A Publication Dedicated To Christian Film and TV Stars and Their Many Fans Volume 11 Number 2 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.

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 2 A Needed TV Renaissance, Interview with Brian Bird Page 3 Return to the Hiding Place, Interview with ReAnn Ring Page 7 The Ability To Love Never Dies, Review of My Dream Beside Me Page 9 Make a Joyful Noise, Column by Nancy Stafford Page 10 The Good Book, Review of an innovative Film Page 11 Having a Child's Heart, Interview with Ann Ault Page 12 Jenny L. Cote is back with Number 5 in her Epic Series Page 14 Coming Events: Western Film Fair and Gideon Page 15 Kerri Pomarolli Gives Us A Guide for Devotions & Survival, Review Page 16 Screenplay by New Writer wins Dove Award Page 16 Worth Seeing More Than Once very instrumental. The film also makes use of the Christian singing group, Newsboys, and they God's Not Dead too are significant to the plot. There was a glaring over sight in the last Pure Flix turned out a professional motion issue we need to correct now. Nothing was said picture that can stand with the best of the big about a great film that is still running, God's Not studios and is Oscar quality in our opinion. Dead. We have to rely on information given us Sadly when first released the theaters showing and what we find on the net and this is a film we the film were limited to 780. However, the should not have missed. reaction of the audiences and their demand We loved Kevin Sorbo's faith film What required many more theaters to be opened and If and was glad to hear about his latest. The even the naysayers among critics have had to theme covers a topic that has been a great admit it is a success. In the theater where we concern to us. Over the years we have read saw the film there was applause and finally a and seen on TV horror stories about what standing ovation. Something repeated in many many young Christians have had to put up theaters showing this film. People were invited at the end of the film to text all their friends with with on college campuses. Seeing that topic the news that “God's Not Dead”. Theaters so well handled in the film was an always warn you to have cell phones off, but as overwhelming experience. the credits rolled, cell phones in the theaters lit Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper) is a young up as that message was being texted. Some like Freshman Christian needing a class in our film making friend Rusty Whitener added, philosophy for his major. Unfortunately “God's not even sick.” Professor Radisson (Kevin Sorbo) is a hardened One concern we consider unwarranted is atheist who wants his class to accept the idea that the film will be preaching to the choir. that God is dead. On the first day he demands While that is often a concern with faith films, each student to write and sign that statement on Christians should invite their non Christian paper. Josh refuses even though it jeopardizes friends and family members as their guests to his education, his relationship with others and attend a showing. A lot of questions are even his future marriage. Radisson challenges skillfully answered about God and Christianity. Josh to take a portion of three classes to prove It must be added that even the choir at times there is a God. It is quite a challenge and Josh needs reinforcement. We recommend that after has to use every resource possible against a the film finishes its theater run it should be teacher who says that the only god is he himself shown in churches, colleges and Bible Studies. in that classroom. Both do a superb job of It is worth seeing more than once. -The Editor acting, but they were not the only ones. Point North † Tidings Lest the reader be misled, this film is more Editor...... Dr.Fred R. Eichelman than a debate between a young Christian and a Special Correspondent...... Nancy Stafford man who admits he hates God. There are Columnist...... Kerri Pomarolli several very interesting side stories including a Printing...... DTS Reprographics Muslim student at risk because she believes in Publisher...... Point North † Outreach, Inc. Jesus Christ, a Christian girl whose mother is Advisory Board: Bootie Chewning, Jayne Crimin, dying of Alzheimer disease, a young man from Kathy Garver, Kim Headlee, Rebecca Holden, China who must weigh what he has learned from Richard Lyons, Ron McGehee, Caroline Munro, Josh against his upbringing and a young non Samantha Landy, Kerri Pomarolli, Laurie Prange and believer who finds she has cancer. Especially Grace Lee Whitney interesting is Reverend Dave (David A. R. Point North † Outreach, Inc. Board of Directors Carolyn Eichelman, Fred Eichelman, Rhonda White) who interacts with all of them while Fleming, Deanna Lund and Nancy Stafford dealing with problems of his own. We admit we Director Emeritus...... Joyce Meadows at first wondered what part Willy and Korie Office: 545 Howard Drive, Salem, VA 24153-2167 Robertson (Duck Dynasty) would have in this (540) 389-9400 [email protected] film, however despite having short roles they are http://pointingnorth.com

