Movie Review: October Baby

It can be easy, for some, to assign little value to “things” that have no voice and have yet to be proven in life. Such is the plight of a child in its mother’s womb. There is no history to derive its identity and meaning. No personhood in which to assign its uniqueness and importance. What if we looked backwards at the issue of life? If we followed a person who should have never existed and, in doing so, learn what a tragedy that alternate fate would have been?

In the beloved classic Christmas film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” this issue is portrayed in a profound way. In it a despondent and desperate George Bailey is at the end of his rope. Crying out to his guardian angel Clarence, he laments that he is worth more dead than alive. To prove otherwise, Clarence grants him the rare opportunity to step into an alternate timeline where George Bailey had never been born. Together they go in search of the meaning George’s life had, not only to his family and friends, but to the community at large. Their many encounters reveal the incredible void left by George’s nonexistence and the revelation that every life is important and leaves an imprint on this earth and his fellow man.

True to that theme, on March 25th a movie will be released sharing a new perspective to the prolife movement. Inspired by true life stories, October Baby highlights a group of individuals many of us might never have known existed – the story of the abortion survivor

Hannah (played by newcomer Rachel Hendrix) is a beautiful 19-year-old college freshman who struggles with deep rooted personal issues and health problems. When she collapses during her theatrical debut, her doctor surmises that her problems are all attributed to her difficult birth. Confused, Hannah demands answers from her parents which forces the confession of their long guarded secret. Not only is she adopted, but she was premature and the survivor of a failed abortion attempt. Stunned by this revelation, Hannah sets out on a journey with her childhood friend Jason (Jason Burkey) and a group of friends to find answers and locate her birth mother. All does not go as she hoped, however. Amidst lost expectations and a heartbreaking revelation, Hannah is left to grapple with how to find the peace and closure she so desperately seeks.

There are so many elements to this film that make it an absolute gem. Multi-award-winning music video directors and brothers, Jon and Andrew Erwin, created a film that hits every note well. October Baby is beautifully shot, well written, funny, romantic and - above all - life affirming. It is also a relationship driven film that will speak to an under-served faith film market, that of mothers and daughters. Packing significant star power, the role of Hannah’s father Jacob is played by veteran actor and singer John Schneider (Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman). Also cast in the film is Broadway and television actress Jasmine Guy (Different World) and 2007American Idol contestant Chris Sligh as the comical sidekick B-Mac. An interesting side story to the casting was choosing actress Shari Rigby to play the role of Hannah’s biological mother. Unbeknownst to the Erwins, Shari had her own personal story that was similar to the role she was asked to play. For the filmmakers, it was important to be sensitive to the post abortive mother and provide a healing movie for them. Shari’s heartbreaking scene in October Baby was not merely acting but a very real moment of healing and forgiveness. Her testimony can be viewed on the film’s website (www.octoberbabymovie.net). Also listed on the website are numerous practical resources including information on the Every Life is Beautiful Fund. Producers of October Baby have assigned 10% of the profits of the movie to fund frontline organizations helping women facing crisis pregnancies, life-affirming adoption agencies, and those caring for orphans. Abortion survivor and prolife advocate, Gianna Jessen, also contributed to the movie. Besides serving as inspiration for the story line, one of her songs “Ocean Floor” is part of the film’s soundtrack.

Towards the end of October Baby, Hannah once again takes center stage to reenact the scene that was dramatically cut short at the beginning of the film. Its symbolism is not lost on us. She will continue to play the role of a lifetime. Her lifetime. A role entitled to each of us by our creator to impact a world not only through us, but through scores of generations born from us. “You see George, you really had a wonderful life,” Angel Clarence tells an emotional George Bailey at the end of their journey, don’t you see what a shame it would have been to throw it all away?”

If we take anything away from this movie it’s the realization that behind the staggering abortion statistics are hundreds of millions of stories that will never be played out on this wordly stage. October Baby makes us realize the beauty we would have lost if Hannah was never allowed to exist and, tragically, hers is but one story.


