I Can Only Imagine

Wow! I feel like I still have tear stains on my cheeks. It grabbed me from the start and never let go!

It's the story of Bart Millard, of the band MercyMe, writing the best-selling single in Christian music history, "I Can Only Imagine." That log line falls far short of describing what this film really is. It is certainly the best biopic I have ever seen. The artistry that went into it is truly stunning. Long ago I heard a sermon by John Langlois on "The Father Heart of God." Because I have a great father it's been easy for me to see God the Father as loving, kind and encouraging, but for people without a father on the scene or for people with an abusive father that can be more of a challenge. I applaud Millard for letting his story of his journey to greater intimacy with his earthly and heavenly fathers be told in such a transparent way.

In 2013 I heard Stephen Kendrick say that the Christian film industry was still in its infancy, but babies crawl, then walk, then run, then ride bikes, then cars, then planes, then rockets. I Can Only Imagine is a formula 500 race car! The scriptwriting (Alex Cramer's story adapted for screen by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle) is precision tuned. The team made all the right decisions when it comes to what to show and what to reference. The actors (cast by our friend Beverly Holloway) pull everything off with a depth of emotion that reaches right out of the screen.

Bev turned her sights to Broadway so they could find someone with the acting/singing combo they needed to represent Millard on screen and found J. Michael Finley. Jon Erwin showed his chops as a director, pulling Finley from Jean Valjean, filling an almost 1500 seat house, to his first film demanding a full range of nuanced emotions from giddy fanboy to wounded boy-man to healed phenom.

Jason Burkey and I
protecting our costumes
on the set of
The Screenwriters.

I was jazzed to see Jason Burkey (who performed with me in For the Glory and The Screenwriters) playing MercyMe guitarist, Michael John Scheuchzer. The son of Jeff Rose (who performed opposite me in The Unexpected Bar Mitzvah) played young Bart Millard beautifully. Cloris Leachman brought spark to her roles as Millard's Memaw and inspiration for the band's name. Madeline Carroll brought a deeply compelling subplot to life playing Millard's sweetheart from childhood. Ethan and Ashley Ledden, who have worked with me on five films, did supervised the special effects. We didn't notice many, which speaks to their consistently great work!

But the real MVP is Dennis Quaid, playing Millard's abusive father, who is transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ. His baby steps into Scripture reading, prayer and being a good father are at once charming and heart-wrenching. I haven't read any secular reviews yet (though The Hollywood Reporter was "impressed" by it making $1.3M before opening today), but since there are no artistic flaws to be found (The New York Times passed on a review), my guess is that those brave enough to review something of excellence that doesn't fit their worldview will take aim at the life-transformation. How can you explain away someone's true story? My bride was told by a colleague that her changed life was the first miracle the woman had ever seen, so I'm praying the world will receive what Jesus Christ can really do in a life as it is depicted in this wonderful film.

While there is enough violence for Millard's description of his father as a monster to ring true, most of that came through verbal descriptions, and the actual depictions of violence were brief and tastefully done.

Everyone in our theatre on Times Square prayed for the film afterward. One gentleman pointed out that there is no vulgarity. What a refreshing surprise to find a team creative enough to give a full sense of a monster without scarring us.

One of the things that has stayed with me from that "Father Heart of God" sermon I heard over 15 years ago: Whether we have or had a great, absent or abusive earthly father, we can use our perceptions of him to help us imagine a perfect Heavenly Father. He is always there for us, gave us our dreams and callings and will encourage and empower us to live them out for His glory. This film does just that, and I hope people are remembering its impact decades from now.

Parents should know:
It's rated PG for themes of abuse and alcoholism, and Dove.org recommends it to children 12 and up.

You can click below to watch the trailer, a piece on Dennis Quaid's Christian faith and a brand new music video of the song "I Can Only Imagine." If you got this in an email visit www.RichDrama.com/ICanOnlyImagine.

><><><

There are still openings for the 2018 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Courage to Follow God's Plan

The crumbled walls of Jericho and
Mount of Temptation from
our trip in 1999.

I got to open this morning's service at Westchester Chapel. Pastor Randy Solomon preaches on the fall of the walls of Jericho from Joshua 6. Here is an article which discusses the archeological evidence that the fallen and burned walls of Jericho are evidence that the story really happened! I mention the documentary Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Adventure. I also mention Ethan Hill, and you can see our cinematic collaborations by clicking here.

