Birmingham, AL – Is it possible for a book written nearly 2,000 years ago can still have intrinsic value to the daily lives of its readers?  TIMELESS: The Living and Enduring Word of God, the 16th book by beloved author, podcast host, and speaker Carol McLeod shares how the Bible in general, and the book of I Peter specifically, has never ceased to create a vital, timely impact on each generation of readers. TIMELESS is available tomorrow, June 27, at all major retailers and online, and is published by Iron Stream Media.

Carol says “I love the Bible! As I was reading 1 Peter one day, I understood that Peter, through the unction of the Holy Spirit, was writing to a bullied church in the midst of a Godless culture. I also realized that Peter was writing to our church today.”

Rarely can a book written nearly two millennia ago speak to a current generation of readers. However, the book of 1 Peter is practical, hopeful, and as up-to-date as anything written today. She continues, “This book is different from other Bible studies because, while it is theology, it is also personal, practical, and hopeful. TIMELESS makes the black-and-white Word of God jump off the page in technicolor enthusiasm.”

The stunning component that sets the Bible apart from other pieces of literature is that, while written on paper through the hands of ordinary men, the Holy Spirit wrote it. Carol explores how the Holy Spirit divinely inspired the entire scripture, and focuses specifically on the writings of Peter, the rock upon which Christ would build His church, and how these words can hold dynamic power for your life today.

“I hope that women fall in love with the Word of God,” she exclaims. “I hope it will light a fire in their hearts to lovingly handle scripture and to be amazed at the truth in the Word of God. I also hope that TIMELESS will give women the tools to make it through the searing fires in life with great joy.”

TIMELESS: The Living and Enduring Word of God is published by Iron Stream Media and is available at all major book retailers and online on June 27, 2023.  

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About Carol McLeod:  

Carol McLeod is a sought-after speaker, best-selling author of 16 books, and the host of two successful podcasts: “Jolt of Joy” and “Significant Women.” Her weekly blog “Joy for the Journey” has been named to the Top 50 Faith Blogs for Women, her weekly TV show The Joy Life is viewed by thousands weekly, and her YouVersion devotionals have been enjoyed by nearly 4 million people around the world.  Known for her great joy and enthusiasm, Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical Bible-focused messages, interspersed with her own special brand of hope and humor.  CarolMcLeodMinistries.com

About Iron Stream Media:

Making disciples as we go.  Iron Stream media derives its name from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”  This sharpening describes the process of discipleship, to one another. Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, missionaries, and nonprofits that include in-depth bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative series. Iron Stream Media is the home of Iron Stream Books, Brookstone Creative Group, Iron Stream Kids, Iron Stream Harambee Press, and Iron Stream Fiction. Through the popular Life Bible Study imprint, they also provide web-based year and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.  https://www.ironstreammedia.com/

MINNEAPOLIS, MN. April 4, 2023 – Patterns of Evidence has become a beloved, trusted source for those seeking to discover the credibility of the Bible. By comparing biblical accounts with science, archaeology, and historical documents, their films strive to validate stories from scripture that are core to biblical faith. Now, PART II of the sixth film, PATTERNS OF EVIDENCE: JOURNEY TO MOUNT SINAI, will launch in theaters for a two-night only event, May 15 and May 17 through Fathom Events. 

View the trailer and purchase tickets here: (LINK to: fathom media page)

In JOURNEY TO MOUNT SINAI PART II, Filmmaker Timothy Mahoney completes his 20-year search for the true location of Mount Sinai where God presented Moses the Ten Commandments and first directed the Israelites to worship Him. Following the film, attendees are invited to participate in a worship experience. Mahoney and The Praise Choir will lead the theater in a time of praise and worship.  Be prepared to spiritually meet the God of the Exodus, just as the Israelites met God at Mt. Sinai.

Mahoney’s investigation initially set out to explore a new location for the mountain in Saudi Arabia, as argued by modern Exodus Explorers. When challenged that he wasn’t looking at all the options, Mahoney used the trusted Patterns of Evidence approach to investigate the six main candidates. Examining details in the biblical text as well as geographical and archaeological information, he set out to pin-point the mountain’s true location. 

