Mark 16:15: "He said to them, go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."

The Mission: What Jesus meant when he said that is exactly what it says when you read it aloud. Not much interpretation is needed there. Get out there and get the gospel out using whatever you can, in whatever way you can, to whoever you can, whenever you can. As Christians, our goal is to seek and save the lost. Film is a valuable avenue to do so, thus Praise Pictures was started! Our goal is to make life challenging, engaging, impactful, soul winning, Christian edifying, and God glorifying films to be used for His purpose.

The Problem: The number of hours America sits in front of a TV per year is 250 billion. By the time a teenager graduates from high school, his/her time spent in front of a TV outweighs the amount of time spent in the classroom. That means that the children and teenagers of our society get their education through the media, through cartoons, through reality tv shows, and whatever else is broadcast. By the age of 18, 200,000 violent acts are seen by the average teen from television. Lets face it, we have to do something and fast! We want to put healthy, uplifting, and God glorifying films in the hands of the families of America and the world over. Families should be able to buy a film and not have to prescreen it for their kids. But don't movies cost a lot of money? Don't you need 35mm film, millions of dollars, 1000 people, and a big studio backing you? Not anymore! Through the advancement of technology in the past 10 years, independant filmmaker's and what they have at their disposal to create has grown exponentially. Countless new type of cameras in a broad range of formats, computers with many different editing application choices and platforms, as well as standardized forms of home entertainment like the DVD, have made the ability to make whats on paper come to life much easier and much more cost effective.

The Inspiration: You might have heard of a film that came out in the fall of 2006 called Facing the Giants. That was created by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia with a shoestring budget of only $100,000. They raised the funds and hired 5 professional crew members from Florida. The rest of the films crew and cast was made up of the many hundreds of volunteers of their church. We are taking a similar approach to our film in terms of how it will be made (for more information visit http://www.facingthegiants.com). Volunteers will make up the cast and the majority of the crew. The approach Sherwood Baptist took in creating thier film is another principle we are basing our production around. Giving a project to the Lord, creating it in his guidance, and praying for the Blessing of the Lord to bring the projects message to the world.

The Impact: This film is meant to hit you on many angles and levels. Some people will walk away with 10 some people 100, it all depends on the viewer. It'll speak to the child who has trouble obeying their parents, the parent who feels overwhelmed in their household or unappreciated by their spouse, those who have fallen out of touch with loved ones or lost a loved one, relationship commitment and the struggles therein, Honoring God with your life in the household, workplace, and all aspects of your everyday life, etc. Much can be said, but to put it simply, this film is meant to hit home and place a message where we all live, struggle, fail, and have victory.

The Praise: Since our websites launch in December of 2007, we have gathered 1000's of views on our website, emails from people all over the nation, and an overwhelming amount of support overall from the Body of Christ. The response just in the past few months has been overwhelming and its growing by the day!

The Future: What we are asking from those of you around the country and around the world who are believers in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is Please Pray!:

1) For our project overall, its completion, and the blessings that God may bring to reach others for Him.
2) That the script/story is inspired and anointed by God, and includes a powerful message for his Glory.
3) That the casting would be directed by God to include the right people for the right reasons.
4) That we might have guidance from the Lord on things we aren't exactly sure about and other problems that might arise.
5) That the time frame for production would be protected and efficient.
6) That the Lord would bless and protect those working on the project that their focus would be consistent throughout the shooting period.
7) That the cast and their performances would be motivated by a Love for Jesus and would be above and beyond what we expect.
8) That the families of those involved would be protected, loved, and patient with the production.
9) That the team overall would be covered, guarded, and protected against any attacks of distractions from the enemy.
10) That all locations would be perfect, ready, and reserved for the shoot.
11) That all make up, props, and wardrobe would be perfect, well supplied, and professionally overseen.
12) That all extras would be easy to work with, available, safe, and remain positive for the shoot.
13) That all lighting, audio, camera, and computer equipment would be of the highest quality, skillfully used, and protected from damage.
14) That all music would be inspired by God and composed perfectly and powerfully by our composer and her team.
15) That the weather would be perfect for the shoot.
16) That all meals and other assorted materials would be provided.
17) Pray overall that major problems would be seen in advance, that we may prevent them before they happen.
18) Pray for worldwide distribution of the film and that the right companies would be involved.
19) Pray for the souls of those who will watch the film, that they may be drawn to Christ by its message.
20) Pray for the budget and funding, that it may be filled or abundant so we can make this film the best it can possibly be.
21) That God would stir the Body of Christ to pray during every aspect of the shoot.
22) That God would use this film to bring millions to faith in Christ and a closer walk with God.
23) That the editing process would be efficient, creative, and perfect.
24) That the financial return would pay off all debt and give us enough to expand our local churches ministries, help with another film, and any other purposes that God might bring forth.
25) That God would guard the health of those involved.
26) That anything we forgot to list here would be covered.

We have a long, hard, and tiring road ahead of us as we go into production this summer. Please keep us in your thoughts and pray that God would be with us on this long road. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

You can find more information about our film at http://www.standingfirmmovie.com. Email our website to friends and family, print give out this article, tell people verbally and give them a sticky note with our information on it even! Whatever you have to do, spread the word! We need all the help we can get.

God Bless, and to God be the Glory!
Kyle Prohaska & Kevin Michael
Praise Pictures Inc.
http://www.praisepictures.com