By Press Release | Materials Support Themes of Family, Faith, Perseverance | April 12 2011
With the April 8 nationwide release of the motion picture Soul Surfer based on the inspiring, true story of Bethany Hamilton, Outreach Inc., a Southern California-based church marketing and publishing company, aims to equip congregations to reach their communities with resources related to the movie.
Soul Surfer is the faith-building, real-life story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, inspiring millions worldwide through the love of her family, her sheer determination and unwavering faith. The film features an all-star cast, including AnnaSophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut and Dennis Quaid. (
Learn more and view the movie trailer.)
Soul Surfer will go out as a wide release via TriStar Pictures with a broad-based and integrated marketing campaign managed by FilmDistrict.
"I loved this movie and loved watching it with my family!" said Craig Groeschel, founder and senior pastor of
LifeChurch.tv, a multi-site church with campuses across the country, as well as one that meets entirely on the Internet. "It's engaging and entertaining. I think it will draw a wide audience because of its incredible true story. Bethany Hamilton's story is world-renowned, and this movie turned out to be world class, too!"
"Outreach, Inc. has produced thoughtfully-crafted resources to encourage congregations with a church-wide campaign using themes from Bethany's story and the motion picture, such as the power of family, the importance of faith and seeking God's direction in life. Amid the difficult times we are all facing, Outreach's
Soul Surfer resources equip congregations with the materials essential to walk through challenges, deepen its faith and strengthen its relationship with God," said Eric Abel, vice president of marketing for Outreach.
Interested churches, pastors or lay leaders are encouraged to learn more about
Soul Surfer resources by visiting
SoulSurferOutreach.com. The
Soul Surfer Church Kit is two kits in one, with resources for senior pastors and youth pastors, including:
The Heart of a Soul Surfer documentary;
Church leader resources, such as sermons, video clips, planning guides and PowerPoint slides;
Youth leaders resources for a four-week study, including video clips and messages;
The non-fiction inspirational book for teens,
Soul Surfer: Catching God's Wave for Your Life; and
Sample promotional material.
The
Soul Surfer DVD-based study kit will help small groups, families and teens explore the life lessons contained in Hamilton's story. The study contains the
Heart of a Soul Surfer documentary, including specific clips to go with the four-week study; promotional videos and trailer from the motion picture; a CD Rom with games and activities; a
Soul Surfer leader's guide and study guide, with Bible studies and group discussion questions. Outreach also is making available special promotional material for churches, including postcards, banners, bulletin shells and personal invitations. Founded in 1996,
Outreach Inc. has grown quickly to become the largest provider of church outreach products and services in the world. With a mission to share God's love and empower the church to share the message of Jesus Christ, Outreach provides cost-effective, proven methods and resources in a variety of forms, including books, media and film, postcard invitations, banners, bulletin covers, curriculum, church campaign materials and more. Outreach is located in North San Diego County and employs more than 120 people.