PATTERNS OF EVIDENCE: JOURNEY TO MOUNT SINAI PART I followed the Israelites’ path after the Red Sea crossing until their arrival at the mountain, and examined three possible locations: the Traditional Mt. Sinai, Jebel Sanijah, and Hashem el-Tarif.  Now, PART II asks, could Mount Sinai actually be Har Karkom, in Israel’s Negev desert, strewn with thousands of pieces of rock art?  Might the mountain be at one of two locations in Saudi Arabia: Mt Bedr, a recently active volcano, or Jabal al Lawz where explorers claim abundant evidence matches the events of the Exodus? 

Once again, viewers are encouraged to join the investigation by downloading the free Mount Sinai Scorecard from the Patterns of Evidence website. This scorecard gives clues from Scripture, asks leading questions, and allows viewers a tool to follow along with the film’s investigation into all six proposed locations. Viewers can discover an amazing pattern of evidence and decide for themselves which is the mountain where Moses and the Israelites met God.

“I believe this interactive approach of using the Mount Sinai Scorecard will open up a whole new level of engagement for the viewer and their faith, as they use their Bible to evaluate the evidence being presented for each Mount Sinai candidate,” shares Mahoney. “At the end of the two films, the viewer will be able to rate which location they believe is the true site of Mount Sinai as well as be inspired by the historical credibility of the Bible.”

Fathom Events and Thinking Man Films will host PATTERNS OF EVIDENCE: JOURNEY TO MOUNT SINAI Part II in theaters nationwide on May 15 and 17 at 7:00 p.m. local time. For a complete list of locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change). Tickets are available today at www.FathomEvents.com and participating theater box offices.

For artwork/photos related to The Journey to Mount Sinai, visit the Fathom Events Press page:

About Fathom Events:

Fathom is a recognized leader in the entertainment industry as one of the top distributors of content to movie theaters in North America. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC); Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK); and Regal Cinemas, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE.L)., Fathom operates the largest cinema distribution network, delivering a wide variety of programming and experiences to cinema audiences in all the top U.S. markets and to more than 45 countries. For more information, visit www.FathomEvents.com

About Thinking Man Films:

Thinking Man Films is a U.S. based production company owned by Timothy P. Mahoney. The company’s first film was Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus and led to the internationally successful Patterns of Evidence film series.  We seek to produce balanced, high-quality films and media that encourage all to be thinking men and women.  www.thinkingmanfilms.com

Houston, Tex. — Timely award-winning docu-series ACROSS will release online June 20, 2023 for World Refugee Day in the US. ACROSS is the story of what happens when we set aside politics and witness the humanity and faith of asylum seekers firsthand.

View the trailer here.

Filmed in Honduras, Texas, and Illinois, ACROSS weaves the journey of everyday American Christians with families from the Northern Triangle of Central America hoping to rebuild their lives safely in the US. The series highlights the stories of three women and their children who escaped horrific abuse and violence, only to meet incredible hardships once arriving in the US. By hearing the stories and witnessing the unwavering faith of asylum seekers, these Americans stopped seeing migrants as news stories and instead were transformed as these individuals became a part of their church family. 

Without a political agenda, ACROSS shares the work of faith communities, compelled by their calling as Christians, to help. Instead of feeling paralyzed by this issue that seems overwhelming and helpless, these churches are putting feet to their faith and coming alongside migrant families as they seek legal asylum in the US. 

The project began in 2019, inspired by an episode on the Maybe God Podcast titled “Can Loving ‘Illegals’ Save Our Souls?”. Julie Mirlicourtois, who produces Maybe God along with host Eric Huffman, came up with the idea after listeners expressed the profound impact the episode had on their beliefs about migrant families. Previously, Julie spent 20 years in media working with CBS News and The Oprah Winfrey Show among others. She led a team of producers, cinematographers, composers, and editors with decades of experience working with Oprah, Pixar, Marvel, CBS News, NBC News, PBS, and Discovery to bring the series to life. 

Julie shares, “Every day we see images of desperate people fleeing life-threatening poverty, violence, and corruption, attempting a dangerous months-long journey to the US, seeking basic human rights. ACROSS is for people to witness the humanity of these mothers, fathers, and children crossing our southern border, the overwhelming majority of whom are Christians, in a way that deepens our understanding of the situation and acknowledges their stories of faith that are often missed.”