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 2 season we feel we found the right mix of A Needed TV Renaissance emotion, adventure, romance and powerful life lessons. Now going forward we have to We have long been fans of films and TV series redouble our efforts to keep the tone consistent that Brian Bird has been responsible for and and entertaining, to continue exploring the recently had the opportunity to talk with him. relationships in the town of Coal Valley. To We also found that he has a legion of fans who explore some of the challenges a young teacher refer to themselves as “Hearties.” Kind of like has in teaching children in a small frontier town. the Trekkie movement and after talking with It doesn't have the modern-day conveniences, him found ourselves signing up. 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 Daniel Lissing (Jack Thornton) and Erin walled off in our houses and we don't know what Krakow (Elizabeth Thatcher) When Calls is happening next door. That is why I love the The Heart, Hallmark series. community of Coal Valley as it represents the shared values of hard work and compassion for Ed.: You seem to have a great feel for history one another. Our goal for Season Two will be to films and TV series, something very evident continue the relationships, the powerful story in the successful When Calls The Heart. Do telling of a young school teacher trying to you especially enjoy period pieces? pursue her passion.

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. Sandra Elise Williams who starred as the Ed.: In regard to When Calls The Heart can Amish mother, Rebecca Lapp, in The you tell us what is ahead for the series? Shunning and The Confession films for Hallmark. We interviewed her a couple years Brian: As of this interview, we have literally ago. Her work in both were Emmy quality. just been informed that the Hallmark Channel has decided to renew the series for the series. Ed.: Your films The Shunning and The We finished Season One with twelve episodes Confession are also very special. We and in the case of television shows it takes a interviewed one of the main stars, Sandra little time to find a show voice. It is up to us as Williams who was outstanding. Why do you writers and producers to find the show's voice think audiences are so attracted to films? and there is a lot of trial and error. This first And when may we expect the third in this

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 3 trilogy by Beverly Lewis? I would be good at it, he gave me a couple books Brian: We talked to Beverly Lewis about this to read. He also gave me a couple scripts to too. She is really our creative partner in these read to learn format. At the time he was films, as we adapt her great novels. I think there working on the show Fantasy Island, and gave is a real hunger for the same values I just me a couple episodes from the show and asked mentioned about in our town of Coal Valley in me to take a stab at it. I had to carve some late- When Calls The Heart. You see virtues and night hours because my first son was born about simplicity plus hard work and caring for one then, and turned in an episode which Don felt another. Those are staples in the Amish was really good. I was encouraged to come in communities as much as hay-bales and sacks of when the show was renewed and pitch some wheat flour. They always have been and always ideas. They liked what I did and made a deal will be because family and piety are most with me. That was in 1984 when I had my first important aspects in life. We live in a culture opportunity in the “big leagues.” Don was my that is increasingly more isolated for us first mentor in the business. It was so much fun individually. We get trapped in our own little as in journalism you are in kind of a box which bubbles. We rarely have an opportunity to feel a you need to be. In fiction you get to openly play sense of community. Church is one place where god as a writer, inventing the world and creating people still get a sense of community. Beyond the characters. I enjoyed it so much I knew that we are in our own rooms watching our TVs, this was what I wanted to pursue and God on our iPads, surfing the internet, there is a real continued opening up doors. I have now been isolation being foisted on us by technological doing this for thirty years. 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. Roma Downey, Della Reese and John Dye Ed.: You have an outstanding record and we know our readers would like to know what Ed.: We were also drawn by your work in drew you into film and TV as a career. Touched By An Angel. Roma Downey, Della Reese and John Dye were perfect in their Brian: I started out as a journalist, a newspaper roles. What was it like working with them? reporter and magazine reporter. I loved TV and film growing up. Watching TV and going to Brian: It was a great blessing, a great joy to movies was a hobby at that time. My wife's great work on that show. They were a great team. I uncle, Don Ingalls, was a long time writer and did the final five seasons of the show as a writer producer in Hollywood. He was a descendent of and co-executive producer, working with the Ingalls family of Little House on the Prairie another of my mentors in the business, the He took me aside, because he had read some of creators of the show, Martha Williamson who my work , and said “You have a gift. Have you also by the way now has her own show on the ever considered film or television?” It caught me Hallmark Channel, Signed, Sealed and off guard as though I loved television and film, I Delivered, which is really a terrific show as well. had never thought about that myself. He thought

