Business, Entertainment

Angel Studios’ ‘Sound of Freedom’ Projecting $85 Million 2nd Weekend Cumulative Box Office

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Inspiring, True-Life Thriller Starring Jim Caviezel Projecting $27 Million 2nd Weekend, an Increase of 37% Over 1st Weekend

PROVO, Utah — /Christian Newswire/ — Angel Studios, a platform and studio empowering filmmakers to crowdfund, create, and distribute films and TV series globally, backed by thousands of Angel investors, is announcing its July cumulative-to-date and second weekend results for its Jim Caviezel-driven film SOUND OF FREEDOM. Angel Studios is projecting over $85 million total cumulative box office revenue through Sunday, with a strong $27 million box office draw in the second weekend of the film’s domestic release.

“While the entire summer movie box office lineup is underperforming, our small independent film continues to grow week over week. Driven by millions of fans and supporters, SOUND of FREEDOM has become a national, and soon international, movement for change,” said Jared Geesey, SVP of Global Distribution at Angel Studios.

“There have only been 10 wide-release movies in box office history that have had a second weekend increase greater than 35% over their opening weekend. All of them achieved this milestone during Christmas. Angel Studios is the only studio to accomplish this feat during the summer blockbuster season with ‘SOUND OF FREEDOM’,” added Brandon Purdie, Head of Theatrical Distribution for Angel Studios.

SOUND OF FREEDOM: Box Office Results

  • Theater count: 3,265
  • Weekend Box Office Projection: $26,938,888
  • Total Cum Box Office Projection: $85,498,581

SOUND OF FREEDOM: Audience Scores

  • CinemaScore: A+
  • Rotten Tomatoes: 72/100

SOUND OF FREEDOM is based upon the true story of former government agent Tim Ballard who quit his job to rescue a little girl from sex traffickers in the Colombian jungle. In the process, Tim ended up saving 123 people, 55 of which were children, from one mission alone.

For more information, go to https://angel.com/freedom

Ministry

Child Evangelism Fellowship Aims to Reach 100 Million Children with the Gospel

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ST. LOUIS /Christian Newswire/ — Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), one of the world’s leading child evangelism organizations, is reemphasizing its commitment to the Great Commission with a new slate of ambitious goals. CEF has been called by God to make it their highest priority to present the Gospel so children may be discipled in God’s Word. Their commitment is to:

  • Reach approximately 26.5 million children in 2023.
     
  • Minister to 100 million children each year globally with the Gospel in the near future.
     
  • Increase the number of Good News Clubs®, which already serve children in about 3,500 American public schools.
     
  • Train hundreds of thousands of adults worldwide to reach more children for Christ.

“These goals might seem bold or improbable. But we are already sharing Christ with nearly 20 million children every year,” says Moises Esteves, executive vice president of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEFonline.com). “What may seem impossible to man is attainable with God, for Whom nothing is impossible.”

Child Evangelism Fellowship, which was founded in 1937, has been rapidly establishing Good News Clubs® in countries around the world for decades. Clubs are thriving in Belize, Ukraine, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sri Lanka and many other nations.

Last year, through CEF’s combined ministries, more than 19.5 million children worldwide heard the Good News. In 2022, more than 439,000 teachers were trained around the world.

CEF’s powerful in-person ministries include:

  • Good News Club®
     
  • 5-Day Club
     
  • Military Children’s Ministry
     
  • Christmas Party Club
     
  • Camp Good News
     
  • SPAN
     
  • Christian Youth in Action

Each club includes a clear presentation of the Gospel and an opportunity for children to trust Jesus as their Savior. All the clubs have strong discipleship training to build moral character and strengthen spiritual growth. Each week, an exciting Bible lesson is presented using colorful materials from CEF. All children are encouraged to attend a local church.

Last year, more than 6 million children reached by CEF made professions of faith.

