Easter film to be released in prisons

After being successfully trialled in churches last year, a new evangelistic film telling the story of the thief on the cross is set to launch.

The one-hour film, Heaven, How I Got Here: The Story of the Thief on the Cross, is based on a book by Pastor Colin Smith and has been produced by charity Open the Bible in partnership with The Gospel Coalition. Having already been translated into 20 languages, there are now plans for it be shown in prisons across the UK, with the help of Daylight Christian Prison Trust.

Gaius Phillingham, CEO of Daylight, said: ‘Prison is often a lonely and dark place. To bring the news of a sure and certain hope of heaven through Jesus and Jesus alone, is a real gift. We’re excited to see how the Lord may use Open the Bible's film and other resources to help many think about heaven.’

The film is a professional recording of a one actor performance that took place a few years ago in front of a live audience at a church in Chicago, where Colin Smith is Senior Pastor. Audience members were given a ‘boarding pass' on arrival, a temporary pass into heaven for the evening, while they listened to the thief share his story.

Executive Director of Open the Bible John Martin says, ‘We have found the film has worked well both for small groups to discuss, and evangelistically, as audience members “join” the audience in the film (we provide a template for a boarding pass to mimic the ones you see audience members holding).’

The film will be free for churches to use evangelistically during Easter week at openthebible.org.uk, along with a free discussion guide and gospel booklets. For more information contact hello@openthebible.org.uk