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 4 But, Touched by an Angel was an iconic show in projects. What can you tell us about them. our culture. Even today it is strong in most Brian: The Ultimate Life is a sequel to The people's memories. What was so profound Ultimate Gift and that came out in Theaters in about it was that God was the star of the show. November and is now on DVD. It will be on When Martha was creating the show she told television soon. Michael Landon Jr. my partner CBS, “The only way I want to do the show is if and I worked on that together. He directed and I God is the star of the show.” They agreed and wrote. It is based on Jim Stovall's books. He is the series went for nine seasons, over 200 a terrific motivational speaker. He is all about episodes, and became a top ten rated series. We helping people get their financial houses in were quoting scripture right and left on that order. It was a great project to work on, and show. Talking about great virtues, the angels there is a third film now being talked about were speaking truth of the Bible from the Old Ultimate Legacy, which I also hope to work on. and New Testament. I remember some people The next feature film I have coming is Captive wanted to know why it was not more now in post production. It is a true story. It is specifically a Christian show. My answer to that based on a true story, the 2005 story about Brian was always, the show would not have been on Nichols who shot up the courthouse in Atlanta, the air were if we was that inclusive. CBS killing four people and then escaped the wanted to reach the largest audience possible courthouse and the city was on lockdown for the and we realized if we were two sectarian you next 24 hours. He took this young woman, would run the risk of alienating a large portion Ashley Smith, hostage in her apartment over of the audience. Martha's goal and my goal was night and during that time she convinced him to a wide audience as what we were doing was give himself up after reading to him from Rick stirring up water cooler conversations. We got Warren's book, A Purpose Driven Life. What a lots of fan mail from people who loved the show lot of people don't remember about that story is who would give testimonies about how their that Ashley was a Chrystal Meth addict at the lives had been changed for the better by time she was taken hostage. She had her own watching Touched By An Angel. We had suicide story of heartbreak before this ordeal Her prevention groups tell us that the show caused husband had been murdered three years earlier their calls to increase with people wanting help, and he died in her arms and that sent her into a after being inspired by an episode, to not take spiral of drug abuse. She lost custody of her their lives. I don't know of another five year old daughter. But, despite all that she entertainment program in the history of TV that was able to convince the killer to do the right could claim that lives were saved as a result of thing. I'm thrilled to have been able to write and its story telling. 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 Left to Right, Executive Producer Brian Bird, acclaimed international book, with my former author Janette Oke and Executive Producer writing partner John Wierick. It is one of the Michael Landon Jr. on Langley B.C set. most powerful true stories I have ever read. Both John and I are adoptive fathers, so this one Ed.: You have some interesting current is very special to us. Michael Landon Jr. and I