In addition to featuring leading experts in gang violence, intimate partner violence, and asylum law, Pastor John Garland from the San Antonio Mennonite Church offers a unique look at the lives of asylum seekers. He’s worked tirelessly to reunite parents and children, save vulnerable migrants from predators and human traffickers, and secure safe homes and legal help for asylum seekers.

“Navigating the system is incredibly challenging for anyone,” shares John. “It’s virtually impossible to plead your case without legal representation, yet most of the families seeking asylum have very few resources. There’s also a constant fear of rejection and of deportation.”

“Americans have a choice to reject refugees outright, ignore them, or support them,” he continues. “The first two options always lead to suffering, putting them back in the hands of predators and abusers, and pushing them into deeper generational suffering. When we choose to support them, there is a phenomenal opportunity for growth in our hearts and in our communities.”

About Maybe God:

Maybe God is a community of doubtful believers and faithful skeptics bold and courageous enough to seek answers together. The Maybe God Podcast tackles people’s most intimidating questions about God and the purpose of humanity through thought-provoking storytelling. Created in Houston, Texas in 2018, Maybe God quickly rose the Apple charts to Top 100 Spirituality Podcasts in 2019. With listeners in over 40 countries, Maybe God pushes as hard against religion as it does secularism in search of the only thing that matters: Truth. Maybe God is hosted by Eric Huffman, Lead Pastor of The Story Church in Houston, TX and author of 40 Days of Doubt: Devotions for the Skeptic and Scripture and the Skeptic.

About Docs/ology Films:

Docs/ology Films creates, markets and distributes documentary films and other true stories of exceptional artistic quality and substance. With a focus on projects that authentically explore the human condition and affirm the dignity of all people, Docs/ology seeks to connect smart films with ‘soulful’ people. Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, The Biggest Little Farm, The Most Reluctant Convert, The First Step, Social Animals, Dark Waters, Jane and the 2018 Academy Award winning feature documentary Free Solo are among the over 50 award-winning films, television and festival favorites we represent.

St. Paul, MN – Bringing awareness to issues surrounding mental illness, support to families, and dispelling the stigma surrounding the disease, LET ME HAVE MY SON is now available as a Virtual Cinema Event.  The award-winning film was created by Writer/Director Cristóbal Krusen, Messenger Films, and is distributed through Ocean Avenue Entertainment.

Trailer and Tickets are available at tickets.letmehavemyson.com.

LET ME HAVE MY SON is the heartwarming, hope-filled story of a father desperately seeking to be reunited with the dear son he has lost to mental illness. 

View a short video sharing Krusen’s heart and the story behind the project.

In the film, Ben Whitmore Sr. (Krusen) travels to Middlemouth Security Hospital after being informed that, after years of treatment, his son, Benny (Nathan Barlow) has recovered from schizophrenia. Instead of bringing Benny home, however, Ben Sr. discovers that he has disappeared, triggering the father’s increasingly desperate search for answers.

In an epilogue to the film, viewers get to experience a brief, emotional video of Cristóbal and his real-life son, Daniel, sharing family time together. 

The release of the film could not be timelier, as the National Institute of Mental Health reports that currently 1 out of 5 of our nation’s children now suffer from debilitating mental disorders. The word ‘schizophrenia’ itself means “a splitting of the mind”** , and according to the World Health Organization, over 21 million people worldwide struggle specifically with schizophrenia.  

Cristóbal shares, “My son was, and still is, the apple of my eye. While his disease has taken him away from us in many ways, we can still see the goodness of the Lord at work. I hope the book, and now the film, can give hope and encouragement to those facing issues of mental illness. I believe that  love completes what hope begins, and God’s gift of faith will carry us through life’s often arduous journey.”

LET ME HAVE MY SON was created by Messenger Films and distributed through Ocean Avenue Entertainment. 

** https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-schizophrenia-day-may-24/

About Cristóbal Krusen:

Cristóbal Krusen was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, the third of four children. Early in life, he showed a keen interest in literature, reading many of the classics while still in grade school and cherishing the ambition that one day he would become a writer. He entered Harvard University in 1971, majoring in English literature, intent on making his mark as a poet and novelist. A growing interest in photography and filmmaking, however, led him to transfer to New York University where he changed majors and graduated with a BFA in Film and Television in 1976. He later attended Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California where he received his MFA in Film in 1989.