For more information go to www.Octoberbabymovie.net
Published in The Good News of South Florida, March 2012
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http://goodnewsfl.org/dv/0312/Broward/index.html#/32/

Living Miracles: Three Stories of Abortion Survivors

The release of the film October Baby this month will bring attention to a rare and, perhaps, little known group of individuals known as abortion survivors. Although the film is a fictional story, it is inspired by hundreds of true life accounts. Most of these survivors suffer health problems attributed to the abortion procedure itself. Many have chosen to become prolife advocates and use their story as a platform for public awareness. Here are just three survivor stories.

Gianna Jessen

At 7 ½ months pregnant, Gianna’s biological mother went to a Los Angeles clinic to have an abortion at the age of 17. The saline method she underwent was supposed to burn the baby from the outside in inside the womb. Giana lasted 18 hours in the solution before she was born still very much alive. Fortunately, the abortionist was not on duty at the time or she would have been strangled or left to die. The nurse on duty took Gianna to a local hospital instead. The traumatic procedure gave her, what she calls “the gift of cerebral palsy” due to the lack of oxygen to her brain. Doctors held little hope for her predicting she would never hold up her head, sit up, crawl or walk. Gianna, however, proved the dire predictions wrong. At the age of 12, on Christmas day, she asked her adoptive mother Diane why she had her disability. After learning the circumstances surrounding her birth, Gianna began sharing her story with others and speaking at prolife gatherings. On April 22, 1996, she testified before the Constitutional Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee on the issue of abortion. Out of 13 members of the subcommittee, only 2 were willing to listen to her testimony; abortion supporters boycotted the meeting. “The best thing I can show you to defend life is my life," Gianna told the lawmakers. She has shared her story on many national television and radio audiences such as The Maury Povich Show, The 700 Club, and Focus on the Family. In 1995, Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family published her biography entitled Gianna: Aborted and Lived to Tell About It. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Gianna’s song “Ocean Floor” is part of the soundtrack in the film October Baby being released later this month. For more information on Gianna visit her website www.GiannaJessen.com.

Claire Culwell

Claire’s biological mother was 13 when her mother took her to a clinic to perform an abortion. A few weeks later, the young girl returned to the clinic visibly still pregnant. Unbelievably, the abortion attempt was successful. What none of them realized, however, was that the young girl was carrying twins. Claire’s twin brother had been aborted but she had miraculously survived. Although a late-term abortion was sought, the amniotic fluid leaking from Claire’s mother made it impossible. Two weeks later she gave birth to Claire 2 ½ months early. Weighing only 3 ½ pounds she suffered from dislocated hips and club feet. She was put in a full body cast and harness and was soon adopted by a loving Christian couple who sought a special needs child. After learning her birth story two years ago, she sought to make contact with her biological mother. Upon meeting her, Claire learned the full account surrounding her birth - that she was a twin whose brother did not survive. She called Claire a miracle. She is now involved in Coalition for Life and publicly shares her testimony. “My life is a miracle and I would be selfish to keep this gift of life to myself,” she writes on her website (www.ClaireCulwell.com), “I want to tell everyone what a gift I and even they have been given! I want to encourage them to seek alternatives to abortion because I would never want any woman/man to go through the grief and the pain that my birth mother went through simply because she didn’t know she had any other option. I also want to be a vessel to offer God’s forgiveness to the men and women who have previously had abortions. I know healing is possible and I have been given the gift of surviving an abortion so that I can tell these men and women that they are forgiven…coming from an aborted child, I hope they know the power of forgiveness and healing through meeting me.”

Melissa Ohden

Melissa’s mother was a 19-year-old, unwed college student when she underwent a saline abortion somewhere between five and six months pregnant. For five days the toxic saline was injected into her womb and Pitocin administered to dispel her dead body. When the procedure was over, a nurse was shocked to hear Melissa crying from the discarded medical waste. At 2 ½ pounds she was jaundiced and in respiratory distress but she was miraculously alive. Doctors were concerned that she would not survive very long and, if she did, she would be disabled for life. Melissa beat the odds, however, and grew up to be a happy and healthy child under the care of her loving adoptive parents. Although she knew she was adopted and a preemie, it wasn’t until Melissa’s sister became pregnant as a teenager and considered abortion herself that Melissa found out the true story from her adoptive mother. Devastated and filled with questions, she spent years seeking out her birth parents. Although, she never met them, she has forgiven them and has formed relationships with her biological relatives. In 2008 she gave birth to her daughter Olivia in the same hospital where her life was meant to end. Her daughter’s birth made her realize the ripple effect abortion has across generations and inspired her to found an organization called “For Olivia’s Sake” to bring awareness of the intergenerational impact of abortion on men, women, children, families, and communities. “Every time I go speak somewhere,” Melissa is quoted as saying in a 2010 newspaper article, “I am so surprised by the number of people who line up to speak to me. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters, to tell me their story and tell how much they are hurting because of an abortion – they are missing out on that person in their lives”. Last year, Melissa was involved in the prolife film titled “A Voice for Life.” Its message was to offer love, hope, healing and forgiveness for all those touched by an abortion. She knows God saved her for a purpose. To be the voice of the voiceless and, her life, a representation of the millions lost. To learn more go to her website: www.MelissaOhden.com.


