New version of the Lost Boy film premiering

Whew! Well, we survived Christmas!

I have to admit that this was a very tough time for us, as we observed what was always one of my favorite times of the year without our our firstborn son. I was warned by others who have had loved ones die that the “first” everything is hard.

Interestingly, when I focused on the essential message of Christmas, I appreciated it more than I ever have. That message being that Jesus came to be born, die, and rise again from the dead.

But as for all of the rest (shopping, gatherings, etc.), it was very hard because we had so many, many memories of our son. Many of you have written me and spoken about your own pain during this time of the year. Please know that I am with you on that.

I was very encouraged by your blog entries and prayers, as well as the many people I encountered when I was out and about. Thank you for your kind words and prayers!

But frankly, I’m glad Christmas is finally over. Now, onward and upward!

Lost Boy at Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa this Sunday night!

As I mentioned before, Lost Boy, the documentary film of my life, is going to premiere at Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa this Sunday.

By the way, the book Lost Boy has been nominated for Outreach Magazine’s Outreach Resource of the Year in the Evangelism category.

The awards, according to Outreach Magazine, are meant to celebrate and encourage excellence in resources designed specifically to help the church reach out in areas such as evangelism, compassionate service, and cross-cultural ministries locally and worldwide. The winner will be announced in the spring.

I’m just thankful this book and film have been tools that believers can use to reach out to their friends.

Anyway, back to the Lost Boy movie

We have gone back to the editing bay and added quite a few new elements to it, including new photos of my Mom (supplied by my Aunt Willie) that we recently came across from her “Marilyn Monroe” period. Also included is film footage from this year’s Harvest Crusades events in Philadelphia and Anaheim.

We also went back into the studio and completely re-shot the ending. I told the story of Christopher’s sudden departure to heaven.

Lost Boy: The Next Chapter

So we are calling this new version Lost Boy: The Next Chapter.

My son Christopher was very involved in this project, doing all the graphics and giving me a lot of input on it overall. He spoke to many about his personal excitement in seeing God use this film to touch others.

Now it’s his story too. For when it’s all said and done, it’s the story of redemption in my life, as well as the life of my son.

If you are in the Southern California area, please join us for this special showing at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa this Sunday night at 7:00. I will also be speaking after the film.

That’s all for now.