Cristóbal founded Messenger Films in 1988 and has worked as a writer/director of film and television ever since, helming productions in more than twenty countries. He is best known for Final Solution, More Than Dreams, Undaunted, Sabina K. and most recently, Let Me Have My Son . Over the last several years, Cristóbal has also begun fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a writer. He is the author of Undaunted, They Were Christians, and Let Me Have My Son.

Working in multiple languages as a filmmaker, Cristóbal is known for a poetic visual style and the ability to draw intimate performances from actors. Above all, he is a “story-teller” who delights to engage his audience while addressing the deepest needs of the human heart. 

The Angel Studios’ Original Feature Film HIS ONLY SON—in theaters nationwide March 31st—tells the Biblical Story of Abraham and Isaac with Theatrical Trailer Available Today

(Provo, UT—March 6, 2023) Angel Studios–the platform empowering creators to crowdfund, create, and then distribute films and TV series globally with full creative control and which projects have been backed by over 64,000 angel investors through the Angel Guild–is announcing another first, a successful crowdfunding campaign that funded the theatrical release of HIS ONLY SON. This is the first time a theatrical release has been crowdfunded in entertainment history. 

“Today, Angel reached another milestone with the first-ever crowdfunding of marketing funds for a theatrical release,” said Neal Harmon, CEO of Angel Studios. “Because Angel’s decisions are driven by fans–and crowdfunding for His Only Son reached capacity in 100 hours–we are responding to the demand from the audience by at least tripling the theater count nationwide and throwing our most valuable marketing resources behind the film. The Angel Guild, made up of Angel investors from every show, have rated this film with one of the highest scores we have ever received in our system.”

HIS ONLY SON has concluded its crowdfunding campaign and will now be available in theaters nationwide on March 31st, just in time for Easter. Buy tickets at HisOnlySonMovie.com. 

Key Details on HIS ONLY SON

• The movie has completed final production and has fully raised funds to support a theatrical release. 
• HIS ONLY SON is a Biblically inspired film based on the life of Abraham as told in Genesis chapters 12 through 22.
• HIS ONLY SON is directed by David Helling, a U.S. Marine Corp veteran whose time in the deserts of Iraq formed the impetus for the film.
• The movie commitment to accuracy is seen even in the authentic cast–with Abraham played by Nicolas Mouawad, a beloved Lebanese film and TV actor, and Sarah played by Sara Sayed, who was born and raised in Tehran. 

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About Angel Studios: Angel Studios is the home of stories that amplify light. Through its platform, thousands of  “Angel” investors choose which titles will be created, funded, and distributed. Angel Studios allows creators and audiences to form passionate communities around their creative projects, making the story behind the story as important as the final project itself. The studios’ first projects—The Chosen and Dry Bar Comedy—have earned billions of views around the world. Learn more at angel.com

Orlando, FL August 24, 2022 – Helping people understand and embrace their true identity as sons and daughters of the Living God has been a passion of author and media creator Kat Vazquez.  Now, in her new book REIGN: Restoring Identity, Kat guides readers to learn the truth of what it means to carry the fullness of God with you in your daily life. REIGN is poised to release September 22, 2022.

“I wrote this book to share my rocky journey.  Emotional trauma, broken cycles and damaged mindsets kept me in bondage much of my adult life,” Kat shares. “But dangerous prayers work! After months of prayer, journaling, and processing, I saw a blueprint of how He saw me: redeemed, filled with peace, living victoriously with Him.  This is a story of unrelenting love, patience and goodness of our heavenly Father.  We are chosen. We are His.”

REIGN is a 40-day quest discovering who God made you to be. Through daily scripture readings, prayer declarations, and creative exercises, readers learn how to Iive victoriously as His children, and activate their divine purpose.

REIGN is the next project in the YOUR STORY IS NOT DONE (YSIND) brand.  Created by Kat and her husband Jorge Vazquez, YSIND is centered in a mission to spread hope. Their message is simple: that no matter what has happened in your past, God has a plan for redeeming and empowering your story.  Evangelists, authors, and TV hosts for over 15 years, The Vazquez’s are called to evangelize the lost, and energize and equip Christians, while empowering the Church to do the same.