Click the arrow below, or if you're reading this in an email you can click this link, to play the service:



This service is available for download free on iTunes, where you can also subscribe to our podcast. Search for "Westchester Chapel" on the iTunes Store.

If you want to more about starting a relationship with Jesus Christ visit www.WestchesterChapel.org/Salvation.

><><><

There are still a few openings at the 2018 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

A Boy's War

I got to be a script consultant on this delightful short, which was nominated for Best Animated Film at the International Christian Film Festival, and it won Third Place for the Fatherhood CoMission at the Christian Worldview Film Festival. This team has been nominated at that festival several times, and last year they won for their film "Father Daughter Dance!"

They used the title I suggested, which was inspired by a book written by a gentleman who was interned with Eric Liddell.

Their thank you to me was naming the film family after mine!

You can watch the film below or if you're receiving this via email at www.Blog.RichDrama.com (3/10/18).

><><><

We have a few spots left at for the 2018 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Courage! See Through God's Eyes!

Dr. Linda used various eyewear to
illustrate today's sermon.

This morning I led Westchester Chapel in joining the Global Hymn Sing.

Dr. Linda Warren preached on Deuteronomy 1:19-41. Pastor Jim Warren opened.

Click the arrow below, or if you're reading this in an email you can click this link, to play the service:



Click below to find out more about the Global Hymn Sing and to see our Facebook Live Hymn Sing:

This service is available for download free on iTunes, where you can also subscribe to our podcast. Search for "Westchester Chapel" on the iTunes Store.

If you want to more about starting a relationship with Jesus Christ visit www.WestchesterChapel.org/Salvation.

><><><

See the rest of Olympic champion Eric Liddell's Chariots of Fire story in Beyond the Chariots. Watch it online and book a live performance.

Eric Liddell Joins the Global Hymn Sing

Keith and Kristyn Getty have invited the world to a Global Hymn Sing this Sunday, February 25, 2018.

The hymn they've chosen is "Jesus Will Reign," which Eric Liddell led a crowd in singing just before boarding the train which started his trek to China. His Olympic gold and bronze medals, not to mention his world record in the 400m, opened up many prestigious offers in Europe and the U.S. But he left it all behind to serve the Chinese as a teacher, track coach, and missionary for the rest of his short life.

I've been portraying Liddell since 2004 in my one-man play Beyond the Chariots, and I planned to dramatize Liddell singing "Jesus Shall Reign" in a follow-up film to Chariots of Fire, but we were beat to the finish line.
I just found out about the Global Hymn Sing, so I thought the best way to dramatize him leading that hymn, given the short time constraint, would be to portray him reflecting on that event at a point of his life that gives us a peek into the life he sacrificially chose.

Here's our Facebook Live Hymn Sing with the video we created:

Recording of the Facebook Live Hymn Sing
Here's the Facebook Live Hymn Sing we did earlier today. I didn't figure out how to switch back and forth between our camera and the video, so I just prerecorded our opening and closing comments and just put it into a single video. That turned out to be great because Joyce had lunch with a friend after church and she missed the train that would have brought her here on time! The bummer was that I didn't realize it would take the audio from my computer mic, so you could hear me typing up where people were from and singing along with myself! LOL! So here's the straight video with much better sound!

The lithograph on the wall behind us was given to me by Eric's middlest daughter, Heather, while she was speaking after one of my Off-Broadway performances of Beyond the Chariots. The story behind that lithograph is told in the play, which you can watch at www.RichDrama.com/BtC .

We've had 215 people watch so far from at least the following: England, Malaysia, Czech Republic, Germany, OR, SC, TX, MA, MD, NY, GA, TN, CO, KY, MI.

Find out more about the Global Hymn Sing at www.RichDrama.com/EricLiddellHymnSing
Posted by Rich Swingle on Sunday, February 25, 2018

And here's the video alone:

><><><

See the rest of Olympic champion Eric Liddell's Chariots of Fire story in Beyond the Chariots. Watch it online and book a live performance.

Eric Liddell and a Global Hymn Sing

Keith and Kristyn Getty have invited the world to a Global Hymn Sing this coming Sunday, February 25, 2018. 