Business, Ministry

Cooke Media Group Wins Eight Telly Awards for Feature Documentary and Fundraising Videos

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LOS ANGELES — Christian Newswire/ — Cooke Media Group announced its win of eight Telly Awards in the record-breaking 44th Annual Telly Awards. Honoring excellence in video and television across all screens, competing companies include major Hollywood studios Disney, Universal, Netflix, and Paramount as well as corporations such as Apple, Sony and Microsoft. Cooke Media Group’s Telly Wins represented high-caliber work in videography/cinematography, cause marketing, editing, writing, voice-over and documentary filmmaking.

“With a decade-high record number of exceptional entries submitted, winners truly represented the most innovative stories being told across all screens,” said Sabrina Dridje, executive director of the Telly Awards. She added, “As a Telly Winner, you are truly a standard bearer of excellence in our industry.”

The winning entries produced by Cooke Media Group are:

  • Silver Telly Award: Museum of the Bible–5th Anniversary
    Winner in Non-Broadcast–Videography/Cinematography: Official Listing
     
  • Silver Telly Award: The George Shinn Foundation Charity Car Auction: Benefit for Ukraine
    Winner in Non-Broadcast–Cause Marketing: Official Listing
     
  • Silver Telly Award: Voice of the Martyrs–The John Chau Story
    Winner in Non-Broadcast–Editing: Official Listing
     
  • Silver Telly Award: Nativity–The Art of Maltese Crib-Making
    Winner in Television–Editing: Official Listing
     
  • Silver Telly Award: Nativity–The Art of Maltese Crib-Making
    Winner in Television–Writing: Official Listing
     
  • Silver Telly Award: Nativity–The Art of Maltese Crib-Making
    Winner in Television–Documentary: Long Form (Above 40 minutes): Official Listing
     
  • Bronze Telly Award: Nativity–The Art of Maltese Crib-Making
    Winner in Television–Videography/Cinematography: Official Listing
     
  • Bronze Telly Award: Nativity–The Art of Maltese Crib-Making
    Winner in Television–Voiceover (Roma Downey): Official Listing  

“As a Christian company, our goal is to convey excellence in every form of messaging we produce, whether it’s a fundraising video, broadcast television, film or documentary,” shared Phil Cooke, co-founder and CEO of Cooke Media Group. Thrilled to receive the coveted Telly Awards, he added, “We were particularly excited that what our team produced for the Museum of the Bible fundraising event was recognized in competition with top studios in Hollywood and international spheres.”

The Telly Awards report 2023 as a record-breaking year with nearly 13,000 entries from across the globe and top video and television content producers. Cooke Media Group’s Telly Wins this year add up to a total of 28 Telly Awards since 2010 including productions for the Salvation Army, The Global Water Center, and TBN.

View the full list of 44th Annual Telly Award winners at www.tellyawards.com/winners.

View Cooke Media Group’s Telly Award wins at
https://www.tellyawards.com/?s=Cooke+Pictures and here: https://www.tellyawards.com/?s=Cooke+Media+Group

Ministry

Bible App for kids celebrates 100 Million Installs Worldwide

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YouVersion and OneHope Reach Kids Around the Globe

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. /Christian Newswire/ — YouVersion and OneHope created the free Bible App for Kids in 2013 to encourage children to engage with God’s Word. Since then, the app has been installed by families in every country in the world. While it took seven years to reach the first 50 million installs, the app saw another 50 million installs in the past three years alone. With this recent surge in growth, Bible App for Kids is now celebrating 100 million unique installs.

“We know that the most important influence in a child’s life is their family,” said Bobby Gruenewald, Life.Church Innovation Pastor and YouVersion Founder and CEO. “With that in mind, we’re really encouraged to see millions of families around the world choose to turn to the Bible and learn about God together.”

With the app available in 66 different languages, more than 85% of those 100 million installs are from outside the U.S. The app has been translated into some of the world’s most-spoken languages like Spanish, Chinese, and French, but it’s also available in other languages like Polish, Mongolian, and Swahili. In every experience, Bible App for Kids is designed to bring Scripture to life through interactive animations and fun activities to help children experience 41 of the major stories of the Bible.

“Through this Bible experience, we’re seeing children in every country fall in love with God’s Word,” said Rob Hoskins, OneHope President. “We’re passionate about equipping the global Church to engage the next generation with interactive stories from the Bible and help lay a foundation for future spiritual growth.”