Published in The Good News, March 2012
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"The Vow" - Inspired Christian Movie

What if you woke up one day and could not remember the last 18 months of your life? Your husband, no longer the man you loved, but a stranger begging intrusion during one of the most difficult trials of your life? That is the premise of the highly anticipated film, The Vow, starring Rachel McAdams (as Paige) and Channing Tatum (as Leo) set for release before Valentine’s Day on February 10th. The Vow is the story of newlyweds Paige and Leo who struggle to reclaim their love after a horrific car accident leaves Paige in a coma and wipes away all her memory of him. Determined to keep the vows he made to his wife, Leo tries to pick up the pieces and win her love for a second time. Hollywood has had its share of amnesia related story lines before but what makes this film more than the typical romantic “chick flick” is that the movie is based on the amazing true life story of Christian couple Kim and Krickitt Carpenter.

In 1993, newlyweds Kim and Krickitt embarked on a journey to visit family in Phoenix for the thanksgiving weekend. Married only ten weeks, Krickitt was at the wheel when she swerved to miss a slow moving truck and was broadsided by another truck sending their Ford Escort flipping and skidding on its roof, trapping her upside down in a crushed vehicle for 70 minutes. Although Kim did suffer injuries, Krickett’s were nearly fatal. Comatose and suffering severe brain trauma, doctors gave her only a 1% chance of survival. Miraculously, she did survive but when she awoke 10 days later she had no memory of 18 months prior to the accident. When nurses asked her if she was married she claimed she was not. When they told her she did have a husband, the only name she could think of was that of her ex-boyfriend. The brain trauma caused retrograde and posttraumatic amnesia erasing all recollection of Kim in her mind and in her heart. Although he was by her side during her recuperation, Krickitt became increasingly annoyed at Kim’s presence, even telling him that she hated him. Kim, however, refused to give up on her. "I looked deep into her eyes, praying for the slightest hint of recognition. But she stared back at me, a stranger...in a way, it was harder to deal with than death,” he wrote in the memoir they would later pen together. Facing staggering medical bills, Kim returned to work feeling uncertain about their future together. “I honestly didn’t think our marriage would work,” said Kim in a 1996 People magazine article. “I made a vow before God,” he explained, “until death do you part.’”

Along with the memory loss, neurological damage and changes in Krickitt’s temperament made her a different person than the girl Kim fell in love with. Their therapist recommended that they start dating again so they could form new memories and make a new attachment. Slowly, their relationship developed and the couple married again three years later. Reaffirming their vows to each other, Kim’s promise to Krickett was a beautiful testimony to all they had overcome. “Only one thing can surpass forever the painful events we have felt,” he told her, “that is the love I have for you.” As word spread of their incredible story, they were soon featured on various media outlets such as Dateline, Oprah, Reader’s Digest, People Magazine and Dobson’s Family in Focus. In 2000, the Carpenters released their book titled “The Vow” and soon Hollywood wanted to make it into a major motion picture. Although the movie is not completely accurate to their lives, the major premise of a young couple staying true to their vows of matrimony amidst overwhelming odds remains intact.

Coinciding with the release of the movie is a new version of their book in which they share the true account of their journey together. In the movie, the couple’s Christian faith is not at the core of their commitment. “I would love to say that I fell in love with him again because that’s what everyone wants to hear,” stated Krickett in a recent article for their local newspaper, “ I chose to love him and that was based on obedience to God, not feelings…I chose to love him because I made a vow.”

