Josh McDowell's childhood 'an unforgettable story of redemption' reveals how he overcame a difficult childhood

Josh McDowell, best-selling author of Evidence That Demands a Verdict and More Than a Carpenter, is one of the most well-known evangelists in the world, but a new film will shed light on his dramatic spiritual transformation.

Based on McDowell's memoir of the same title published this month by Tyndale Momentum (see Book News on page 30), Undaunted: The Early Life of Josh McDowell (7-04400-01614-1, $19.99) chronicles the true story of a Michigan farm boy who carried unspeakable memories of an alcoholic father and a male housekeeper’s sexual abuse, leading him to deny the existence of God. Yet He redeemed the situation with unbelievable grace, resulting in McDowell's undaunted faith.

“Never before has a film been released that strikes at the very heart of the unspoken secrets of culture and the church—sex abuse, alcoholism and family violence,” he told Christian Retailing. “The church cannot remain silent any longer. Undaunted will create an uneasiness, hope and a deep joy.”

Produced and to be distributed by EchoLight Studios, the DVD will be offered exclusively through Family Christian Stores on Oct. 16, and will be available elsewhere Dec.18.

Filmed in Michigan, where McDowell grew up, and in Europe, where he searched for truth, the docudrama stars John Klicka as a young McDowell and Allen Williamson as the future evangelist in his teens and 20s, as well as Tom Emmott as Wilmot McDowell Sr.

"Undaunted is an unforgettable story of redemption that is going to bring vision and hope to the most wounded generation in our nation's history,” said Dennis Rainey, president of FamilyLife. “Millions are going to see it and conclude: 'God can use me.' "

Written and directed by Cristóbal Krusen, Undaunted won two Crown Awards in the Best Documentary and Best Evangelistic Film categories at the International Christian Video Media Conference, held in July prior to the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, Fla., where it was screened for attendees. It also was approved for family viewing by The Dove Foundation.

To order the 68-minute DVD, call EchoLight at 972-537-0831. For more information, visit www.undauntedmovie.com.

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