Children around the world are using the Bible App for Kids to share God’s Word with their peers. In Russia, 7-year-old Arisha used the app to tell her friend Mariana about Jesus. After a few weeks of using the app together, Mariana made the decision to follow Jesus.

“She doesn’t hesitate to share her faith and tell her friends about Jesus,” said Olga, Arisha’s mother. “After we downloaded the Bible App for Kids, she has become more interested in the Bible. The Bible comes alive for her now.”

One way Bible App for Kids equips the global Church is through the Bible Adventure Curriculum and supporting resources for parents, pastors, and church leaders. These resources are produced in partnership with Life.Church, the Oklahoma-based church that created YouVersion. As a digital ministry of the church, the entire Bible Adventure Curriculum is completely free through the Life.Church Open Network.

“We love using Bible App for Kids and the matching curriculum for our children’s ministry,” said Melissa Glynn from Life Valley Community Church in San Jose, California. “Just recently, I had a mom tell me that her 5-year-old ran through the house quoting Joshua 1:9! These resources are making a difference in our children’s lives, and they’re such a blessing to our congregation.”

With a story from Bible App for Kids at the heart of each lesson, the easy-to-use curriculum is designed to help children ages two through kindergarten discover how the Bible impacts their lives. Each video lesson includes original music, memory verses with motions, and small group guides that enhances what they’re learning through the app. Each Bible Adventure lesson also has a Parent Guide to give families tools to encourage their child’s faith journey.

Visit bibleappforkids.com to learn more about the app as well as parent guides, church resources, and more.

Business, Faith

Zarita Ann Melton’s newly released “What Color Is God?” is a charming children’s story that helps them to understand more of what and who God is

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MEADVILLE, PA. — What Color Is God?” is a lighthearted but important lesson of faith. “What Color Is God?” is the creation of published author Zarita Ann Melton, a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who has worked as a registered nurse for over twenty-five years.

Melton shares, “This book answers the question we have all wondered at times: ‘What color is God?’ The answer is clearly found in the Bible and explained in this simple story, which is told in a children’s Sunday school setting. It’s so simple it will make you wonder why we haven’t all seen it before.

Melton shares in hopes of helping upcoming generations value their own skin color, as well as the different skin colors of other people, and to honor and respect everyone’s connection to God.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Zarita Ann Melton’s new book will entertain the imagination as readers consider the thoughtful questions found within.

Consumers can purchase “What Color Is God?” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

Books, Faith

Professional Baseball Player Turned Pastor Writes Book Focusing on Overcoming Fear

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SAN DIEGO (PRWEB) APRIL 2023— Jeremy McGarity introduces, “Faith Over Fear: How to apply faith to any fearful situation,” a Christian self-help book dedicated to helping people overcome any fear with the proper application of faith.

In the book, McGarity presents the truth of God’s word in applicable ways during moments of fear or distress. Each chapter concludes with application-focused questions, a journal prompt, and an action step so readers can allow the truth to impact them in a personal and powerful way.

“The Covid-19 pandemic inspired me to write this book,” McGarity said. “At the time, people were feeling overwhelmed and defeated. Instead of following the negative and fearful feelings, I wanted to write a book that teaches people to overcome all fears in the light of faith.”

McGarity believes people were made for more than just wrestling, striving, and struggling. Instead, he says, they’re made for hope, faith, and freedom from fear. To nurture this spirit, he encourages his readers to reflect on the teachings of his book and cultivate a positive mindset, no matter how fearful they may feel.

“My book can be relevant to any fearful situation,” McGarity said. “Whether it is situations related to the fall of the economy, new pandemics, or wars, this book will help readers learn to survive and thrive in the midst of them.”

Ministry

Good Friday in the Gardens, A Free Community Event

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Miami Gardens, FL – The Fountain Church under the leadership of Pastor Wayne Lomax, will host Good Friday in the Gardens on April 7, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex Amphitheater located at 3000 NW 199th Street in Miami Gardens.