The hymn they've chosen is "Jesus Will Reign," which Eric Liddell led a crowd in singing just before boarding the train which started his trek to China. His Olympic gold and bronze medals, not to mention his world record in the 400m, opened up many prestigious offers in Europe and the U.S. But he left it all behind to serve the Chinese as a teacher, track coach, and missionary for the rest of his short life. 

I planned to dramatize Liddell singing "Jesus Shall Reign" in a follow-up film to Chariots of Fire, but we were beat to the finish line (www.RichDrama.com/OnWingsOfEagles). 

I just found out about the Global Hymn Sing, but my schedule happens to be free this Sunday, so if anyone is interested in booking Beyond the Chariots, my 1-man play on Eric Liddell's post-Olympics missions, I'd be delighted to work that moment and the hymn into the play on Sunday or anytime: www.RichDrama.com/BeyondTheChariots. 

If it's too late to add the full play, I'd be happy to add a brief moment of Eric Liddell saying farewell to fans, and answering a mocking press, by leading the hymn.  

><><><

See the rest of Olympic champion Eric Liddell's Chariots of Fire story in Beyond the Chariots. Watch it online and book a live performance.

Billy Graham

Billy Graham went to be with the Lord this morning. The effect he's had on our planet is immeasurable, and much is available elsewhere about that enormous impact. But I've been reflecting on all the ways he's impacted my own life:

My connections to Billy Graham began long before I was born. After my grandfather passed away in 1942 my grandma was left with two little girls, two months (my future mother) and two years old. Some church ladies thought Billy might make a great new father, so they arranged a dinner so they could meet. George Beverly Shea was there, too, so it was nothing private. Billy, working on his second degree at Wheaton College, already knew of his call to be an evangelist, and Grandma knew she was called to be a missionary, so nothing came of it. She did meet him after one of his crusades, and he was glad she’d served as a missionary to Kenya, and he remembered that she had two little girls.

He was a co-founder of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, so I manned phones when he had a crusade in Boston while I was a student there. It was a very impactful experience for me. He also popped into a chapel, but I was off campus that day. Here's a brief but beautiful tribute to Billy Graham by my advisor at Gordon-Conwell: A Tribute to Billy Graham.

I performed at Montreat College, where the Grahams had a close affiliation.

I performed on a field where he preached.

I was on the planning team for a Lausanne Congress, which he founded. You can hear his opening address in 1974 by clicking here.

I performed in the chapel for Far East Broadcasting, founded by Billy Kim, who was the translator for Billy Graham at his largest crusade, in Seoul.

They're little connections, but each time they've encouraged me to pray for a greater impact for the Kingdom.

If you're not in the Kingdom, you can be: www.RichDrama.com/MyPassion.

><><><

There are a few spots left for the 2018 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Jordan grew up hearing my voice

Jordan Hubacz was First Assistant Director on "There," a short film produced and directed by two of my students at the Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp. Jordan shared how he grew up hearing my characters in The Beginners Bible videos.

Watch by clicking below, or if you're reading this in an email, you can watch it at www.RichDrama.com/BeginnersBible.

><><><

Limited vacancies for the 2018 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Henry Box Brown Went Well

Our performances of Henry Box Brown went miraculously well! Though Joyce had already seen it five times, she got up at 3:30 am, after going to bed after midnight, to be an on-site intercessor for our performance for students. She prayed over all 3,000 chairs, and the students, representing more than a dozen public schools were remarkably well-behaved. The Q and A was rich, deep and long! I pointed out that Scripture was used to support slavery, but slavery was mentioned in Scripture because it was a man-made institution that needed to be addressed. God commanded in Exodus 21:2, "In the seventh year your slave shall go free." When I said, "The Lord never intended for the lifelong ownership of a fellow human being," they burst into applause! It may have been the first time some of them heard that Scripture.

The Geneva gown I'm wearing in this photo was my grandfather's PhD robe. During the Reformation Protestants refrained from wearing liturgical garments, and since most of them were scholars they wore their scholarly robes, which turned into the liturgical garments of the Protestant clergy.

Grandpa was a pastor, missionary, and history professor. He's one of the people who inspired me to do historical plays that minister in 29 nations so far: www.CliffMillerPhD.Blogspot.com

As Trevor the Treasure Seeker I answer some of the questions raised by some of the children in our cast. Watch it below, or if you're receiving this via email you can see it at www.RichDrama.com/HenryBoxBrown:

You can see my Facebook Live announcement by clicking here.