The YSIND umbrella of projects includes: the Your Story is Not Done short film series, the Your Story is Not Done book, the No More Rejection book, and the bi-monthly “Backstory” podcast. 

The film series shares powerful stories of God reaching through our circumstance to re-write our stories to be filled with healing, hope, and redemption. Episode 1 features Brian “Head” Welch (available on Amazon Prime), Episode 2, features Annie Lobert (available on ROKU), and Episode 3, featuring Scott McNamara will be available in the coming weeks. Episode 4 will release in early fall, featuring Jonathan Cain of the band Journey.

“I have no greater passion than to see others set free,” she continues. “To see them find their true identity in Christ and walk victoriously in their divine purposes.”

https://www.thereignbook.com

http://www.yourstoryisnotdone.com

LOS ANGELES, August 19, 2022 – The Mulligan, an inspiring story about second chances, has been honored with six nominations from the upcoming Canadian International Faith & Family Film Festival (CIFF).  After a successful national theatrical launch, the film just released on DVD, Digital, and On Demand on August 16th through Cinedigm. Based on the novel by Ken Blanchard and Wally Armstrong, the film adaptation has received both critical and consumer acclaim, hailing a 100% Fan-rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Mulligan received CIFF Nominations in the following categories:
            Best Feature Film

            Best Director:  Michael O. Sajbel

            Best Lead Actor: Eric Close

            Best Supporting Actor – Pat Boone

            Best Supporting Actress – Charmin Lee

            Best Family Film

The Canadian International Faith & Family Film Festival (CIFF) has a mission to showcase, promote, educate, and encourage appreciation of faith, family, and independent films.  Every year at the CIFF Film Festival we exhibit and celebrate the most outstanding faith and family content produced in every part of the world.  Films are selected and nominated by a panel of judges on the basis of content quality, and originality.

The Mulligan shares the story of Paul (Eric Close – American Sniper, Nashville), who outwardly has everything that he could possibly want. He’s a successful businessman, motivational speaker and superstar on the golf course. But behind the persona, his world has fallen apart and his estrangement from his family has left him desperate to find anything to fill the void.  When he gets teamed up with an old golf pro (Pat Boone – A Cowgirl’s Story, God’s Not Dead 2), Paul begins to realize that there is still time to set his world right…there’s still time for a mulligan.

Directed by Michael O. Sajbel (The Ultimate Gift, The Ride), and co-written by Randall Eldridge, Rick Eldridge (The Ultimate Gift, Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius), Roland Eldridge and Jimmy Hager, the film is based on the 2016 novel “The Mulligan: A Parable of Second Chances” by Blanchard and Armstrong. The film also stars Tanya Christiansen (I Still Believe, The Hate U Give),  Andrew Brodeur (Tall Girl, MacGyver), Charmin Lee (Westworld, The 5^th Wave) and Debra Stipe (Full House, Father Figures), with guest appearances by PGA Professional Tom Leyman and Broadcasting legend Jim Nantz. The Mulligan was produced by Scotty Curlee, Eldridge and Stephan Schultze, with Eldridge also acting as Executive Producer.

Official Trailer:  https://youtu.be/lQ89v0f3BsU

Official Synopsis:

An inspiring story about relationships, forgiveness and second chances. Paul McAllister seems to have it all as a successful businessman, but his life starts to fall apart. Guided by the wisdom and advice of an old golf pro, Paul learns about playing a good game both on and off the course. Based on the popular book, THE MULLIGAN is an inspiring reminder that second chances are only one shot away.

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About Cinedigm
For more than 20 years, Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM) has led the digital transformation of the entertainment industry. Today, Cinedigm entertains consumers around the globe by providing premium feature film and television series, enthusiast streaming channels and technology services to the world’s largest media, retail and technology companies. As a leader in the rapidly evolving streaming ecosystem, Cinedigm continues its legacy as an innovator through its adoption of next-generation technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, through its proprietary, highly-scalable Matchpoint technology platform. For more information, visit cinedigm.com.

The award cites McLean’s “exemplary artistic achievement demonstrated by a body of work that glorifies God on stage, through film and audio production.