We invite you to come out and enjoy a night with family and friends and enjoy a variety of musical genres, including Jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Gospel. This free live concert features the Florida Memorial University Royalty Jazz Band, Queen K, Tyler Watts, Courtney Mickens, and The Fountain Praise Team. Again, bring your entire family and enjoy the food trucks, bounces houses, Easter egg hunt, and some good old fashion fun and fellowship.

The Fountain Church is located in Miami Gardens at 4601 NW 167th Street, Miami Gardens, FL 33055. Our mission is “Growing and Serving Others”.

For information, please contact Wendy Jackson wjackson@thefountain.net or (786) 830-4081 or visit —www.thefountain.net/events.

Ministry

Celebrating Revival & the Next Generation at AzusaFest 23

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LOS ANGELES /Christian Newswire/ — Azusa Street Mission & Historical Society announces the 117th  anniversary of William Seymour traveling to Los Angeles on Feb 22nd, 1906, the Azusa Revival, April 9, 1906 and the winners of the coveted William J. Seymour award. This year’s William J. Seymour National Award winner is Bishop Ed Smith, founder of Nehemiah Project LA. Nehemiah Project LA is a faith-based initiative that works to build greater awareness of the challenges faced by our nation’s at-risk and transitioning foster youth.  Bishop Ed Smith stated “We are helping former foster youth ESCAPE CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS WITH SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING, TO build A brighter future  with the support of a ‘forever family.’ Indeed, this is God’s love extended!”

The William J. Seymour International Award will be presented to Bishop Bill Hamon, founder of Christian International Ministries. Dr. Bill Hamon, a prophet for sixty years, is respected by church leaders around the world as the senior leader of the prophetic/apostolic company. God is raising up in these last days. CI is comprised of over 900 ministers in the USA and 3000 globally!

The awards will be presented during the annual AzusaFest celebration on Saturday, April 15th near the footprint of the original mission. The theme for this year’s celebration, is “Do you believe in miracles?: Bridging the Generations (Psalms 105: 4-5).” All services are free and open to the public.

Apostles Fred and Wilma Berry, founders of the Azusa Street Mission & Historical Society, have awarded pastors and leaders the William J. Seymour Award since 2006. Prior recipients of the award have been: Bishop Charles E. Blake, the COGIC presiding Bishop, USA; Pastor Sunday Adelaja, from Kyiv, Ukraine; Dr. Patricia Bailey-Jones, USA; Apostle John Eckhardt, USA; Dr. Myles Munroe from Nassau, Bahamas; Apostle Sam Korankye Ankrah from Accra, Ghana; Pastor Jabes de Alencar, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Al Hollingsworth of Boss the Movement, USA; Lou Engle of TheCall, USA; Pastor TD. Jakes of the Potters House, USA; Pastor Bonnie Chadva, USA; Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Center in Kampala, Uganda; Dr. Mel Robeck of Fuller Theological Seminary, USA; Pastor W.M. Dwight McKissic, Sr. of Cornerstone Baptist Church, USA; Apostle Ron Hill of Love and Unity Church, USA; Sean Feucht of Let Us Worship, USA; and Dr. Robert Fisher of Spiritual Renewal Ministries, USA.

The original Azusa Street Revival began in 1906 and was the catalyst that started the Pentecostal Movement. Currently, it is estimated that over 800 million Pentecostals in the United States, Latin America, Africa, and Asia can trace their religious origins to the Azusa Street Revival and Bishop William J. Seymour. Apostle Wilma Berry carries on the history of Azusa Street as an international representative through the Azusa Street Mission & Historical Society. Apostle Fred Berry transitioned to heaven on November 16, 2021. The organization’s mission is to carry the flame of Azusa Street to the next generation throughout the world’s nations. For more details on Azusafest 2023, please visit www.azusafest.com or call 323.692.7268.

SOURCE Azusa Street Mission

Ministry, Music, Worship

‘Cascading River of Love:’ Uplifting Worship Song from John Pape Offers Hope and Encouragement to Worshipers

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(Christian Newswire) — Christian songwriter John Pape is thrilled to announce the release of his latest song, “Cascading River of Love,” a powerful and uplifting song created to bless and inspire worshipers everywhere. The song is currently available on all major streaming platforms.