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 5 also have The Nazarene in development, a six the show to strengthen the demand for more hour miniseries on the life of Christ. We want to shows the family can watch together. So many tell the Jesus story for skeptics, by telling the series shows today yield to the lowest common story through the point of view of Luke who denominator, and we are radically different with wrote his Gospel after Paul's death. We are When Calls The Heart. Michael Landon Jr. and using Doctor Luke, the smartest guy in the room I very much want to be at the center of starting a as our story teller. new renaissance of family programming. This culture is sick. I am not saying this from a Ed.: It makes sense that you would like this judgmental standpoint but from a compassion version as a former investigative reporter standpoint. Our culture is sick, is unhealthy and yourself as Doctor Luke used that approach needs medicine. I believe one of the medicines in researching the life of Christ. the culture needs is the church, but we family— and-faith inspired people working in the media Brian: Yes, he interviewed the main players who need to speak more boldly. This is a giant were first-person witnesses to Jesus's birth, life, conversation that will go on with or without us, ministry, death and resurrection and we love the so we need to be a vital part of it. idea of telling this as a “witness to history” story. We can only say AMEN to this. Brian Bird's views mirror what we are trying to do in every Ed.: It is obvious that your influence has gone way. We are heartened by the fact that we beyond film and television and that you have know many folks who now share that same both a mission and a ministry. idea, some of whom are at this very moment engaged in creating such needed films and TV Brian: One thing that may interest you about series. They fully have our support as we When Calls The Heart is the “Hearties”. They support Brian. In our nest issue our are a spontaneous group of Super-Fans who conversation with Brian will continue as he is emerged out of the audience landscape They also involved in a very innovative mentoring now number over 14,000 members on Facebook program for new script writers. .-Ed. 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 Left to right, Daniel Lissing (Mountie Jack spontaneous outpouring of praise and love Thornton) discusses a scene with When Calls because somehow the audience out there The Heart Head Writer and Executive discovered When Calls The Heart and for them Producer Brian Bird, author Janette Oke and it has become the cure for what ails TV. I have former Bethany House Publishers editor this growing sense that this will become a series Carol Johnson. classic that will go on for years. We would like

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 6 gentlemen wanted to have a way to put the Return to the Hiding Place 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.

As fans of Corrie ten Boom we were familiar ReAnn: When author and speaker, Pam with her books The Hiding Place and Tramp Rosewell Moore, and I began working together, for God. The film based on The Hiding Place I had been so impressed by the women's is a classic and we were very pleased to learn conferences she spoke at years ago. She had of this new production, Return to the Hiding been the long time traveling companion, Place. Nancy Stafford tipped us off. We also assistant, and nurse to Corrie ten Boom until her know that the person who could tell us all death in 1983. We began to do ministry trips about it was ReAnn Ring. together. We were in Chicago when I heard about the film Return to the Hiding Place and Ed.: We intended to first talk about the film, arranged for a meeting with Chicago actress however we have seen your video clips on the Mimi Sagadin who portrays Corrie ten Boom in net and learned a lot about you. What is the new release. We fell in love with the film 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 LeAnn Ring: A Lady With A Mission

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 7 and I began talking about this film on reserved to bring a film to that area. Right now Facebook . I was so blown away by the idea we are working with churches and several well behind this film I knew I had to be involved. I known names. It is an incredible film with an was asked if I would like to do publicity for the incredible cast. We have John Rhys-Davies who film as I knew the story better than anyone else you may remember from the Lord of the Rings through my research. So I started helping them films and the TV series Sliders. There is also promote and to get the word out. Mimi Sagadin as Corrie ten Boom, David Thomas Jenkins as Hans Poley and many other Ed.: We noticed that the emphasis on this excellent stars. We could not have found a film is young people. In fact the printed better cast. 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.

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. From left to right, actress Mimi Sagadin who portrays Corrie ten Boom, Pam Rosewell Link for tickets and trailer: Moore and ReAnn Ring. www.seatzy.com/hidingplace

Link for film website: Ed.: And now the big question, what is the www.hide-movie.com status of the film to date and when do we get to see it? Link to reach LeAnn Ring: www.facebook.com/SafireProductionsMedia 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

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 8 In this story we see that God does bless The Ability To Love beautiful romances without putting a boundary on age. Mary Kay was married for 34 years and Never Dies 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 When we were given the opportunity to before, Francine Locke. review the latest production by Greg Robbins there was only one concern. We have enjoyed There is another important message that and supported his work in the past as he is a film should not be missed by seniors who, though maker who continually improves in his craft so happy in their marriages, think the time of would our expectations be too high. There was romance is over. It never is and date life for nothing to fear as once again Greg Robbins has seniors can be as much fun as when newly hit the ball out of the park. His latest feature married. Actually, more fun. Love is forever. film, My Dream Beside Me proves that we may expect the best from him and this may be You should check out the film's website. considered his best so far. http://mydreambesideme.com/ 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.

