Pisces Productions

When I was a teenager, I wanted to be an actress. But I decided that I couldn’t be one because I didn’t want to have to take roles that compromised my Christian values. But after watching the new documentary Hollywood on Fire, I realized that I could have gone to Hollywood without compromising my faith. There are many Christians who have done just that, and this film features interviews with a variety of people who have worked in front of and behind the cameras while maintaining their faith and integrity.

It can be said that as movies go, there goes society. I saw how this could be true when I learned the history of Hollywood. It originally began as a Christian community, and churches were the first theaters. But eventually the church lost, or gave up, its involvement and influence. Ted Baher, who shares an impressive amount of history throughout the film, says when the church was involved the films didn’t include immoral and violent content, and the crime rate was lower; but when the church retreated, the films were filled with violent and sexual content, and the crime rate increased. I understood more than ever how important it is for Christians to be involved in every aspect of storytelling, whether on the big screen or on television.

The variety of people interviewed for this was quite impressive. Among those featured were Eric Close (Without a Trace), Jane Russell (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes), Cory Edwards (Hoodwinked), Bill Ewing (producer, Spiderman, End of the Spear), Penelope Foster (producer, Free Willy) and Dan Wooding (journalist, founder of Assist News Service). Everyone’s stories and comments made for a compelling journey, but one of the highlights was Wooding’s testimony of recommitting his life to Christ.

I so appreciated hearing stories of those who would not compromise to land a role. Pat Boone turned down a role with Marilyn Monroe because he wouldn’t play a character who has an affair. This led to his starring in Journey to the Center of the Earth. And the film’s success, he was told, saved the studio. Christian comedians Kerri Pomarolli and Ron McGehee (who are actually married to each other) have each had to turn down parts or projects because the roles violated their values. They understand that what God thinks is more important than what studio execs think.

After I finished watching this film, I felt encouraged. It is wonderful to know that there are Christians making a difference in Hollywood. But I also realized that this informative and entertaining documentary issues a challenge to the body of Christ. We will not influence entertainment, therefore society, by sitting on the sidelines. Christians need to work in all areas of the industry. Although most of us can’t do that, we can still have an impact on society by supporting films that portray godly values. Money speaks in Hollywood, so when we buy tickets to see values-based movies, our purchases ring loud and clear. Moneymakers take note of the success and will make more movies with wholesome content … and the cycle will continue. It’s already begun, but if we see it more and more, then slowly but surely we’ll see society begin to change as well.

Click here to purchase Hollywood on Fire. Visit for more information.

Zidgel, Midgel, Fidgel and Kevin are back in 3-2-1 Penguins!: Blast in Space! Big Idea’s loveable space cadets return for three new episodes. The quartet and brother and sister Jason and Michelle have to face giant ants, dancing tikis and a volcano on the verge of eruption. There is always a lot of fun with this group around. But the stories also teach kids lessons from the book of Proverbs about patience, diligence and compassion. This 66-minute DVD, available in stores Feb. 28, also offers commentary, preview, how-to-draw segments and so much more. Click here to preorder Blast in Space! And earlier this month, Big Idea also released the latest VeggieTales DVD Abe and the Amazing Promise. Bob the Tomato is trying to direct the story about Abraham and Sarah and how they waited on God to fulfill His promise. But Bob has to contend with the wacky French peas film crew and spitting camels, and everyone’s patience is running out. This Bible story with the VeggieTales touch will teach kids that even though it isn’t easy to be patient, it is always worth the wait. Also included on this DVD is “Blunders in the Boo-Boo-Ville” (guess who stars in this segment? Yep, Larry the Cucumber). Click here to purchase this DVD.

Christian recording artist, author, conference speaker and now actress Rebecca St. James has only a few more scenes to film to wrap Sarah’s Choice. In her film debut St. James plays the lead character, Sarah—who doesn’t exactly have the same life values St. James has. Sarah is a career-minded, single woman who gets pregnant and is faced with a life-changing choice. St. James, a long-time advocate of abstinence, said this movie appealed to her because it allowed her to share the pro-life message. “We live in a very real world where scores of young women every day are being impacted by the heart-wrenching issues and life-changing choices that my character is suddenly forced to come face to face with. I feel it’s an important film with a godly message that I am praying will profoundly touch lives” she said. This film is scheduled to release this fall. For more information on Rebecca St. James, visit .

