addition Similar to Idgie Threadgoode, I, too, to Mystic Dreams, Dusty Roads, Doug will wanted my main character to be a tomboy, talk about his latest film, Christmas Ranch, yet younger. And I wanted to place her in starring award-winning actress Francine an historical locale that was difficult to Locke. survive. So I chose the 1930s, the It should be a great show! beginning of the Dust Bowl years in Oklahoma. www.atlantaliferadio.com

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 13 wife Elizabeth and co-producer/director Paul Munger (Princess Cut). Included in the cast as mentioned are Sorbo (Hercules, Andromeda, God's Not Dead), Bosworth (Do You Believe, Revelation Road), Roberts (The Dark Knight), and Gotzon (Frost/Nixon, Doonby, Dragon Day, God's Country). Also featured are the talents of other skilled actors such as Julie Denton, Blake Burt and Kevin Wayne. Also appearing in the film are twins David and Jason Benham, authors in their own right and much sought after Christian speakers.

The feature was shot on the RED, helmed by veteran Cinematographer James Burgess (Badge of Faith, Virtuous, Pilgrim's Progress). Additional planning was required by stunt coordinator Rick Shaw (Beyond the A Top Cast In Mask) to prepare and safely execute the many stunts throughout the film which include A Faith Thriller fights, gun battles, pyrotechnic and precision stunt driving. Hunters usually range the fields and forests of Warsaw. Ohio in the Fall, but this The Reliant is currently making its past October a very different type of shooting way through post production with an was going on in this quiet little town. The anticipated 2017 theatrical release. Dr. Reliant, a faith-based action film' written and Johnston hopes the film will impact produced by Dr. Patrick Johnston, was in full swing as Kevin Sorbo, Brian Bosworth, Eric America on multiple levels as it aims to Roberts, Jenn Gotzon and many others were thrill with intense action, delight with bringing this exciting story to life. Set in the dramatic performances and awaken many near future, the collapse of the dollar to faith in the face of threats to our precipitates widespread rioting and social freedom. unrest across the nation leaving a lovesick girl (skillfully played by Mollee Gray) struggling to care for her siblings in a stretch of woods bordered by lawless anarchy, all the while wondering why a good God would let this happen.

The film is based on Dr. Johnston's 10th novel, The Why, which invites readers to go on a survival adventure that explores deep philosophical questions about the nature and reasonings for suffering, and what role faith plays in overcoming our fears. Translating the written work into a powerful screenplay took months of work. Mollee Gray (Sophie) and Blake A top notch cast and crew was Blake Burt (Jimmy) prayerfully assembled by Dr. Johnston, his

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 14 Dave Bethel possession of a razor sharp mind. Is My Bow Too Big? Growing up in Miami, she practiced gymnastics throughout her youth. Her father by Victoria Jackson was a former diver and gym coach who often did flips off a local pier to attract a crowd to whom he would then recite Bible verses while riding a unicycle. A gymnastics scholarship led to college that led to a love of performing that brought her a role in a small show with Johnny Crawford of TV’s The Rifleman fame. Johnny bought her a one-way ticket to Hollywood. There was some struggle but soon Victoria was doing stand-up comedy which led to twenty appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson where she made her debut reciting poetry while doing a handstand on a balance beam.

Saturday Night Live and several movies followed: Baby Boom with Diane Keaton, The Pick-Up Artist with Robert Downey, JR. and UHF with “Weird Al” Yankovic, and many other films and TV appearances.

That’s the Victoria Jackson we are familiar with, the Victoria who has made us laugh for years. But her book tells us more about her life that we are not familiar with.

She was raised in a Christian home. They didn’t have a TV. She’d never seen We all know Victoria Jackson as a cast Saturday Night Live when she was offered a member of Saturday Night Live from 1986 to try-out. She attended Christian schools and 1992. Now and then she would sing a funny developed a deep love for her Savior. When song she had composed and accompany herself she joined the Hollywood and New York film on the ukulele. She appeared on the weekly and TV crowds, there was conflict because Weekend Update sketch where she sometimes some were less than welcoming to a self- executed a handstand on the news desk, once described Baptist virgin. They did not know to announce her engagement to a Florida what to make of her. police officer. She’d written I LOVE A COP on her legs. She often played ditzy blondes. The book offers many stories of Victoria’s Alice in Wonderland/fish out of Her 2012 book, Is My Bow Too Big? water-type experiences as a Christian in show reveals several other facets of this gem of a business and she is beautifully honest about comedienne beneath the bow, behind the them. She tells about her visits to the Playboy ukulele, performing the handstands. Victoria is Mansion. What was a Baptist virgin doing funny - hilariously so - but she is also a there? You’ll have to read the book to find out. Christian, a Tea Party conservative and, in contrast to her often-confused stage persona, in

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 15 Victoria tells all, about a few showbiz believe so much as explaining why she personalities, yes, but mostly about herself believes what she believes. Her arguments are because that is what the book is really about: well thought-out and come from a lifetime of Victoria’s journey in this world to understand searching. life and faith. She stumbled a few times on the way and she does not hide it. She gained an The book is not a Hollywood tell-all, affinity for wine, broke her rule about though she does tell some. She mostly tells on premarital sex (but then married the man but herself. It is not a political manifesto though then divorced him)and had many other she does describe what she sees and why she misadventures. After the Saturday Night Live believes certain things are wrong in our gig ended, she was in and out of show government. It is not a Christian recruitment business, concentrated on raising her daughters text though she would be delighted if anyone and making a home for her police officer found inspiration from her experiences. The husband. But she wanted more. She didn’t Venice Beach epiphany is especially moving. know why she was unhappy or what to do about it. A conversation with God on Venice Get some laughs, get some political Beach convinced her to give control to Him savvy, get some Hollywood insight, get some and she never looked back. She returned to religious instruction from Victoria Jackson. show business but also pursued what the Lord Get her book and you will. Once you stop called, in their conversation, “Kingdom laughing, you will know that Victoria is a very Business.” Once Barrack Obama was elected special lady. President, she entered the political arena as an outspoken Tea Party supporter.

Her journey is told in an often scattershot manner with frequent jumps back Late Breaking Good News and forth through her life but it works because Just For Our Readers Ms. Jackson is exceptionally intelligent. Her book is well-put-together. It actually is linear even with the frequent time-shifts. Her life, her Point North Tidings Exclusive search for understanding, her quest to find the Casting Notice Just For You. right path, how she got where is today, makes Fred and Sharon Wilharm of sense and offers a fascinating insight into a Mainstreet Productions, the very funny lady. Many of her songs and poems are included and they are entertaining and filmmakers behind Providence and smart. The chapters are named for the different The Good Book, are offering a roles she has played in life: Ingénue, Actress, chance for Point North Tidings Celebrity, Star as well as Missionary, Journalist readers to get a jump on submissions and Activist. The book is funny throughout for above all, Victoria knows how to make us for their upcoming film to be shot in laugh, even when the story is a painful fall 2017. Interested individuals can memory, because she understands that if there submit their resume and headshots are lessons to be learned from pain, why not have a laugh while enduring it? to: Attention: Sharon Wilharm, Mainstreet Productions, 305 N. Oak Know that there are strong political Street, Springfield, TN 37172. No and religious views expressed. One appendix is email or Facebook submissions are entitled “Evidence Obama is a Communist” and two others cover Biblical business, but being accepted at this time. please do not be put off by such things. Victoria is not necessarily telling us what to

Point North † Tidings Volume 13, Number 4 Page 16