It has been 19 years since their love and promise to God and each other was severely tested. The couple has two children, Danny age 11, and LeeAnn age 8. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview the Carpenters about their faith, marriage and what it was like to visit the Hollywood set inspired by their story.

Krickitt, what sustained you during the difficult times after the accident as you worked to restore your marriage? The Lord sustained me during the accident, the recovery and rebuilding of my life. I have very supportive parents and they have been married for more than 50 years so they were a great example. Also good friends and a church family.

Was there a particular Bible verse that inspired you? Philippians 4:13 is my verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

What do you hope the audience will take away from the movie? I hope they are challenged to tough it out during the tough times. Love endures. We hope they pick up the book.

What do you hope readers will take away from your book? Christ is the answer. He is our rock and our strength. By taking one day at a time and believing and having faith, I knew things would get better. Also, that all things work together for good, for those who love God and to those who are called according to Christ Jesus.

Krickitt, you mentioned that Hollywood romanticized the idea of you falling in love with your husband again but the truth was more like you “chose” to love him. Can you elaborate on that? Please don’t compare the truth against the movie. For me, I did choose to love Kim and that was based on obedience to God not on feelings. I began to love the man that I had married. Not in a fluffy, pitter pat way, but a deeper and more genuine love.

How did your story become known? I prayed that if the Lord wanted to do something with our story then so be it. “Lord, I put it in your hands.” That is when the media coverage started up. There was a story on the front page of the Albuquerque Journal newspaper. It made its way to an agency in Hollywood and we allowed them to release it via the Associated Press in 1996.

Kim, what can you say to men who are struggling with their marriage relationship? Live for the moment but live seeking ways to identify common ground similar to that of what brought you together. Men communicate to solve and women communicate to share. That said, look for compromise and fight for the relationship through accountability and determination. Most of all, be humble and seek the Lord.

What was it like to visit the movie set with your kids and meet actors Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum? It was fun to go to the set of the movie. We were there the day they were filming the wedding and taking their vows. It was fun to watch them playing us. I though t that it must have been weird for them to do it in front of us. Our kids though t it was cool. They loved it! I think they enjoyed meeting them. It was special.

Why do you think God values marriage so? We make a vow before Him. It is a promise to Him. He allows us to have kids and raise His kids in a family that is loving and caring. Marriage is the epitome of love. Marriage encompasses everything – love, sacrifice, giving, receiving and growth. It tests you, allows you go grow and develop. It allows you to feel joy and happiness. Marriage is work but it is very rewarding.

Plan on taking your sweetheart to see “The Vow” for Valentine’s Day but let it be more than a nice date night with your honey in which you are swept away by another Hollywood romance. Let it remind you of the true story behind it and encourage you to reaffirm the promise you made to that partner in life God has lead you to or will do so in the future.

For more information on “The Vow” visit www.Vowmovie2012@aol.com.

Published in The Good News of South Florida, February 2012
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http://goodnewsfl.org/dv/0212/index.html#/32/

Documentary Film “180” Challenges Views on Modern Day Holocaust

The beginning of this film makes you shake your head in disgust. How can so many young adults not even know who Adolf Hitler was? Why is our nations’ youth not being taught with intention and purpose what occurred during the Holocaust? If you have not yet seen the 30 minute documentary titled “180,” prepare yourself for a riveting and compelling film that challenges how many people determine the value of human life. In it, author and co-host of the award winning TV program (with actor Kirk Cameron) “The Way of the Master,” Ray Comfort takes to the streets interviewing people about one of the most heinous events in history. Through a series of thought provoking questions and hypothetical scenarios, Comfort strategically leads people to examine their logic and why they think the way they do. Although Comfort’s questions begin with the Holocaust, it only serves as the foundation of what his true intent is – to make people think about what many consider to be the holocaust of our modern times and to challenge others on what it means to “be good” and, if heaven and God exists, win favorable judgment. You will be amazed at how people reach that “180” degree shift on long held beliefs. Comfort masterfully flips people’s logic on its head and, when they see it cannot endure the scrutiny of the most heated moral arguments of our day, they realize it no longer makes sense to them.