Follow You is a rousing collection of songs wrapped in melodies that will immediately captures kids’ attention and spirits. From the get-go children will sing and praise-and bounce and head-bob. Even the most reserved child (or parent) will get into the groove hearing the young audience sing along. The title track is a fun, energetic, rocking song about prayer and declares that “nothing will ever stop me from living for You.” “Spinning Around” reminds us that God is everywhere and His love is deep and wide. The slower ballad “Trust and Obey” is a song of commitment to doing what God says. A highlight is “I’m So Glad/You Are Here (The Same Power).” Hearing the younger lead vocalists leading the crowd in declaring their need for Jesus is particularly moving. The music on this CD is certainly geared to a young audience, but there is nothing childish about the lyrics and truths presented. Children will be continually encouraged to devote themselves to the all-powerful, all-loving, ever present God. The fun energy on this live recording will remind kids that God is not boring-a reminder “big church” needs from time to time. Kids can also join in the action with the DVD, which features music, memory verses, teachings, funny moments and more. Click here to order the CD.

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Wanderlust Productions

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I sat down to watch the DVD Finger of God. I immediately noticed the quality cinematography and the filmmaker and director Darren Wilson’s easygoing commentary and humor. It was off to a great start, but this film just got better and better. Wilson says in the beginning that to him “God was kind of an invisible friend whose greatest hits had happened a long time ago.” He wondered why God still did the miraculous, so he set out to capture miracles on film.

He films people receiving gold teeth, and jewels, gold dust and even manna, people being healed. He travels across the United States and to Africa, to China, to Eastern Europe witnessing and documenting the miraculous power of God at work today.

He talks to a who’s who list of pastors, missionaries and ministry leaders including Bill Johnson of Bethel Church; Sid Roth of Messianic Vision; John Arnott, pastor of Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship; and many others. These people know and experience the supernatural miracles regularly and testify that the miraculous power of God is real and it is for everyone.

By now, I was captivated. But when Wilson talks to Dennis Balcome about China, I started to squirm. Wilson includes rare footage of underground church services in China. These Christians go to church for hours (to them a four-hour sermon is short). They worship God with abandon-and their lives are on the line. I know I don’t worship God like that.

I was again moved when Wilson visits Rolland and Heidi Baker of Iris Ministries in Mozambique, Africa. I am somewhat familiar with this couple and was glad to learn more about them. They see hundreds of people being raised from the dead. I heard the testimony of a man who was resurrected; it was a powerful testament to God’s healing power but also to the power of forgiveness. I saw Heidi ministering to people, preaching and praying for healing; and people were healed.

It was a privilege to witness even secondhand the things God is doing around the world. At the end of his journey, Wilson learned that there is one reason God does miracles. There is one reason Heidi and so many others can do what they do. It’s love. I pray for God to teach me to love others as I should.

To be honest, I haven’t and can’t do this film justice. But Finger of God is a must-have, a must-watch multiple times. It will challenge you. It will inspire and encourage you. But most of all it will remind you that a real, powerful, miracle-working God loves you.

This film is perfect for any age or group. For more information visit . Click here to purchase Finger of God.

In his new book, You Can Lead an Atheist to Evidence but You Can’t Make Him Think, Ray Comfort writes: “Some atheists are nasty. Some are nice. One thing I do know: all atheists are lost, and they desperately need a Savior.” He also explains that the issue of atheism isn’t the existence of God but that “the real gamble is that there’s no hell.”

Says Comfort: “If it were just a matter of God’s existence and the evolutionists and atheists die and say : ‘Oh, God, You are here. Sorry about that.’ No big deal. They just say, ‘I was wrong.’ But if it’s the God of the Bible they have to face, the God who is perfect in holiness, who says every idle word a man speaks he will give an account thereof on the day of judgment. The God who says hatred is the same as murder, lust is the same as adultery, the God who says all liars will have their part in the lake of fire, then they have to face a holy God, they’re morally responsible, and they will end up in hell without the Savior.

“We have a moral responsibility as Christians to say, ‘God will forgive you your sins, but firstly you must acknowledge that you’re made by God, that you’re responsible to God, that He gave you a conscience, that you’ve sinned against Him and that you need a Savior and need to repent and trust in Him.

“We’re not here to argue the existence of God but to proclaim the everlasting gospel that changes the hearts of sinful men.”