“I am deeply appreciative of this recognition from the C.S. Lewis Foundation,” said McLean, founder and artistic director of New York City-based Fellowship for Performing Arts. “I count it a great privilege to bring the insight, wit and spiritual journey of C.S. Lewis to life on stage and screen.”

For three decades, McLean has created and performed theatrical and film productions from a Christian worldview that are meant to engage a broad and diverse audience. He recently starred in the film The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis, which has been seen in 130 countries worldwide and now is available on Amazon Prime Vido, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube and on DVD and Blu-rayÒ.

The film is based on McLean’s stage production of C.S. Lewis on Stage: The Most Reluctant Convert. Other Fellowship for Performing Arts’ productions include C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, which McLean adapted from the Lewis novel and starred in and has been seen by over 600,000 people; C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce, also adapted by McLean; and C.S. Lewis on Stage: Further Up & Further In, launching a nationwide tour in September.

FPA also created and produced Martin Luther on Trial in New York and on national tour, the first New York revival of the award-winning play Shadowlands, an original play based on Paradise Lost and a New York revival of A Man for All Seasons. The organization has announced that two additional films on Lewis’ life are in early stages of development.

Earlier in his career, McLean performed one-man dramatic presentations of complete books of the Bible, including Genesis, Acts and Mark’s Gospel, for which he earned a Jeff Award, Chicago theatre’s highest honor.

In honoring McLean, the Foundation’s Forum Award said: “You courageously entered the world of theater arts, not just to entertain, but engage your audiences with truth and beauty. . . . You continue to gather together and inspire a new generation of theater and film artisans who are committed to offering the Christian worldview through their craft.”

McLean received the award at the Foundation’s 11^th International Summer Institute on July 29.

Previous award recipients include author Madeleine L’Engle, Lewis’ secretary and biographer Walter Hooper, author and speaker Os Guinness and Prison Fellowship founder Chuck Colson.

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For high-resolution photography or to request an interview with Max McLean, please contact Cheryl Anteau at Cheryl@SouthsideEntertainment.net (321) 506-3472.

About Fellowship for Performing Arts

Founded by Max McLean in 1992, Fellowship for Performing Arts is a New York City-based production company that tell stories from a Christian worldview to engage diverse audiences. In addition to live theatrical works and film, FPA produces the audio Bible The Listener’s Bible. FPAtheatre.com

About the C.S. Lewis Foundation

Incorporated in 1986, the C.S. Lewis Foundation was founded to address issues arising from the ever-increasing secularization of culture, particularly in the university and arts worlds. In our calling as Christians, we seek to remain “salt and the light” to the world around us through cultural engagement, stewardship and education. CSLewis.org

Author, Advocate, and Adventure-Seeker JT JESTER to Host 62 Mile Stand Up Paddle Board Fundraising Event Following Release of First Children’s Book.

Event and portion of book sales to raise funds to support families with children battling congenital colorectal conditions and extreme learning disabilities.

Detroit, MI – Best-selling author, speaker, advocate, and adventure-seeker JT Jester continues to defy the odds, announcing his next fund-raising challenge – stand-up paddle boarding 62 miles through the waterways of Detroit. Starting at the Blue Water Bridge (Port Huron) and ending at the Belle Isle Bridge (Detroit), The BlueBelle SPU Challenge is set to take place in late September (date determined by weather), and seeks to raise $62,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities and other nonprofits that partner with the JT Mestdagh Foundation.

“We hope that we can use this adventure to raise funds, bring awareness, and support to families facing incredible financial hardships and stress caused by specific medical and educational issues,” JT shares. “My parents wouldn’t settle for less than world-class care for me, and so we spent much of my childhood living at Ronald McDonald Houses. We want to help ease this burden for families, and let parents just concentrate on helping and healing their children.”

In addition to this event, a portion of the proceeds from JT’s newly released children’s book, How the Sailfish Got its Name, will also be funneled back to fund the work of the JT Mestdagh Foundation.

How the Sailfish Got its Name was written when JT was just seven years old and receiving treatments for his medical condition.

“I want to share my story so people who feel alone and discouraged might feel well, less alone and more confident,”  JT shares.

It is not an exaggeration to call JT a medical miracle. By the time he was three years old, JT had spent 250 days being treated at St. John’s Hospital and endured sixteen major surgeries at various hospitals including St John’s and Children’s Hospital of Michigan before he was sixteen. Diagnosed with VATER/VACTERL Syndrome, a rare combination of several birth defects, JT’s life was anything but easy.