Interviewing young adults, college student and a few neo Nazis on the street, Ray Comfort begins with asking who Adolf Hitler was and if what he did was evil. Certainly the most interesting responses are from the neo Nazis, particularly a polarizing young man by the name of Steven. As he spews his hatred of Jews, minorities and America he insists that the slaughtering of 11 million people (6 million of which were Jews) is a lie. The average adult, however, believed it was wrong and from there Comfort began to ask the poignant questions on whether they value human life. As a test he poses certain scenarios to them. The first of which is, if you knew what Hitler was ultimately capable of doing would they go back in time and murder him before he could commit his atrocities? This question was not meant to encourage vigilantism but to see if people valued life enough to take it upon themselves to prevent the destruction of millions of lives. Second, if they were given instructions by the Nazis to bulldoze and bury alive Jews in a pit or face death themselves would they do it? Would they shoot them instead? Some honestly answered that they would because they were going to die anyway. Those with greater moral conviction responded that they could not be responsible for the death of another, no matter what the price. “Do you value human life?” he proceeded to ask them. The question elicited the correct answer from most but then Comfort shifted the scenario and asked what their views were on abortion. You see their hesitation as they begin espousing the usual rhetoric on when life beings and whether they have a right to deny a woman’s right to choose. Comfort poses the following thought provoking analogy to them. A construction worker is given a job to blow up a building. They tell him, however, that there may or may not be a living person in that building. If there is any uncertainly should he proceed? In other words, if you espouse to value human life and cannot answer the fundamental question of when life begins, do you still assume the risk?
Anticipating the typical reasoning behind permitting abortion, Comfort asked them to fill in the blank to the following statement, “its okay to kill a baby in the womb when _______.” Rape and birth defects were common responses. Skillfully, Comfort debates these ideas by asking them which is worse - rape or murder? Is it right for a child to pay for the sins of the father? He further probes the notion of who is worthy to live. Hitler killed many handicapped people. Was that okay because their quality of life was “not so good” thereby making it completely justifiable? Why is the womb any different?

Many of those interviewed began to shift their views a bit but some continued to fall back on the notion that, even though they see it as wrong and would not personally choose abortion, they could not take that choice away from others. Drawing on the Holocaust again as a parallel, Comfort explained that Hitler was legally sanctioned by the German public to do what he did resulting in the murder of 11 million people. He had their backing just as Americans have legally sanctioned the right for women to abort babies and have allowed the death of over 53 million since Roe vs. Wade. “So you wouldn’t kill Jews, but it’s okay to have someone else kill them?” he bluntly points out to them. When people witness their logic carried through to its end, they are surprised to find out that it crosses the line on what they deem moral and their entire belief system is radically changed.

In the second part of “180,” Comfort segued from abortion to the concept of morals and the after life. It is funny to see how a man who did not believe in Godly judgment, quickly changes his mind when asked on the eternal fate of Hitler. Humans all have an innate desire for justice and, unabashedly, even this nonbeliever answered that Hitler is in hell. Pressing further, Comfort asks people if they are a good person. All, including Steven the neo Nazi, claimed to be so. Within minutes, however, their notion of their own goodness is deconstructed. “Have you ever told a lie?” Comfort asks, “Have you stolen something? Have you used God’s name in vain? Have you lusted after another?” Confronted with the truth that they have broken four of God’s commandments, they all agree that they are not so good after all. Realizing their folly, people became more open to hearing the message of Christ’s love and redemption. Even Steven, who expressed such hatred and venom at the beginning of the film, began to think about the implications of this new found truth. It was amazing to see the shift in so many people’s attitudes, especially someone as opposing as him.

“180” could be one of the most powerful and effective tools today for the pro-life movement and for the outreach of the gospel. By paralleling the atrocities of the Nazi holocaust to that of abortion, people gain a new perspective on life, death and matters of eternity. Watch this video today and share it with all you know.


To watch the documentary go to www.180movie.com. To learn more about Ray Comfort and order the movie and supplemental support materials go to www.heartchanger.com.

