On February
11th, 2014, I was inspired by
"Son of God" movie producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, along with
Pastor Rick Warren, talking about the film being for everyone.
(L-R) Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Miles McPherson, Ray Johnston, Rick Warren
at Saddleback Church Febuary 11, 2014
But, not
everyone can afford the expense of popcorn and movie passes.
Yet, the
power of story is the greatest motivator on the planet. As proof, look at
the many stories Jesus used to teach, challenge and lead the masses.
I've long been fascinated by Jesus' Matthew 22 parable in the Bible. The poor
were invited to a wedding banquet in place of the wealthy, who were too busy to
come. Something just clicked as I took it all in at Saddleback Church.
Actor Diogo
Morgado's portrayal was powerful. He made Jesus very real
and very accessible to all, regardless of financial means. For a long
time, I had been praying for fresh vision and I knew that this was from God and
that nothing could stand in the way.
Simply put,
the plan was dinner and a movie for those who are unable to afford
it, and an invitation to follow Jesus. “Son of God” was the perfect film
for this outreach, which was code-named "The Popcorn Bridge."
The plan
was implemented quickly, and on March 16, six buses brought over 250 people
from families in low income areas of Pasadena to the Pacific Theater at the
Americana Mall in Glendale, CA for dinner and a screening of ‘Son of God.’
After the film there was a short Gospel message and an invitation to follow
Jesus.
On that
day, one hundred Bibles were given away and nearly one fifth of the attendees
made a decision to follow Jesus.
The Popcorn
Bridge is about valuing all people, especially those who may not be able to
afford a night out. They get VIP treatment food, drinks and of course, popcorn,
making it a memorable event for everyone – children, adults and entire
families.
On March 16,
the thrill turned to absolute wonderment when members of the “Son of God” cast
arrived at the theater to greet them after the film. In attendance were Darwin
Shaw, who played Peter and Sebastian Knapp, who played John the Apostle.
Sebastian Knapp, John the Apostle; Joe Osborn; John David Ware, Founder
and Director, 168 Film; Darwin Shaw, Peter the Apostle
To create
this bridge to the low-income community, we called on many partners including
Stephen and Linda Tavani and Ceasar Cano of WOW
International,
Harlan Redmond, Executive Director of Harambee Ministries, Community Clergy Coalition (CCC), Pasadena Church and Lake
Avenue Church.
I interviewed Redmond at Harambee Ministries, which includes community empowerment through tutoring, Bible
Clubs and a college scholarship program. Harambee is located at the intersection of Howard and Navarro Streets,
which was once the most violent corner in all of Los Angeles. Redmond
detailed the positive change that has occurred in the neighborhood over
twenty-seven years through the pioneering work of John M. Perkins, civil rights
activist and founder of Harambee.
(L-R) Ceasar Cano, Officer, WOW Int'l; Harlan Redmond, Director Harambee
Ministries; Stephen Tavani, Director WOW Int'l; John David Ware,
Founder and Director, 168 Film
Perkins was
born a sharecropper’s son. His leadership in civil rights demonstrations
resulted in repeated harassment, beatings and imprisonment. Harlan Redmond has worked his way up from janitor to his
current position. Redmond’s achievement
completes Perkins vision of community renaissance through hard work and divine
intervention.
“I am
persuaded that the Church, as the steward of this gospel, holds the key to
justice in our society. Either justice will come through us or it will not come
at all,” Perkins said. *
John M. Perkins
Justice
means caring enough to do what is right and going out of one’s way to help
advance important causes started by those who have gone before.
It is
fascinating to learn about Mr. Perkins and how much he has accomplished
non-violently, through the power of God and the church. Social Justice is
a great movement in our world. But, according to Perkins the Church is
the key. "Biblical Justice" is stronger.
Much work
remains to be done. Digging deeper into
the community, one finds a mix of pain, despair and hope. The Popcorn
Bridge is a simple way to kindle that hope in communities lacking it. It
is caring enough to share what we have with the less fortunate.
The results
of the March 16th “Son of God” screening will
last a lifetime.
A Packed House, March 16, 2014
Audience
member Justina (interviewed on video clip) wept tears of joy during and after
the film. Meeting Jesus for the first time, she exclaimed, “Thank you
Jesus, I feel like a new baby!”
Two students wept throughout the film. The next day they said, “I love your Jesus.” They have received Christian materials in their native language.
Two students wept throughout the film. The next day they said, “I love your Jesus.” They have received Christian materials in their native language.
According
to Pastor Walter Mills of Grace Community Bible Church, “Many are dealing with
substance abuse issues touching their families. Others are underwater in
their mortgages. A day like today (at the theater) means more than you
can imagine, especially to families, many of which are seeing this film
together as a family, which is a rarity.”
On
the bus to the screening, I interviewed a former notorious drug dealer, who
in the past, had helped to destroy the community. But today, he brought many family members to
celebrate the story of God’s love in Christ.
I am grateful to Mark Burnett and Roma Downey for their beautiful film, “Son of
God,” which inspired all of this. I have a vision to see this and other
films like it used to create bridges that all can walk upon.
Thanks in
large part to the excellence of the “Son of God” film, the Popcorn Bridge has
been a huge success. In the future, more
of these events are planned with “Son of God” and other films in other cities.
* “With Justice for All: A Strategy for Community
Development” by John Perkins (1983)
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