><><><

Another reason I'm excited to be a part of Henry Box Brown is that I've been performing my own one-man play about an abolitionist since 1995. A Clear Leading tells the story of John Woolman, a Quaker who spoke against slavery a century before our Civil War.

Edith DeCecca

We had the privilege of releasing our dear friend, Edith DeCecca to the Lord. Click here if you're receiving this in an email, or below for the remarkable story...

It's followed by two musical renditions of Edith's favorite passage of Scripture, Psalm 139, in English and then in Hebrew.

Edith's obituary and today's funeral time and location can be found at www.WestchesterChapel.org/EdithDeCecca. 

Henry Box Brown

Two prayers of my heart from twenty years ago were answered!

I heard about the Christian Cultural Center, the largest church in New York City and one of the largest independent churches in the US, shortly after moving here in 1993. As I started to develop my own one-man plays it was on my heart to perform there some day.

I play James Smith, an historical abolitionist, in Henry Box Brown, a musical that tells the story of a slave who ships himself in a box from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia and freedom in 1849.

Though it's not one of my one-man plays, this musical is answering my prayer of two decades, because we'll be performing at CCC three times:

February 11, 8 AM and 10:30 AM
20-minute version
Directions at www.CCCInfo.org, where you can live-stream the 10:30 AM Eastern service.

February 14, 7 PM
20-minute version streamed
www.CCCInfo.org

Feb 15, 10-1pm
Full musical
Click here to register (first come first registered)

February 17, 6 PM
20-minute version streamed
www.CCCInfo.org

Hope you can see this miraculous production online!

The other 2-decade-old prayer that was answered was working with Tony Award-winner, Ben Harney. He wrote a sketch in which I played Jesus for the Easter Parade on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, in the mid-90s. My prayer to work with him was answered, as he stepped in as director. 

The performances went miraculously well! Though Joyce had already seen it five times, she got up at 3:30 am, after going to bed after midnight, to be an on-site intercessor for our performance for students. She prayed over all 3,000 chairs, and the students, representing more than a dozen public schools were remarkably well-behaved. The Q and A was rich, deep and long! I pointed out that Scripture was used to support slavery, but slavery was mentioned in Scripture because it was a man-made institution that needed to be addressed. God commanded in Exodus 21:2, "In the seventh year your slave shall go free." When I said, "The Lord never intended for the lifelong ownership of a fellow human being," they burst into applause! It may have been the first time some of them heard that Scripture.

The Geneva gown I'm wearing in this photo was my grandfather's PhD robe. During the Reformation Protestants refrained from wearing liturgical garments, and since most of them were scholars they wore their scholarly robes, which turned into the liturgical garments of the Protestant clergy.

Grandpa was a pastor, missionary, and history professor. He's one of the people who inspired me to do historical plays that have ministered in 29 nations so far: www.CliffMillerPhD.Blogspot.com.

As Trevor the Treasure Seeker I answer some of the questions raised by some of the children in our cast:

You can see my Facebook Live announcement by clicking here.

><><><

Another reason I'm excited to be a part of Henry Box Brown is that I've been performing my own one-man play about an abolitionist since 1995. A Clear Leading tells the story of John Woolman, a Quaker who spoke against slavery a century before our Civil War.

Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp Deadline Extended

Rachel Marley (left) and McKenzie Harris experienced another blessing from their association with the Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.  They just performed in a God-honoring professional audio drama for Lamplighter Theatre that they learned about because they had been students at the Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Our camp is more than a fully immersive training experience. It begins before students arrive on campus with online tutorials we've put together, so that once they arrive we can immediately jump into production on a short film. All four years that I've taught at Film Camp I've been able to coach our students for an audition for a live film project. Several of our students have landed roles or been hired on crew because of that process.

But the benefits of Film Camp extend beyond our week together. Whenever I hear about film, stage and radio projects that are planning to honor the Lord I send out casting notices to all of our acting camp alumni.

If you or someone you know is interested in acting now is the best time to register for the Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Due to some logistics issues we were not able to get the word out in a timely manner about our early bird special to some of our potential acting camp students. In order to be fair with all who are interested in attending either the acting or filmmaking camps we have decided to extend the $150 early bird discount until the end of the month.