Published in The Good News of South Florida, January 2012
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Tim Tebow: God's Quarterback

Strong in mind, strong in body and strong in spirit; those are words that many would use to describe Tim Tebow. One of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of college football, he won two BCS national championships playing for the University of Florida Gators. He became the first sophomore in NCAA history to win the Heisman Trophy and became a first round NFL draft pick for the Denver Broncos. His success as an athlete alone would have been enough to motivate legions of fans to rally behind him, but what sets Tim Tebow apart from other sports icons is his character on and off the field and how he represents his Christian faith on the huge platform God has given him. Two recent media releases give a glimpse into the life of Tebow and his journey to becoming the successful athlete and Christian man he is today.

His biography “Though My Eyes,” released earlier this year, is an excellent read. Tebow writes in a warm, conversational style starting each chapter with an inspirational Bible verse. In it he shares the circumstances surrounding his birth in the Philippines, homeschooling, being raised on a farm, and the values instilled by his parents that helped him rise to become the athlete he is today.

In 1986, his parents were missionaries in a remote village in the Philippines when his mother became pregnant with him, their fifth child. From the start it was a difficult pregnancy. “An abortion is the only way to save your life,” the doctor told her then. Despite this news, his mom had an unexpected peace, God’s peace, that sustained her though the pain, bleeding and uncertainty of the next eight months of her pregnancy. They named him Timothy, which means, “honoring God.” Little did they know then that the circumstances surrounding his birth would be thrust into the national spotlight one day. In 2010, a commercial by Focus on the Family during the Super Bowl sparked much debate in the media and gave a platform to the pro-life movement. Despite the controversy, the ad proved to be sensitive and well done. Instead of creating division, it showed the sanctity of life by depicting the loving relationship between mother and son.

One of the best parts of Tebow’s book is the character lessons and mantras that provided for his firm foundation. Given the competitive nature of Tim and his two older brothers and the athletic success they began to achieve, their parents instilled a rule based on Proverbs 27:2 “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” They were not permitted to brag unless someone asked them first. If someone ever complimented their character to their mom or dad, they would receive a dollar. These rules helped them focus on their character and humility instead of their outward successes.
At a young age, Tebow departed from the common attitude most kids had on “fitting in.” “What’s the point of being ‘normal,’ he wrote, “That sounds average to me, and I never felt like I was created to be average.”
One of the best gems of the book was a mantra he adopted as he began his workouts as a kid to become stronger and better: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Tebow was always looking for that edge that would help him succeed. He knew working harder than anyone else would win him those results. His competitive nature, strong work ethic developed maintaining the farm, and his Christian grounding all served to catapult him to future success and help lead both his high school and college teams to victory.

One of the customs that set Tebow apart in college was the Bible verses he would wear on his eye black during games. When he changed the verse to John 3:16 for the National Championship game, it was reported that ninety-four million people searched for John 3:16 on Google during and immediately following that game. Outside the field, Tebow was a humanitarian as well. He traveled back to the Philippines to help with the ministry there and back home created the Tim Tebow Foundation to “bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.”

Released last month on DVD, the documentary ‘Tim Tebow: Everything in Between,” follows him as he ends his career at the University of Florida and prepares for the next phase in his life: the NFL draft. Although critics did not expect him to be drafted in the first several rounds, Tebow was undaunted and trained hard to impress the pros. Cameras followed him through hard core workout sessions and training drills as he worked to improve his throw, change his delivery and develop peak form. The film also depicted interactions with his fans, his trip to Washington D.C. to take part in the National Day of Prayer, and his spending time with terminally ill children at a hospital, something Tebow did routinely when he was at UF. The best part is draft day. Surrounded by his friends and family, Tebow eagerly awaits the outcome to his future. When Denver calls one cannot help but be excited for him. The film’s ending, however, left you wanting more. As they are about to announce the Denver Broncos 25th draft pick on the television, the film abruptly ends before stating his name. It would have been more satisfying to see the dream he had as a 6 year-old boy culminate with him dressed in the Denver uniform. In defense of the ending, the filmmaker stated it symbolized that Tebow’s future has yet to be written. Although it doesn’t delve into a more personal depiction of Tebow’s life, fans will, nonetheless, enjoy catching a short glimpse of their favorite football hero in his daily pursuit of achieving his NFL dream. No doubt many will be watching number 15 with great anticipation – to shine His light on and off the football field and to press on, and finish strong.

