Unlike Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code, Michael Apted's 'Amazing Grace' is a movie that you do not want to miss.
This epic film re-tells the story of William Wilberforce a pro-active Christian leader and a productive concerned parliamentarian, who, after 20 years of faithful campaigning to abolish slavery, finally succeeded in 1807 in passing an act of parliament in all British colonies.
Starring Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd as William Wilberforce, and Albert Finney as John Newton, Amazing Grace was released on February 23 in the USA and March 23 the UK , to mark the bicentennial of the passage of a key bill in the battle against the slave trade. The Australian release will be on July 26.
Motion pictures are powerful tools in the hands of film makers, especially in these last days. Most producers are no longer satisfied in making an escape flick or an entertaining film. They desire to remould mindsets and demand to reshape attitudes; especially that of the young, the naive and the restless.
Last year, we battled against the errors and inaccuracies of The Da Vinci Code.
This year, we will build on the excellence and influence of Amazing Grace.
Just as The Nativity Story last year, and The Passion of the Christ in 2004, Amazing Grace this year presents the Christian community general and local Churches in particular, with a golden outreach opportunity.
Despite the fact that the character of John Newton appears only in 3 scenes in the film, Amazing Grace is still a timely evangelistic tool, due to the songs lyrics and the strong link the former slave trader had with the Antislavery crusader. John Newton's controversial book –"Thoughts on the African Slave Trade" helped equip and highly empowered his dear friend and beloved disciple, William Wilberforce. What godly influence and great impact!
So to help you strategise with an effective plan and evangelise with an enthusiastic passion, allow me share with you few ideas and resources.
1.The Man & the Story behind Amazing Grace - gospel tract
You can use my latest gospel tract The Man and the Story behind Amazing Grace, for leaflet drop in your area and around your church. 500,000 copies have already been printed and distributed Australia wide and overseas, with 100,000 having gone to the Melbourne Commonwealth Games outreach in 2006. Translations are also available in Kenyan, Greek and Chinese.
To view or download the tract, click here. If you would like to receive a sample hard copy, you can write to me at P.O Box 5296 Chullora NSW 2190 Australia. Please include a self stamped/addressed envelop and I'd be glad to send you a complimentary copy ASAP. If you would also like to enquire about a bulk order for your church outreach, this is also available; you can email me your request on info@amazinggrace.org.au.
2. The Man and the Story behind Amazing Grace - new book
Foreworded by The Rev. Hon. Fred Nile MLC and endorsed by a large number of respected Christian leaders, the inspiring new book about the world's greatest hymn,.is a condensed but comprehensive historical account of the soul of John Newton and the story of his Amazing Grace.
What Mr. Eternity was to Sydney, Amazing Grace is to the world!
This was the seed that God planted in the soil of my heart in 2002, following The Life & Legacy Of Mr Eternity's successful campaign, which, after more than 3 years of thorough research and diligent preparation, brought forth the fruit of The Man & the Story Behind Amazing Grace.
The book comes in a glossy soft cover, contains 84 pages/10 chapters of facts, figures and a faithful reproduction of John Newton's quotes in an easily understood fashion.
3. Cinema Booking
You can book a cinema in your local area and invite your family and friends to an evangelistic private screening. You are able to negotiate a big group discount on ticket prices. You can also arrange with the centre management beforehand not to have ads or previews before the screening of the movie.
After the closing credits crawl, starting with Directed by MICHAEL APTED, over a bagpipe powerful performance of the greatly-loved title tune, and sung ever so passionately by Wilberforce (Gruffudd), you are free to go ahead and conclude with a brief gospel challenge.
As you're giving your talk, please remember yourself and remind your audience that this motion picture is based on true events, however, some of the characters, names and certain locations and events have been changed, and others have been fictionalized for dramatization purposes
As your invited guests leave the cinema, present them with a gift package, which can include the above tract and book. Our past movie outreaches of The Nativity Story last year, and The Passion of the Christ in 2004, were well attended. The cinemas were full.
If you live in the Sydney area, you are welcome to join us for our July Amazing Grace Movie Outreaches. I have a number of them planned. You can call our church office on (02) 9742 5719 for details.
God bless you as you seek to glorify Him, stand on the word of His grace, and serve Him in truth and with gladness.
With the love of Christ
Peter Rahme
Pastor – Inner West Baptist Church