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 9 Nancy Stafford Women of Joy has been encouraging Make a Joyful Noise 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!

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! 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/

With fellow speaker, Jennifer Rothschild www.womenofjoy.org

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 10 The Good Book 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 Jenn Gotzon contacted us about this film. independent films have been criticized for their As movie buffs we have developed a liking sound, their lighting and their editing. The for many of the old silent films that dominated Good Book passes all those tests. The Wilharms the screens until the 1920s. We assumed those consider this a “World Outreach Without Words” days were gone until we were pleasantly and are providing a ministry kit. They hope to surprised to find that a new company, Mainstreet have this film featured in film festivals, churches Productions, has taken this art to a new level. and schools and you may contact them by going Our friend, actress Jenn Gotzon contacted us and to the following website. said “you have to get in touch with Sharon and www.goodbookmovie.com 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

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 11 thinking, “Oh Lord, that's all we need. One Having a Child's Heart 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 We originally thought we would only be such as God's Not Dead. Some people criticize reviewing a very enjoyable book, Hi From The so many good Christian films for not reflecting Sky On The Road To Happily Ever After! the Gospel enough, but I tell you it is whetting Then we learned more about the author, Ann people's appetite for God's Word and for His Ault, who is also an actress, a singer, a Kingdom. He is stirring people's hearts that He motivational speaker, missionary and a poet. wants to to communicate with us! We knew we needed to talk with her directly. Ed.: You are working on a movie now we Ed.: You were originally a Virginia girl and understand. from there you have traveled a great deal around the world. Ann: Yes, In 2001 I was given a book called Heart's Desire, by Patsy Oda, a true Japanese Ann: Yes, I was an Air Force Brat. My dad was America love story. I felt the Lord morphing me stationed three times at the Pentagon, he was a from being an actress and singer to produce Brigadier General. I have traveled a great deal films and be a screenwriter. I went to countless and the road has been rocky at times, but I Christian media conferences, classes and script discovered that Jesus Christ is the rock in rocky doctors. Hearts Desire is a lovely story about a times when I gave him my life in NYC in 1974. young Japanese American lady named Patsy. For years I felt compelled to write a book about She was in a relocation camp and came to know my adventures in the Lord and finally started the Lord in a very tight Buddhist community writing it in 2012: Hi From The Sky On The when she was only eight. She was able to hang Road To Happily Ever After! But, I had self on to her faith all during her growing up years. doubts about writing the book and kept Patsy prayed for a Christian Japanese American

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 12 husband, but it seemed impossible. She met a mountain top. God had me climb Mount Fuji young man she really liked, named Walter. She when I was in Japan. This was in 1968 before I liked Walter and they were obviously meant for was officially born again. But, even then I knew each other, but she could not marry him because that God was speaking to me when I was he was Buddhist. Walter, an electrical engineer climbing the mountain. It was laborious and could not understand why this ancient book tough. When I got to the top it was worth it all called the Bible was coming between them. The for the sunrise. That is what God is trying to tell book shows the struggles they had and a us in a film like Close Encounters of the Third marvelous journey of the ultimate meeting of Kind. I love that scene at the end when the big hearts and minds and how God worked space ship comes in. The jaws of the pompous everything for good. It is an incredible true officials dropped wide open. There are many story and I am working on that as a film right truths in unlikely films, such as Spiderman now! That is what I am doing right now and I which resonates that “with great power comes will give you the web page for it. I am so great responsibility” thrilled when I see God's hand in our lives going before us planting things in our heart that years Ed.: We have to say that your music on CDs later sprout. Earlier in my life when I made also reaches out. Very powerful. Both Ann mission trips to China and Japan, I developed a Ault Sings To The Ancient Of Days and God love for the people and know God was preparing Leads His Children have been well received, me. I know God is moving, he loves those very powerful. We encourage our readers to people. check out your websites. Book Website: http://www.hifromthesky.org Ed.: Something else we enjoyed in your book Film Website: http://heartsdesirefilm.com were references to certain films and TV shows For pics/resume/speed reel: and applying them to your messages. We are http://resumes.actorsaccess.com/annault 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