For more information on Tim Tebow and his foundation go to TimTebowFoundation.org and TimTebow.com

Published in The Good News of South Florida, December 2011
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Book Review: The Hiding Place

Can there be freedom when evil triumphs all around you, when all that you love is taken away, and when your days are surrounded by brutality, death and horror in a Nazi concentration camp? In this remarkable true story published 40 years ago, Cornelia Ten Boom shares her journey from spinster watchmaker in 1937 Holland to a heroine of the Dutch Resistance and how she risked her life helping hide God’s chosen people from the extermination of Hitler’s regime.

In the preface of “The Hiding Place” author Elizabeth Sherrill recalls the first time she heard Corrie Ten Boom speak at a 1968 service in Germany. Of the two sharing their experiences of the Holocaust, Sherrill was struck by the similarities in their stories and yet how different each speaker was affected. Both speakers had been prisoners of a concentration camp, brutalized and starved. Both had family that died in the camp. One speaker was emotionally and physically devastated but Corrie emanated just the opposite. “Her face radiated a spirit of love, peace and joy,” wrote Sherrill, “how could that be?” Sherrill knew there was a story to tell and, together with her husband John, learned how God became Corrie’s refuge, a “hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest…the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” (Isaiah 32:2 KJV)

It was 1937 when Corrie and all the Ten Boom family were making preparations for the 100th anniversary of their little watching making shop in Holland. The Ten Booms were a well regarded and loving family. Many friends from town came to pay their respects to Corrie and her father at the humble little crooked home they referred to as the “Beje.” Together with her sisters, Nollie and Betsie, Corrie wondered where her older brother Willem was. An ordained minister, Willem had always had a heart for serving the Jews and had scrimped and saved to open a home to serve the elderly. As of late, there had been many young, frightened and homeless Jews knocking on his door escaping persecution in Germany.
As she sat and worried, Corrie remembered the words her brother penned in his doctoral thesis ten years prior while studying there. He had written that a terrible evil was taking root in Germany and at the university seeds were being planted of contempt for human life such as the world had never seen. The few that had read it laughed. No one was laughing now. In the years since a deliberate and large scale movement was growing against the Jews. When Willem finally arrived at the Beje, all eyes fixated on the man at his side. Badly burned and beaten was a Jewish man in traditional garb; set on fire by teenage boys on the streets of Munich. Little did Corrie Ten Boom know then what role she and her family would play in the dark days to come.

The Germans invaded Holland in 1940, and the changes brought by their occupation came slowly at first. Curfews were enacted, identity and ration cards became mandatory, newspapers no longer carried news, phones were disconnected and radios seized. Minor attacks on the Jews began as if testing to see how the Dutch people would react. With little resistance from the public, the Nazis grew bolder. Synagogues were burned down. Businesses put up signs claiming no service for Jews and it became mandatory for them to wear a yellow six pointed star with the word “Jood” (Jew) in its center. Soon after they began to disappear, leaving their homes and businesses abandoned. Jewish men, women and children were being arrested and hauled away by the truckload. Risking their lives, the Ten Booms became a part of the underground resistance that whisked Jews to safe places. In the Beje itself, a secret hiding place was constructed for a group of six under their care. Even the Dutchmen, themselves, were not safe. Every young, healthy male between sixteen and thirty lived in fear of being herded away by the Nazis to a German munitions factory.

In February of 1945, the Gestapo raided the Beje arresting Corrie and her family on suspicion of hiding Jews. None were found in the house. All six had made it to safety in the secret hiding place in Corrie’s room and later rescued. Corrie’s faith and resilience would be tested beyond measure in the months to come. Separated from her family and living in the cruel conditions of solitary confinement, she yearned more than anything for a Bible. Her prayers were answered when a nurse managed to sneak to her four small booklets of the four Gospels. Jesus became Corrie’s hiding place and her refuge, bearing a burden too hard to endure on her own.

