Real-life ministries run by two brothers form the basis of Set Apart (6-02341-00359-9, Provident Films, suggested retail price not available), an inspirational family film releasing this month with a cast including Shaft star Richard Roundtree.

The famous actor appears as J.T., a friend of rodeo riding ministry partners Randy and Heidi Gunn, who use their Western skills on horseback and with guns to share the gospel at cowboy events across the country.

They appear as themselves in the movie, which sees them taking on four troubled inner-city youngsters referred to them by The Power Company Kids ministry. It is run by Randy's brother, John, and his wife, Michele—the two portrayed by John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard) and Jennifer O'Neill (Summer of '42).

Mixing drama and comedy, the 97-minute film follows the quartet's adventures as they learn new skills and values and endeavor to make new starts. The movie is aimed at families "hungry for entertainment that opens kids and adults to a positive experience and a good message," said Kris Fuhr, marketing vice president for Provident Films.

"Parents like the conversation it opens about risk, about what's right, about true friendship and how to look at life," she added.

Schneider welcomed the opportunity to help bring to the screen an example of everyday Christian ministry. "We have a tremendous problem in the inner cities with bored-ness," he said. "These kids need something positive to do. Instead of sitting around and complaining, John Gunn and his wife, Michele, are providing kids with something to do."

Through their GunnPoint organization, Randy—known as "The Pistol Packin’ Preacher"—and Heidi—dubbed "Straight Arrow"—lead cowboy services at rodeo events and have both earned mounted shooting trophies. They also sing, and have won several inspirational country music awards.

The drama was shot in Los Angeles and in the Black Hills of South Dakota, from a script by George Flynn, an award-winning actor and writer, and host of the "Words of Freedom" radio show.

Set Apart is to be distributed by Provident-Integrity Distribution. To order, call 800-333-9000.

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