Comfort’s obvious passion compelled him to write this book, which is a compilation of questions and answers from his conversations with atheists on his blog, Atheist Central. He intellectually hits topics head – on and urges atheists to reconsider the gamble of unbelief. But this book isn’t just for atheists; it is also a good resource for Christians.

He asks, what do you do or say for those who have a friend or family member who says they no longer believe the Bible, that they believe evolution is true? Comfort offers this book and other resources at to “educate ourselves just a little bit so we know what we’re talking about.”

Comfort says that World Net Daily (WND), the publisher of his new book, has come on board to get this message out because WND believes “this [evolution] message is insidious; it’s actually destroying the nation.”

“If you want to know why we’ve got such a big increase in violence in schools and immorality and sexually transmitted diseases, it’s because we’ve lost the fear of God. And once you accept evolution you deal without moral accountability to God. If we’re just beasts and all we’re here for is to reproduce after our own kind, natural selection … then fornication’s OK, adultery’s OK … lying’s OK as long as no one gets hurt.

“But the truth is we’re morally accountable to God and we owe it to this generation to say, ‘No, you cannot do this because Jesus said if you even look with lust you’ve committed adultery in your heart. That’s how high God’s standards are and He’s going to keep you to them and you’re going to face Him on judgment day.'”

Comfort reminds us “that it’s the gospel, it’s the power of God to salvation and there is a way to speak to the world in a way they understand. … You learn to address their conscience. The intellect is the place of argument, the mind. And the Bible tells us that carnal mind is enmity against God, it’s in a place of hostility. So you have to learn to do what Jesus did and speak directly to the conscience. … Just learn to take someone through the Ten Commandments, ask them if they’ve lied and stolen or looked with lust and blasphemed God’s name. When they do that their conscience will agree with what you’re saying.

“The conscience is the judge on the courtroom of our mind that accuses. That’s what will bring the knowledge of sin. That’s what shows that we need a Savior. And that’s the most power evidence for God’s existence, someone coming to know Him. Because when you come to know the Lord, the Bible comes to life.”

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By Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell, Regal Books, hardcover, 224 pages, $.

With Easter approaching and modern skeptics still questioning Christ’s resurrection, this volume by a leading apologist (and his son) provides reassurance of the truth of those accounts. Released simultaneously in editions for teens (Jesus: Dead or Alive?) and children (Jesus is Alive!), this heavily researched book is divided into three parts. They explore the need for the resurrection, its personal meaning and the evidence of this event. Mature believers may want to skim the first two sections to delve into the last half concerning the evidence. Of note is the chapter where the authors review facts that must be reckoned with in any discussion of the resurrection. They also address various attempts to explain it away, documenting ways in which critics have relied on fancy or personal opinion to attack its veracity. Ultimately, the McDowells show how historical accounts and scriptural testimony line up at the same place–the resurrection is for real. No other explanation can account for a church that survives 2,000 years after Jesus rose from the grave. Click here to purchase this book.

By Kari Jobe, Integrity Music.

Kari Jobe’s voice is smooth and airy but there is no fluff to her music. The rich lyrics are enveloped by easy melodies that will replay in people’s heads and hearts long after the CD has stopped spinning. Jobe knew since she was 10 years old that she would be a worship leader, and her calling and gift are clearly evident on her debut CD. She kicks off the album with the upbeat “I’m Singing,” with the chorus: “I’m singing to the God who brings redemption to the nations / Kings and oceans bow to Him in praise / And I’m singing to the God who wrote the book on our salvation / To the One who covers me in grace / I’m singing / Praise, Praise to the Savior / Praise to the Lamb of God / Praise in all of His splendor / Praise for saving my life.” With the ballad “Beautiful” it’s as if we are sharing a devotional moment between Jobe and God as she surrenders “everything that’s of myself” and simply worships. “Everyone Needs a Little” is a lighthearted song that reminds us that in the midst of our needs He is there. This worshiper exudes joy–even in surrender and vulnerability. She offers a collection of upbeat praise songs and worship ballads that first and foremost honor the Lord, but also encourage and renew believers. Jobe is surely an example of what it means to worship in spirit and in truth. Click here to purchase this CD.

