Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this DVD, free of charge,from Edify Media, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it
Synopsis:
Living Hope is a feature-length documentary film that tells the amazing true story of a local church’s fight against poverty, addiction and disease in Cape Town, South Africa.
The action they took not only changed their city, but attracted the attention of foreign dignitaries, rock musicians, and a U.S. President.
Follow alongside an inspiring group of men and women who have devoted their lives to serving the poor, and witness a seldom-seen perspective of the joy, heartache, and passion of missionaries in Africa.
Narrated by Grammy Award winner Joel Smallbone of the band, For King & Country, Living Hope also features personal stories from former White House Press Secretary and FOX News host Dana Perino, and Grammy Award winning musician Michael W Smith, both of whom have been personally involved at Living Hope.
Watch the trailer:
Review:
"We as Christians need to be the solution, not standing on the sidelines"
That quote is the foundation of this story about 3 different people, from different walks of life who decided to take that quote, from the movie above, and make a difference for the poor in south Africa.
The documentary comes from Word Cinema,and the filmmakers who made the amazing Journey to Everest, and it is an wonderful look at why people choose missionary work as a way of fulfilling Christ's mission to us, and how they reap so much more than those they are helping.
I like how they selected people who are different, but at their hearts, have found a true calling. There is Leonie Rustin, a single mom, and nursing assistant, who will touch your heart with her story of how she turned from a life of drug addiction, to follow Christ. She found her calling in helping others to break free from the same drug addiction and also from prostitution. God's grace truly comes through in her story- how he forgives us our weaknesses, and is always there to offer us redemption.
Then in the middle, so to speak, there is Joey Lankford, a father of four, who left the corporate world behind, and moved his family to Cape Town, to work and inspire people there. I think his story struck home the most for me, as Miss Grace's teacher is leaving for missionary work over the Summer, and this is something they have done off and on, while raising their kids. Their kids have amazing empathy and compassion and when you look at the story of Joey and his family, you can see how they learned that! His story is so touching, as he achieves such wonderful bonds with the men and women he helps to learn job skills and get jobs.
But the foundation of Living Hope is Pastor John Thomas, who is lead his church, Fish Hoek Baptist Church (now named King of Kings Baptist Church), into founding Living Hope Ministry in 2000, to serve the sick, hungry, and dying in the communities that surround them in South Africa, via 4 different ministries. Their Living Care ministry provided medical services for those who would never get them, and no one is ever turned away. Their Living Right ministry focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and support, while their Living Grace ministries deals with addiction and homelessness. Meanwhile their Living Way ministry works to empower people with job skills and economic independence. All 4 of these are shown in the film, and they showcase just how much work John and his members, and missionaries, have done and how many lives they have changed. They truly have achieved the goal set for us by Christ- “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.”
This is an amazing film that will make you relook at how Christ has called us to action, and how it takes just one person to start a connection, that can domino into serving entire communities. It can truly be an eyeopener for your church, and family, as to how change and faith can walk hand in hand! We highly recommend it!
You cn help support Living Hope via donations, or by shopping for gifts at their online store!
About Word Cinema
Americans spend millions of dollars at the cinema each week. Movies impact our culture, encourage discussion, and form common bonds that can tie communities together. Word Cinema strives to be a light in the darkness and offers thought provoking films that tell stories of Faith, Hope, Love, and Redemption.They are excited to partner with your ministry via their films.
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