With its memorable melodies and powerful lyrics, “Cascading River of Love” is the perfect addition to any worship playlist, designed to create a meaningful and uplifting experience for worshipers in the church. The song was written and produced by John Pape, with the goal of providing a song that inspires worshipers to draw closer to God.

Every song has its genesis in an idea. In this case, several verses in the Bible inspired “Cascading River of Love,” including Isaiah 43:12 which says “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

The song starts by setting the stage for individuals who are in a spiritually dry place. It expresses the desire to be refreshed and renewed, and highlights that Jesus is the source of living water. The image of a cascading river that pours down paints a picture of the continuous spiritual filling that comes from God.

However, the song also reminds worshipers to examine their individual motives and desire to be purged of the dirt that dwells in their heart. Water not only refreshes but also has the power to clean. “Cascading River of Love” is a story of restoration, renewal, and refreshment by the love, mercy, and grace of God.

To help worship leaders learn the song “Cascading River of Love,” John Pape is also making available free learning resources to help worshipers learn and connect with the song. These resources include sheet music, chord charts, and instructional videos, all of which are currently available on the artist’s website.

“I am thrilled to be able to offer this song to worshipers everywhere,” says John Pape. “My hope is that this song will resonate with people and help to create a powerful and meaningful worship experience.”

John is a Christian musician who creates music as a form of worship and ministry. His lyrics align with biblical truth, offering encouragement, hope and inspiration to those in difficult times. John’s skills are evident in his songwriting process, and he has a passion for using his platform to share the gospel and lead others to a deeper relationship with God.

SOURCE Mediatunes Inc.

Business

241 Organizations Honored as ‘Certified Best Christian Workplaces’ in 2022

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(Christian Newswire) — Best Christian Workplaces (BCW) has recognized 241 faith-based organizations and Christian-owned businesses as Certified Best Christian Workplaces in 2022.

As many organizations continue to face challenges related to the ongoing shift from virtual and hybrid work environments, these workplaces demonstrate upstanding dedication to building and protecting a strong workplace and prioritizing healthy working relationships amongst teammates and managers. 

Says Jay Bransford, CEO, “Although many people report increased productivity when they have more flexibility with their work location, it can also bring with it some unique challenges. Thus, when Best Christian Workplaces provides actionable data and feedback from our employee engagement survey, leaders of organizations feel well-equipped to understand which aspects of their culture are being negatively affected and in what ways staff would like more support from their supervisors/managers.”

Faced with high inflation and low unemployment, this year’s survey results also highlight the squeeze many employers have also felt in the area of rising labor costs. The factors highlighted in the survey, specifically concerning compensation, have helped organizations determine how pay impacts their employee’s levels of engagement and motivation, and their likelihood to look for higher-paid work elsewhere.

“Approaches to compensation strategy can vary, but the most successful organizations are proactive and intentional,” explains Bransford. “In some cases, leaders simply identify a need to better communicate their pay philosophy and benefits programs. And in other cases, leaders have identified a need to re-assess the pay, benefits and/or career path opportunities offered.”

Now more than ever, employees have the ability to choose where they want to work and what they want their workplace to be like. As a result, employers who take the health of their workplaces seriously are at a significant strategic advantage. The 241 organizations honored today set the gold standard for excellence in employee engagement, and BCW is hopeful and expectant for the year to come.

“Imagine what would happen in our societies if Christian-led organizations decided to rise up and set the standard as the best, most effective places to work in the world,” says Bransford. “Not only would it mean that Christian-led workplaces would successfully attract and retain the best talent, but they would also be positively representing the nature and character of God in and through their workplace cultures. In doing so, they would bring more people to Christ. Now that’s something to be hopeful and expectant about in the year ahead!”

This year’s Certified Best Christian Workplaces list features organizations in the United States, Canada, Australia, Thailand, and Zambia, and includes a variety of faith-based nonprofits, churches, Christian schools, camps and conferences, and Christian-owned businesses. Validated by their own employees, certified organizations must meet the required scoring standard through BCW’s robust employee engagement survey.

For more information, visit Best Christian Workplaces online: workplaces.org.

Faith. Family. Community.