Lionsgate and Golden Circle Films
Starring Renée Zellweger, Harry Connick Jr., Siobhan Fallon, J.K. Simmons and Frances Conroy
Rated PG for brief language

Finally! A romantic comedy I can recommend. New in Town is certainly a chick flick but it’s not so sugary sweet that guys will gag. It’s cute, fun … and it’s actually funny.

Lucy Hill (Renée Zellweger) is the ultimate power woman. She’s into fashion, fitness and her career. When her company decides to restructure one of their manufacturing plants, Lucy volunteers to oversee the process on site. She knows that her success in this temporary assignment will guarantee her a big promotion.

When Lucy goes from balmy Miami, Fla., to middle-of-nowhere New Ulm, Minn.,–in winter–she is in for a shock. Not only is this city girl unprepared for the frigid temperature in this rural community, she’s also not used to people being so friendly.

Uncomfortable with people’s involvement in her life, Lucy just wants to finish the job and get back to her life in Florida. When people don’t take her seriously and make a fool out of her, she tries to leave. A winter storm forces her to return and she gets caught in a whiteout. Ted Mitchell (Harry Connick Jr.), a man Lucy despises and had formerly publicly insulted, rescues her.

What Lucy thought was a step up the corporate ladder turns out to be a step into a new life–and love.  This polished woman remembers the values her father taught her and realizes that there is more to life than seeking financial gain. She learns that when you sacrifice your own success for the success of others the return is greater than can be imagined.

When recording artist Norman Hutchins sensed God calling him to pray every day at 5 a.m. in early 2006, he didn’t know why. But when complications from a delicate eye surgery left him completely blind that same year, he soon discovered the answer.

“The Lord said, ‘Norman, no matter how gifted and talented and anointed you may be, you are no good to Me if you don’t take care of you.'”

Hutchins, 46, is referring to his battle with diabetes, a disease he was diagnosed with years ago. The singer said for six months he depended on his wife, Karen, and others to escort him to his pulpit where he preached every Sunday during the ordeal. He says loosing his sight forced him to repent for not taking care of the body God gave him.

“I don’t want to revisit that again,” Hutchins said of his blindness. “But if that was part of the preparation to make me … and develop me into who I am today, I really thank God for that season in my life because it has totally changed the person I am now.”

Today, with a new outlook on life, Hutchins is passionate about the work the Lord has called him to. He pastors Frontline Ministries in Dover, Delaware, is an itinerant preacher and singer.

Nowadays Hutchins is focused on the release of his new CD, which released March 3. God Is Faithful is a detour from the black gospel that contributed to the success of Hutchins’ long-standing career. With an apparent contemporary flair, the CD transcends both racial and denominational lines to reach people with the universal message of God’s love.

“I grew up in a black Pentecostal church, doing what we call black traditional gospel. But one of the differences I’ve always noticed between the black traditional music that I’ve written for years versus the contemporary Christian style I’m writing now is, we grew up singing about problems, singing about pain … and about overcoming trials of the past.

“It seems that contemporary Christian music has more to do with celebrating life and victory, and rejoicing over a God who is more than enough,” Hutchins said.

The pastor’s love for music dates back to his childhood when his mother, who worked hard to provide for her family, instilled in him a love for God that runs deeper than adversity and hardship. It is that foundation from which his music flows.

“As I grew older, I began to realize that a lot of the songs I was writing at that age were the inspiration of God singing back to me, to keep me encouraged so that when I became of age to understand, I wouldn’t blame God for all the things I experienced as a child,” he said.

A respected worship leader and songwriter, Hutchins’ accomplishments read like a Who’s Who in Christian music. Spontaneous Praise, released in 2008, was ranked No. 9 on Billboard‘s list of top gospel albums. And Where I Long to Be was No. 8 in 2006. Projects such as Battlefield and Nobody But You both topped the charts. And listeners will not be disappointed with Hutchins’ newest release.

The soft lyrics to I Love You Forever ushers worshipers into the presence of God: “I stand in awe of You for all the things You’ve done / I love You forever with all my heart.”

And the upbeat, guitarish sound of the CD’s signature cut, “God Is Faithful,” testifies to the faithfulness of the Father and seeks to draw listeners closer to Him: “God is bigger than my mountain / Bigger than my problem / Bigger than my pain / Our God / God is faithful.”

Singer, songwriter, pastor and more, Hutchins continues to use all his gifts and talents to create music that not only offers hope and joy; it encourages listeners to trust God no matter the pain, hardships or difficulties life has to offer.