On top of his physical challenges, he suffered dyslexia and short-term memory loss, which made learning nearly impossible for him. Yet JT pushed past his physical and educational roadblocks to achieve what many people told him he would never do—learn to read, graduate from University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe, graduate college, and become a successful motivational speaker, bestselling author, and influential podcast host.

In early 2022, Jester released NO BAD DAYS: How to Find Joy in Any Circumstance (Forefront Books).  In NO BAD DAYS, JT details the incredible story of how he overcame what seemed like insurmountable odds and shares the many invaluable lessons he has learned throughout his life in the hope that others might reach their full potential. These lessons include how to Find Your Tribe, Pull Off the Label, Stretch Yourself, Listen to Others, and Learn to Fall.  He also parallels inspiring stories of everyday people who have overcome incredible difficulties. JT invites us into his incredible journey of finding joy in all circumstances and holding tightly to faith. 

JT continues, “I hope you’ll join us in the BlueBelle SUP Challenge. Through this 62-mile paddle,  I pray that we can create an experience that inspires people to do what seems impossible, and use every inch of our resources and energy to help and encourage others.”

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About JT Jester: JT Jester is a motivational speaker, young entrepreneur, philanthropist, author, and podcaster, based in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. A graduate of High Point University in North Carolina, JT is also an experienced mountaineer, extreme skier, boater, hunter, and adventurer who has made it his life mission to encourage people to untether from natural or self-imposed limitations and live full, passionate lives.

Born with life-threatening VATER/VACTERL syndrome, as well as extreme dyslexia and short-term memory loss, he established the JT Mestdagh Foundation to bring encouragement, joy, and laughter to people with physical and learning disabilities and their families. JT hopes that through sharing his life experiences and other people’s stories, people will be reminded there truly are no bad days and to never give up.

Mission Statement of the JT Mestdagh Foundation

By reaching up and reaching out, the JT Mestdagh Foundation sees a world changed and improved by children with congenital colorectal issues who receive world-class medical care, those with dyslexia and other learning disabilities to excel with the best possible educational testing, mentoring, and tutoring, especially using the Tattum Reading Program.  The foundation also envisions these young people’s families, caregivers, and educators surrounded with love and hope as well as practical tools and creative strategies to ease the demands that no one should face alone.

“Being nominated for this award was a huge honor,” shares filmmaker Kat Vazquez. “We believe in the power of film to share impactful, true stories of lives that have been restored. Scott’s testimony is a powerful reminder of the incredible love that God has for his children. No matter what we have in our past, God wants to redeem our stories and turn them into something beautiful.”

SCOTT’S STORY is shared by Scott McNamara, who was just a teenager when he was thrust into the spotlight as a member of a British boy-band. His life quickly de-railed into an existence of money, excess, and drug abuse.  Now, Scott’s life has been transformed, and he is an evangelist and the founder of Jesus at the Door.

Created by the husband and wife team of Jorge and Kat Vazquez, YOUR STORY IS NOT DONE is a brand that is focused on spreading hope. Their message is simple: that no matter what has happened in your past, God has a plan for redeeming and empowering your story. 

The past releases of YSIND include Episode 1, featuring Brian “Head” Welch (available on Amazon Prime), and Episode 2, featuring Annie Lobert (available on ROKU).  The brand also features the YSIND book, as well as the bi-monthly “Backstory” podcast.  Episode 4 will release in early fall, featuring Jonathan Cain (Journey), and Kat’s new book REIGN is poised to release fall of 2022.

Jorge and Kat Vazquez are the founders of Revolution Media Ministries, the Revolution TV Show, and now, the YOUR STORY IS NOT DONE brand. Evangelists, authors, and TV hosts for over 15 years, The Vazquez’s are called to evangelize the lost, and energize and equip Christians, while empowering the Church to do the same.

YOUR STORY IS NOT DONE: SCOTT’S STORY will premier at the International Christian Film Festival on Friday, May 6 at 8:00pm ET hosted in Orlando.  Tickets are available here: https://icff.ticketspice.com/icff2022

http://www.yourstoryisnotdone.com