THE GRACE CARD

 
Witness the power of forgiveness in this amazing movie...

Last week, I wept like a baby and clinched a pack of tissue as I sat and watched the “Grace Card – a powerful message of grace, forgiveness and overcoming racism. My emotions were so stirred that I almost exited the theater to regain my composure. I was so moved that I am urging all my family and friends to see this movie.

It takes an intriguing story to draw me to the movie theater. A “must see”, this movie was packed with drama telling the story of two policemen, Sam (Michael Higgenbottom), white, middle-aged and deeply troubled, and Mac (Michael Joiner), a young African American, who felt called to full time ministry.

First-time director David G. Evans and his co-writer Howard Klausner create an incredible portrayal of unforgiveness, grace, anger and finally forgiveness. Mac, consumed by despair over the death of his five-year-old son eighteen years earlier, becomes a squad car partner to Sam, a man of faith who is dealing with his own frustrated professional ambitions and prejudices. The men work toward overcoming their differences and face a serious situation when Mac’s seventeen year old son is shot in a robbery.

This evangelical drama draws inspiration from Hebrews 4:16, "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” The movie’s conclusion is not only powerful and surprising; it reveals just how incredible God’s mercy and grace are and the power of forgiveness.

Unfortunately, most Christian based films don’t have a long showing season at theaters, so go quickly. Theaters make decisions about whether or not to continue showing a movie by the number of viewers on opening weekend. One of the most important things we can do is go see Christian films when they first open.

Some Christian producers choose to release movies directly to DVD, mostly for financial reasons. It costs a lot to produce a film and even more to get it into theaters. An estimated cost of $2000 per screen to show a movie and additional costs for advertising prevents some movies from ever reaching the theater. For a new filmmaker or small production company, it can be difficult to fund a theatrical release or find investors for it. Some Christian filmmakers – many of them churches; have used their own money to get a film into theaters and prayed it would cover costs. Their goal and purpose is not usually monetary. It is changing lives and bringing glory to God.

What Can We Do as Christians to Promote Christian Based Movies

• Tell your circle of friends, family, and co-workers about upcoming Christian movies – send emails, post on Facebook, Twitter, websites and blogs
• Pray for Christian filmmakers and their financial supporters
• Organize a church movie event
• Financially support Christian filmmakers
• Print out and post Christian movie information on church, school, community and work bulletin boards for those not active on the internet.

Interview with Speaker/Teacher Stephanie Stanford of Stanford Ministry

Sometimes you just know certain things. The confirmation is so evident that you don’t second guess it. A few years ago at a women’s ministry event, a young woman stood up and commissioned the women to go forth in confidence and boldness to share the gospel. I remember thinking…WOW, this woman needs to be speaking to women’s groups.

The young woman was Stephanie Stanford. She spoke with the boldness of Christ, the authority that only God can give and her words were anointed by the Holy Spirit. It was clear to many of us at that event that Stephanie had the gift of teaching and speaking.

After many years of Bible teaching and leadership in women’s ministry, Stephanie felt the Lord nudging her to accept the call God placed on her life. She and her husband Phil gave this fervent prayer and consideration. In 2010, through the leading of the Holy Spirt, they launched Stanford Ministry. It is a ministry with the goal of equipping people through scriptural teaching.

Stephanie and Phil have been married for 20 years. They have two sons, David and Caleb, who are able to help out in the ministry. Stephanie also loves being a homemaker and ministering through hospitality.

Hope you enjoy the interview below with Stephanie.

Ann: How long have you taught Bible studies and when did you teach your first class?

Stephanie: I have taught classes at various times for many years. I taught my first class when I was a teenager.

A: How did you know that God called you to step out in faith and begin your own speaking/teaching ministry?

S: God kept providing opportunity and encouragement through friends and family. I felt an incredible passion for allowing the Lord to use me to assist in teaching believers.

A: When did you and Phil make the decision to begin Stanford Ministry?

S: Phil and I felt the Lord's direction last year when the ministry really began to come together.

A: Does your family support you in this new adventure?

S: Yes! Yes! Yes! They’re all amazingly supportive. The boys are helpful in critiquing and coming up with creative ideas for me to use at speaking events. David, the oldest, enjoys helping with research on some of the material. Phil is the spiritual covering for the ministry. It is truly a family ministry.

A: What advice would you give women who also feel the call from God to step out and teach, speak or write and share the gospel?

S: Go for it! As the Lord leads, He provides. He equips us for whatever task He calls us to. I remind myself; if He can use a donkey; He can use me! (see Numbers 22: 22-33)

A: Tell us about the Esther event.

S: I believe the Esther event is going to be a great blessing? The Lord has brought a great team of people together to lead worship, pray, decorate, and promote, etc. I think it’s going to be an anointed evening.

It is with great joy that Stanford Ministry announces the first ministry event in the Charlotte area. On Friday, March 18, 2011, at Harvest Community Church in Huntersville, I will be portraying the life of Esther, a woman who lived a life of purpose.

This evening will give you greater understanding of the Biblical character of Esther. We will look at this extraordinary woman in a way few have witnessed. She will tell her own story. A story of struggles, fears, love and finally, triumph. As we see through the eyes of this woman, we will also look to our own fears and struggles and the purpose for our presence in this day.
I hope the women and young ladies of your congregation will mark it on their calendars to attend this special evening. They will be blessed!

A: What motivated you to portray Esther in your one-woman drama on March 18th?

S: I guess the days in which we’re living seem very similar and the Lord prompted me to share it in a different fashion. I think portraying Esther in a drama has really appealed to a wide variety of people.

A: How do you think the portrayal of Esther applies to modern day women?

S: I can’t give it all away, but I think we would do well to have some of her characteristics – like courage and humility (modeled in her obedience).

A: How were you able to pull together your first local ministry event since the launch of Stanford Ministry?

S: With tons of help from a group of awesome people the Lord brought together.

A: Ladies, you are all invited to attend this event…Esther – Living a Life of Purpose Now! The event is FREE. Feel free to bring your husbands too! Men, if you are receiving this blog post, consider bringing your wife or lady friend to this event. It would be a great date night! Check out the sidebar on this blog to find out more about the event or go to Stanford Ministry’s website at www.StanfordMinistry.com. Thanks, Stephanie, for your time.