MOVIE & BOOK CORNER

In 1994, a million Rwandans were slaughtered by their countrymen while the rest of the world looked in the other direction. You wouldn’t think an uplifting movie could be made about such a shameful episode, but that’s precisely what writer-director Terry George has accomplished in Hotel Rwanda.

The movie starts in Rwanda’s darkest hour and centers on the life of Paul Rusesabagina, a manager of the four star Hotel Des Milles in the capital city, Kigali. With European’s leaving the country during tribal unrest and the UN doing nothing, Paul, a member of the majority Hutu takes responsibility for 1200 Tutsi refugees.

The Tutsi were being systematically slaughtered by the Hutu in an attempt at total genocide. Even Hutu sympathetic to the Tutsi were at risk. Paul had a Tutsi wife and a hotel full of refugees, but through lies, bribery, and even blackmail he does his best to ensure their safety until they can be rescued. He’s not a superhero, just a man whose conscience compels him to perform heroic acts. Watching him make the attempt is what makes Hotel Rwanda so uplifting.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalms 23:4

I’ve always liked true stories and The Blind Side is one of the best to come out of Hollywood in years.

Taken in by a well-to-do family and offered a second chance at life, oversized African American Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), the teen from across the tracks and a broken home, has nowhere to sleep at age 16.

Sandra Bullock stars as the tough but loving, Leigh Anne who brings Michael Oher into her conservative family home. In time, Michael matures into a very talented athlete. As the NFL draft approaches, fans and sports radio personalities alike speculate that he will be the hottest pick of the year.

The supporting cast is wonderful and you will love the little brother in the family as he guides Michael and takes on the role of an agent of sorts. They give a new meaning to the words, love thy neighbor.

Sandra Bullock's performance garnered a Best Actress Oscar and Golden Globe award.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
John 15:12

VICTORY IN GOD

A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength
Psalm 33:16

In this life what we have, how we look, and what we can do seem so important. There is a joke about a rich and clever woman who figures out a way to take her money with her to heaven. Having melted all her wealth into gold bars, she somehow smuggles them into the afterlife and shows up at the pearly gates with a heavy bag.

Saint Peter greets this woman and wants to know what she is carrying. “Something extremely valuable,” says the woman, “And I won’t be parted with it!”

Saint Peter looks into the bag and asks with a puzzled look on his face, “You brought pavement?”

The earthly things we hold so dear will someday be put into a much broader perspective. On that day the message of this Psalm obvious in incredible ways: It is not our strength or power that saves us. It is not our money that saves us. It is not how right we are or how intelligently we can argue or how selfless we can appear. Only trust in God’s steadfast love counts toward our final victory. No part of who we are is more important than whose we are.

Lord God, give me a glad heart this day as I choose to trust in you. Amen

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STEPHEN MINISTRY

I have a cool bit of news about the Stephen Ministry; they just finished training their 60,000th Stephen Leader; those who oversee and direct Stephen Ministry in the congregation.

Stephen Ministry began in 1975.

The Stephen Series is now in more than 10,000 congregations from more than 150 Christian denominations, in all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces, and 23 other countries. Now they have 60,000 pastors, church staff, and laypersons have been trained as Stephen Leaders at a Stephen Series Leader's Training Course. More than 500,000 people have trained as Stephen Ministers in their congregations. More than a million people have received care from a Stephen Minister in a formal one-to-one Stephen Ministry caring relationship, and millions of others have received care from Stephen Ministers in informal ways.

Stephen Ministry was recently featured on PBS’ Faith and Ethics television news program. To see the film and learn more about the Stephen Ministry, how to join the ministry or introduce it to your church, go to; http://www.stephenministries.org.