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 13 Jenny L. Cote is back with Number Five to light facts unknown to most readers and these in her Epic Order of the Seven Series 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 We had the good fortune to review the first our series has awesome potential. He's excited four books in this series of novels in which some about our Epic adventure! We're also thrilled to delightful animals have been given eternal life have Animation Director Rob Corley with and are on a mission to give support in different FunnyPages Productions in Franklin, TN. Rob is periods of history. Their missions have had a former Disney feature film animator and them involved with Noah, Joseph, Daniel. Isaiah worked on projects including Beauty and the and many others. Most important is their Beast, The Lion King, Mulan, etc. His studio interaction with our Lord Jesus Christ. does incredible work, and has worked with The animals involved are Max a Scottish numerous clients including Big Idea's Veggie Terrier, Liz a French black cat, Al an Irish Tale films. We're talking with investors and orange cat, Kate a West Highland Terrier, Nigel hoping to secure our funding so we can produce a British mouse, Gillamon a mountain goat and 26 episodes for season one that we would air on Clarie, a lamb. The last two are not quite what Netflix and DVD distribution in stores. Lori they seem to be. In the course of the story Marett is writing the scripts that will have my telling the animals acquire the ability for time Epic Order of the Seven Characters entering travel. pivotal points of time through the What makes these books so special is that IAMISPHERE on mission for God to affect Jenny L. Cote is a solid researcher, not just of lives and history. The stories will not cover my scripture but of the places and times where these book plot lines as we hope to make each book stories take place. The interaction of the animals into a feature film, but they may tie in with the is important as it gives an outside view of stories books here and there.” Good news indeed. Ed. we have long been familiar with. Jenny brings

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 14 A SHORT FILM MAKING CONTEST OFFERED BY THE WESTERN FILM FAIR GIDEON EVENT The Western Film Fair will have their 38th event July 10-12 in Winston Salem, North PLANS Carolina. There will again be a bevy of guest The Gideon Media Arts Conference & stars, film festivals, panels and memorabilia Film Festival has their 7th annual conference dealers. The guests scheduled are Joyce DeWitt, which will be held July 11-15, 2014, at the Jenn Gotzon, Jimmy Hunt, Piper Laurie, Ed Orlando, Florida Airport Marriott Hotel. Nelson, Jon Provost, Linda Purl, Karen Sharpe, Rodney and Lori Marett, directors of the Nancy Stafford and Parker Stevenson. Films Gideon, encourage individuals and families alike made by guests will be shown. to attend. Family members can play in the This year's event will see the start of a gorgeous pool and enjoy the Orlando amenities Western Short Film Making Contest. This while you attend workshops in the morning and has been in the planning since last Fall. They afternoon - workshop topics include are ready to get information out now as many screenwriting, acting, film & television schools and film making groups are winding production, marketing and distribution. There down from current projects and looking ahead to will be special events and film screenings in the the next ones. The committee in charge of this evenings. project began sending packets with information to school cinematic departments as well as other Film makers have an opportunity to meet young filmmakers. the VP of Programming & Syndication of The material includes criteria with such Parables Television, Isaac Hernandez, to have things as film length (not to exceed 20 minutes) their film considered to air on The Parables and while they encourage films with a Western Network. 15 minute appointments are available flavor, it may be set in modern times. The film for filmmakers to speak with Isaac, July 12-15 subject can represent any genre' however it must (Saturday-Tuesday). Spots are limited! be family friendly. The deadline for entries will Actors whether new to the industry and be May 15, 2015. That's right, a year to make the need a professional reel or are a seasoned actor film or films as more than one entry is possible. needing to update your reel, Director Gary They prefer submissions to be sent after January Voelker is offering quality demo reels for an 1, 2015, however they will not turn down earlier exclusive offer of $99 to those attending. submissions. The packet will include entry rules and other requirements. In June, 2015 the top ten Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas has entries will be selected by a panel of local just announced their newly developed Roanoke Valley of Virginia judges who are production arm – Lighthouse Productions of the media and education connected. These will be Carolinas Media Group. Rowena Kuo, run at the Western Film Fair in July of 2015 with Development Executive Producer for LPC dates and location to be announced. Nationally Media Group, will be offering 15 minute known media guests will select the final appointments for anyone needing specialized winners. Special awards will be made during the services to tell your story! event's banquet, given publicity in mainstream For more information about the Gideon and social media as well as to other film Media Arts Conference & Film Festival, please festivals seeking entrants. We have agreed to visit the website at www.gideonfilmfestival.com. send out packets for the organization either by For updates and frequent posts about happenings email or to a postal address. Contact and activities please become a member of the [email protected] or write WFF Film Gideon Facebook page at: Contest 545 Howard Drive Salem, VA 24153. for information. The Western Film Fair is also on Facebook. Their web page is https://www.facebook.com/groups/gid http://www.westernfilmfair.com. eonmediaarts/?fref=ts.

