The coming-of-age story of 20th century icon Billy Graham will be seen on the big screen this fall through the release of the film Billy: The Early Years. This highly anticipated film will be released theatrically on October 10, 2008 across the country.
Billy: The Early Years captures the true essence of Graham's life's journey from an earnest young man at the crossroads of faith and doubt, to ultimately facing the moment of decision that launched one of history's most influential evangelists. Starting out with the tranquility of the Graham dairy farm in North Carolina, Billy: The Early Years depicts the look and feel of the Depression-era as we accompany Graham to the tent revival where he finally heeds the altar call, and follows him through the struggle of doubt and resolution of the next decade of his life.
The film paints a vivid portrait of Graham against the backdrop of his relationship with the evangelical star of the 1940's, Charles Templeton, a gifted young preacher whose faith would not withstand the onslaught of scientific skepticism. Templeton and Graham eventually part ways, and in the film, Templeton comes to personify the rising tide of disbelief into which Graham launched his crusades. The movie's power lies in it's honest portrayal of Graham's struggle with the ideas represented in Templeton's eventual unbelief and shows how Graham's faith, so compellingly represented in the film, goes on to change the face of modern evangelism in the second half of the 20th Century.
Graham is portrayed in the film by rising young star, Armie Hammer (Veronica Mars, Flicka), who was announced as the upcoming Batman/Bruce Wayne in the new film, Justice League: Mortal. Hammer plays an incredibly authentic and poignant Graham, and takes the viewer deep into the heart of this iconic world-renowned yet humble figure.
Directed by veteran Actor/Director and Golden Globe nominee, Robby Benson (the voice of the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Ode To Billy Joe, Ice Castles, The Greatest Story Ever Told), the Billy: The Early Years' cast includes well-known Hollywood talent including Oscar-winner Martin Landau (Mission: Impossible, Ed Wood) and Lindsay Wagner (The Bionic Woman); as well as Stefanie Butler (CSI: NY), daughter of ex-Atlanta Brave Brett Butler; Kristoffer Polaha (North Shore) and platinum selling country sensation Josh Turner ("Long Black Train") as singer George Beverly Shea. John Carter Cash, son of John and June Carter Cash, serves as music producer.
It doesn't matter whether you're Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Conservative, or Liturgical you need to be aware of what God is doing in these days through the Messianic movement. The more we understand the roots of our faith in Judaism, the more we can understand what God wants us to know to make that faith grow.
It doesn't matter whether you like rock, country, contemporary, gospel, or hip hop, you need to grow in your musical tastes, and sample the rich tapestry of Messianic Jewish music that is available today. To that end, I would like to introduce you to two amazing Messianic artists, whose musical style is very unique, and totally wonderful.
Deborah Kline-Iantorno's music springs from her Jewish and Puerto Rican roots, and her years as a night club singer. Her songs are exciting, her voice is gorgeous, and the message she brings is right on.
Straight from Jerusalem, Israel, the songs of Rivka Whitten are alive and fresh. Her music is a unique mix of Yemenite Israeli vocals along with rhythms from around the world, and a gifted group of instrumentalists.
Please come on by, and check out a couple of amazing songs that I have put on my page, then you can go to www.newfaithfavorites.com and listen to all of them.
SO nice to make your Shoutlife acquaintance! I'm looking forward to getting to know you better as I learn more about your work. Meanwhile, I hope you'll pop over to my Shoutlife page when you get a minute to see what God has been doing with my life since I gave up singing Country music!
May He shower you with joy and success!
Eyes on Him,
Loree (http://www.loreelough.com)
1 Cor. 10:13
INCITE: Compassion
We all know the story... After a time of careless living the prodigal son returns to the home of a loving father who awaits him with open arms.
Just as this father welcomed his son, at the heart of God's plan of redemption is a father's heart of compassion. Who, regardless of your history, waits for you with open arms.
