There’s a small church doing big things to save marriages. The Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, has produced three movies to date. The latest, Fireproof, was released in theaters September 26, 2008 and starred Kirk Cameron of Growing Pains fame.
Fireproof is the story of firefighter Captain Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) who feels like he doesn’t get any respect from his wife Catherine, (Erin Bethea) and she’s over sensitive. Whereas his wife feels he is insensitive, selfish and doesn’t understand her needs. After seven years of marriage the couple’s marriage is failing, and neither one understands the emotional and physical needs of the other.
Caleb’s addiction to Internet pornography, and his plan to use his savings to purchase a boat, puts the couple over the edge and prepare for divorce.
Caleb’s father steps in and asks him to try something before signing the divorce papers. It’s called “The Love Dare”. A forty day test where Caleb has to do things for his wife each day. Caleb says he will try it, but only because his father asked him. When he discovers the book is tied to their new found faith Caleb is less than interested. Caleb forges ahead, often getting rejected and frustrated by his good deeds. At his weakest, Caleb finally cries out to God to save his marriage. Caleb doesn’t understand how he could love somebody who constantly rejects him.
Enter Dad to explain this. During a walk on the grounds of a former church summer camp, his father explains the Gospel to him. From that day forward Caleb is “in” as he tells a Christian co-worker and tries to rebuild his marriage.
I will stop there. Hopefully this is enough to encourage you to see this movie. If you are in the Lewiston/Auburn area you can see the movie Friday, February 13 at East Auburn Church in Auburn for free. There will be two showings: 6:30 and 9:00 p.m. All you have to do is call or register online.
The movie was made using volunteers from Sherwood Heights Baptist Church, Kirk Cameron was the only professional actor who donated his time. The movie has grossed more than 33 million dollars to date. Not bad when it was made for $550,000. Also checkout their other movies, Facing the Giants and Flywheel. The production quality isn’t quite as polished as Fireproof, but the storylines are really good.
Invest in your marriage, see this movie and give the “Love Dare” a try.