Point North † Tidings Volume 11, Number 2 15 Kerri Pomarolli Gives Screenplay by New Us A Guide for Writer wins Dove Award

Devotions and Survival Christian author Lanny Smith never Only Kerri Pomarolli could write a book realized his screenplay The Christmas Beacon for devotions and at the same time give us would hit so close to home. "It's amazing to hilarious commentary and messages to consider the many ways God can inspire us to remember. We have had the pleasure of seeing tell His story - through our past experiences, Kerri on stage with her husband Ron MaGehee, present circumstances (and scenery) and even seen her DVDs and performances on the net. possible future outcomes," he said. "But that's a We also know what a deep faith she has so this story for another day!" exciting new book by her is no surprise. The Christmas Beacon is an uplifting, This is the type of devotional book we will romantic mystery about a desperate young man keep handy by our desk. It is a series of lessons, who seeks a miracle from God at Christmas to each beginning with a Bible verse. This is heal his cancer-stricken mother. Scott Weldon followed by Kerri's account of something makes a bargain with God: if He would heal his involving her life as a mother. Each sections mother, then Scott would erect a tall Cross in ends with a special prayer related to the story his backyard as a monument to Him. In his she tells. All hold levels of humor, as we have desperation, Scott mounts the Cross before his often seen Kerri do, mixed with deep serious mother receives God’s healing and a mysterious concerns about motherhood. All realistic and it phenomenon occurs: the Cross becomes is tempting to quote some of her tidbits here, supernaturally illuminated! The illuminated however we do not want to be a spoiler. Cross attracts many to his backyard to see this wonder. This “miracle Cross” also draws Kerri's book title was inspired by the film, controversy from the media, city officials and a Mom's Night Out with her added line, “and other menacing visitor. With the support of his pastor, things I miss...” While this book would seem to friends and neighbors Scott is hopeful that God be for women everywhere, especially mothers, will answer his prayer. But with mounting this is not a “chick book.” It is definitely opposition, will God heal Scott’s mother even if something men can learn from and would be he’s forced to take the Cross down? especially good reading for young couples planning marriage. Both Kerri and husband Ron The Christmas Beacon screenplay was conduct excellent marriage conferences. awarded the Dove Foundation's Seal of Approval for all ages. The Christmas Bacon One of many Kerri's gems that we do have novella should be available by early July, 2014 to repeat here is as follows: “We will continue (BelieversPress). to fall down and make idiots of ourselves in front of others and behind closed doors.. I think Editor Notes: We had the privilege of reading the best gift we can give each other and this screenplay before it was submitted and feel ourselves is to take our 'Perfect Christian' masks it will make a great film. off and get real.” This is so very true. Another screenwriter and author we keep track This book is available in stores like of is Rusty Whitener and his latest film Season Walmart and from Amazon in hard cover. of Mysteries is scheduled for production this Amazon also has a kindle version. We will Summer. Cast so far is Nancy Stafford who will definitely be buying extra copies as gifts. have a major role.

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