Machine Gun Preacher

Last night, I had the honor of attending a screening for Machine Gun Preacher. I saw the preview for this movie last week and read the synopsis and could hardly wait to attend the film. "Machine Gun Preacher is the inspirational true story of Sam Childers, a former drug-dealing criminal who undergoes an astonishing transformation and finds an unexpected calling as the savior of hundreds of kidnapped and orphaned children." I knew this would be a sad movie to watch and the hardest part about it is that what you are seeing on the big screen is a reality, it is NOT just Hollywood. It is a very heavy movie, but it is SO inspirational. It was so empowering to watch an addict overcome their addiction and it was truly beautiful to see how God has transformed the lives of thousands of orphaned children with the help of said addict.

The movie itself was phenomenal but another highlight of this screening was that a VERY special guest made an appearance.

Yes, the REAL Sam Childers was at our screening last night as was the beautiful Michelle Monaghan. They introduced the film together and then after the credits rolled Sam spoke and answered questions (I even asked one!).

He talked about his struggle with drugs and alcohol as well as his relationship with God. He hopes that Christians flock to this movie not to see another Hollywood production, but for the orphaned children of Africa. He did not push his own charity at all (though I do believe it is a wonderful one!) but rather said you need to simply find an organization who you believe in and support it. Stop talking and get doing! Finally, he did let us in on a few of the secrets of the film. The timeline of the movie is short compared to the real life timeline which is 30 years and his best friend in the movie is actually a combination of six real life friends (also he wanted us to know he did not really throw this friend out of the house as is shown in the movie...don't worry, this does not spoil the movie for you).

Machine Gun Preacher is an amazing movie and I highly encourage you all see this. While I have watched numerous movies about the turmoil in the Sudan and surrounding countries, this one definitely stands out and was so well done. However, do be warned that it is not a happy, chick flick. It is a very heavy movie as mentioned, but a true story of war and heartbreak.