When the prisoners were transported to a concentration camp, Corrie was reunited with her sister Betsie. The worst was yet to come. One of the many great lessons in this book was how God can turn something deplorable into a surprise blessing. Upon entering the barracks at Ravenswood Concentration Camp outside Berlin, the sisters were overcome with despair at the filthy conditions. Although the beds were infested with lice, Betsie reminded Corrie to give thanks in all circumstances, even for this pestilence. Corrie was not convinced. How could they be thankful for lice? You will have to read the book to find out how God used the lowly lice for all their benefit. As conditions grew more horrific by the day, the Bible became the center of help and hope for the hundreds of women at the camp. “The blacker the night around us grew,” she recollected, “the brighter and truer and more beautiful burned the word of God. ‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?’ she would read to them, ‘Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?..Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.’ ” (Romans 8:35-37)

Before Betsie died, she shared with her sister a vision God gave her of ministering to people after the war. Shortly there after, a clerical error granted Corrie Ten Boom her freedom. - a week before the Nazis exterminated everyone in her age group. Until the end of her life, at age 91, she relentlessly shared her story around the world. Based on the book, a movie version was released in 1975. Next year a film based on the Dutch Resistance, “Return to the Hiding Place,” will be released in theatres. “The Hiding Place” is truly an inspirational book about faith triumphing over evil. A testimony on how God’s love can shine brightest even in the darkest pit of our circumstance.

Published in The Good News of South Florida, November 2011
www.Goodnewsfl.org
http://goodnewsfl.org/dv/1111/#/XXXII/

Rocketown, Fort Lauderdale

Connection, authenticity and belonging. Essential needs in the life of every person but what do they mean for today’s teenager? For the modern day latch key kid it is a community of available and caring mentors. For the unchurched it is the fostering of authentic friendships with Christians instead of being looked upon as a one time prayer or “project.” For those with a life story of personal brokenness it is learning to trust and release those burdens to someone greater than themselves and ultimately find belonging. Understanding these concepts, Rocketown Florida opened November 2009 to answer the call. In just over a year 30,000 kids have walked through its doors, 400 bands have performed and over 150 have committed their lives to Christ. At its heart, Rocketown’s mission is to impact the lives of teens by creating a safe haven that is culturally relevant but eternally significant. “Kids lives are changed through relationship rather than praying a prayer and never seeing them again”, says Danny Kanell, Rocketown’s President, “there is follow up and a trust level”. For the occasional concert attendee the impact may not be as evident but in the lives of the teens that come everyday and stay until closing, a place like Rocketown makes all the difference.
Modeled after the one that opened up in Nashville eight years ago, Rocketown FL is within a five mile radius of several public schools. Its central location and programs attract a diversity of students from different socio economic groups. From the underprivileged kid lacking a support system to the private school rich kid to whom religion has become mundane - all are welcome here. “Every kid who walks in the doors is worthy of love and attention,” says Theresa Mazza, Operations Director, “that matches our model and mission. What all these kids find is that they are the same as everyone else and they find identity in that.”
Rocketown does not consider itself a “Christian teen center,” exclusive to Christian kids. Rather it is a place where you accept kids where they are at. “If you come having preconceived ideas and stereotypes,” Mazza says, “your going to miss the message of what Rocketown is about.”.
Attracting teens is the fundamental building block to Rocketown’s success. Kids come for the great music venue, skatepark, coffee bar and the variety of programs that speak to their interests. While there, Rocketown staff members build relationships and create an inviting community of acceptance and fellowship. Through discussion groups and Bible studies, teens are connected with local churches and youth groups. Rocketown’s goal is for kids to discover God’s purpose for their lives. Through their creative programs they expose the kids to new interests and talents. For 19 year old Shane Rocketown was pivotal in guiding him towards a future in ministry.
For most of his young life, Shane battled crippling feelings of low self worth. Eager to prove himself, he excelled at sports but did not find the validation he so desperately sought. As his personal life continued to spiral out of control, Shane attempted to take his own life. At the hospital he cried out to God for grace and his life was spared. Although he would face further doubts and trials to come, Rocketown planted the seeds for equipping Shane to find his true purpose. He enrolled in the discipleship training school, Youth with a Mission (YWAM), where he trained intensively for three months followed by a two month mission trip to Angola, Africa. “God is everything and a part of every big decision in my life,” he states. From being there to cut the opening day ribbon for Rocketown’s inception to instilling a passion for his future vocation in youth ministry, Shane is a notable example of how God uses a place such as this. Rocketown shows teens, like Shane, that they are worthy and that their validation does not come of their own accord but from God himself.

To learn more about Rocketown visit www.Rocketownfl.com

Featured in the online webzine OnCourse, May 2011
oncourse.ag.org