PG drama shows 'God at work' as community unites to find missing boy

The day he faced every parent's greatest fear—a child gone missing—brought faith and family firmly back into focus for Ray Simpkins and has been recreated in a drama sharing his lessons of hope and misplaced priorities.

Former TV Superman Dean Cain portrays the helpless, distraught father in The Way Home (0-31398-12452-8, $19.98) from Red Five Entertainment, released on DVD last month.

Filmed on location in Georgia where the events occurred in 2000, the movie recalls how 2-year-old Joe Simpkins went missing while being watched by his father, who gets distracted. The disappearance prompted a search joined by hundreds of local residents and provoked Ray Simpkins to reevaluate what was really important in his life and rediscover the power of prayer.

It may take a village to raise a child, but it took a town to make Rust, a drama about lost faith and grace, being distributed to Christian retail by Provident-Integrity Distribution.

Though the 95-minute mystery stars TV actor Corbin Bernsen—who also wrote and directed it—Rust (0-43396-35750-1, $24.96) was produced and financed by the residents of Kipling in Saskatchewan, Canada, some of whom also appear on screen.

Producer’s personal encounter inspires movie version of ‘In His Steps’

First it was a book, then a wristband and a movement, and finally WWJD becomes a movie (6-25828-55980-8, $29.99, Nasser Entertainment Group), releasing this month.

The modern-day version of the best-selling 1896 novel by Charles M. Sheldon, In His Steps,  marks a 10-year labor of love for producer Joseph Nasser, whose Hollywood credentials include more than 50 films and working with the likes of Sidney Poitier, Faye Dunaway and Tom Berenger.

Mix Groundhog Day with the "Left Behind" series and you might end up with In the Blink of an Eye (8-93261-00185-1, $19.95), a thriller from Pure Flix Entertainment that released last month.

The 85-minute end-times drama stars David A.R. White as a detective plunged into a recurring nightmare when his wife and friends disappear during a dream vacation. Unraveling links with the crime underworld, the cop is also forced to investigate his personal beliefs and recognize that earthly paradise is only temporary.

The film was shot in March on a 120-foot yacht in Mexico's Sea of Cortez and saw White wearing several hats. As well as taking the lead role, he helped write and produce the movie, which also features his wife, Andrea Logan White.

In the Blink of an Eye also reunited White with Eric Roberts (L.A. Confidential, The Dark Knight), with whom he appeared in 2000's well-received Christian drama Mercy Streets.

"He has told me that he really likes doing films that he knows his daughter can watch," White said of Roberts' recurring involvement in Christian-themed films.

Like Roberts, White enjoyed mainstream acting success before appearing in and producing faith-based movies, spending four years in the cast of Burt Reynolds' TV series Evening Shade. In recent years the one-time Moody Bible Institute student who quit school to pursue a career in Hollywood has devoted himself full time to Christian filmmaking, helping found Pure Flix Entertainment.

"We make these films primarily to encourage the church, first and foremost, and for them to use as outreach tools," White said.

But In the Blink of an Eye "will have some crossover appeal for the suspense and the action."

In the Blink of an Eye is distributed by EMI CMG Distribution. To order, go to www.emicmgdistribution.com or call 800-877-4443.

The message of Don Piper's best-selling book about being brought back to life after dying and going to heaven has been adapted for a seven-week DVD Bible study series just released by Worthy Resources, part of Worthy Media.

At the heart of 90 Minutes in Heaven: Seeing Life's Troubles in a Whole New Light (978-1-936-03400-0) are seven 20-minute presentations featuring Piper, whose Revell (Baker Publishing Group) book has sold more than 3.5 million copies and been on best-seller charts for nearly three years.

"With so many people having bought the book, we believe that there is a deep and growing interest in all things related to heaven and the life hereafter—among both Christians and seekers," said Byron Williamson, president & CEO of Worthy Media.

"The turmoil that comes from economic convulsions, medical crises, terrorist threats, natural disasters, political unrest and burdens from grief are there to remind us that this earth is not our home," he added.

An ordained pastor who now travels widely to share the testimony of his 1989 auto accident and the lessons he has learned, Piper was filmed for the series at a church in Franklin, Tenn., earlier this year.

The $199.99 curriculum package includes four discs with the video presentations, a member's workbook, leader's guide and audio recordings for use in preparation by group leaders. In addition, an interactive DVD includes video trailers, posters, bulletin inserts and other promotional material. Additional member's workbooks are $12.99 each.

For more information, go to www.revellbooks.com. To order, contact Baker Publishing Group at 800-877-2665.

As a high-profile champion of abstinence, Rebecca St. James may surprise some of her fans with her first starring movie role—as a pregnant single woman contemplating abortion.

But for the award-winning singer and author, the pro-life message of Sarah's Choice (8-93261-00184-4, $19.99, Pure Flix Entertainment) goes "hand in hand" with the purity stand she has made through her songs and books. "God impassioned my heart for this project," St. James said of the DVD that released Nov. 6.

The 88-minute drama that follows up-and-coming advertising executive Sarah Collins' grappling with a life-and-death decision earned a standing ovation when it was screened for a national gathering of crisis pregnancy centers.

Though St. James has appeared in other films, playing Sarah was her first "daunting" lead part. One of the most dramatic scenes was shot on just the second day of filming, drawing real tears as she cried out to God for help to bring "authenticity" to the scene.

The production provided a personal bonus as well as promoting issues close to her heart. Sarah's screen sister Denise was portrayed by Staci Keanan, whom St. James had enjoyed watching when the actress appeared on Step By Step. "It was an honor to work with her," said St. James.

A Christmas motif runs through the film, with Sarah challenged by three Dickens-like visitations, finally making up her mind as the holiday arrives.

Other cast members include comedian Brad Stine, as an older man passing on words of wisdom to Sarah's boyfriend, veteran actor Dick Van Patten and actress Charlene Tilton from TV's legendary Dallas.

In addition to a strong pro-life message, the story line also offers hope of healing to women who have had an abortion. "There's a very redemptive focus," said St. James. "It is full of grace moments."

St. James wrote a song, "Little One," that plays during the final scene and end credits and which may appear on her next album.

To order Sarah's Choice, call EMI CMG Distribution at 800-877-4443, or go to www.emicmgdistribution.com.