The registration website has already been updated to the full price since the early bird discount expired on January 15th. However, we have created a special discount coupon code that you can use to get the same discount. Here’s how it works. Register for either the 2018 Rocky Mountain Christian Acting camp or the Filmmakers camp from our regular camp registration page and enter the following coupon code on the payment screen to receive the discount.

Coupon Code: EB2018
Acting Camp Registration SiteFilmmaking Camp Registration Site

The discount coupon is only good through January 31st and only while we still have space available. Once the camp is full registration will be closed so register now to assure your spot and to take advantage of this extended discount.

If you choose the 3 payment option the $150 discount will be applied to your initial payment. So the first payment will only be $150, the second and third payments will be $300 each.

Hope to see you in the Rockies!

><><><

Join us for the 2018 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Walking By Faith/Walking in Fear

I open and close this service at Westchester Chapel, and Joyce leads the congregation in celebrating the Lord's Supper.

Pastor Jim Warren shares a "Fear Checklist" from the life of Abram as depicted in Gen. 12: 1-20 to help us know when we are in the grip of fear rather than courage in the Lord.

On the checklist:

1. Are you looking at the situation through the world's perspective or God's perspective?
2. Have you forgotten the Lord's blessings and promises for you?
3. Are you trying to solve the issue in your power and wisdom rather than the Lord's power and wisdom?
4. Is the fear causing you to lie, deceive or put other people in a bad situation? 

Click the arrow below, or if you're reading this in an email you can click this link, to play the service:



This service is available for download free on iTunes, where you can also subscribe to our podcast. Search for "Westchester Chapel" on the iTunes Store.

If you want to more about starting a relationship with Jesus Christ visit www.WestchesterChapel.org/Salvation.

><><><

Two days left for the early bird discount for the Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp Early Bird Deadline and Post Camp Production

With three of our alumni,
Joyce Swingle,
Gwendelynn Martindale, and
Morgan Willer.

Due to some logistics issues we were not able to get the word out in a timely manner about our early bird special to some of our potential acting camp students at the Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp. In order to be fair with all who are interested in attending either of our camps we have decided to extend the $150 early bird discount a few more weeks.

The registration website has already been updated to the full price since the early bird discount expired on January 15th. However, we have created a special discount coupon code that you can use to get the same discount. Here’s how it works. Register for either the 2018 Rocky Mountain Christian Acting camp or the Filmmakers camp from our regular camp registration page and enter the following coupon code on the payment screen to receive the discount.

Coupon Code: EB2018
Acting Camp Registration SiteFilmmaking Camp Registration Site

The discount coupon is only good through January 31st and only while we still have space available. Once the camp is full registration will be closed so register now to assure your spot and to take advantage of this extended discount.

If you choose the 3 payment option the $150 discount will be applied to your initial payment. So the first payment will only be $150, the second and third payments will be $300 each.

As of this moment there are only 4 acting camp spots left and only 3 filmmaking camp spots left. So register now to reserve your spot at the 2018 Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers and Acting Camp.

I just got to perform the lead role and coach the other actors (including one of our alumna, Rebekah Stought) in "There" a short film by two of our alumni, William and Morgan Willer. In all we had six alumni from our program involved in the production, and the Willers managed to pull together over a dozen professionals in all!

Two other alumni, Rebekah Stought 
and William Willer.

Before we left they showed us a rough cut, and it's going to look extraordinary! I'm so proud of the Willers and our amazing team!

While we were on set, one of the six alumni of the Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp, McKenzie Harris, was cast as the lead in Lamplighter Theatre's next production! We also know Rachel Marley, was cast as the friend of the lead. Rachel has been my student several times at two different performing arts training intensives, and she was on our performance team in Sochi during the 2014 Olympics.

Rebekah Stought performed with me in the last two Lamplighter Theatre productions.

McKenzie Harris
Photo by Ivy Schexnayder

I'll be teaching and directing at the Lamplighter Guild this summer, and their early bird discount (also a savings of $150) deadline will be at the end of January.

You can hear my interview with Mark Hamby, the executive director of Lamplighter Ministries here. Click below or if you're reading this in an email you can click this link, to play it.



I was happy to volunteer my time to the Willer's project, but they agreed to let me perform my one-man play Views of the Manger in their barn on Epiphany, and offer an acting workshop after we wrapped the film.

After Views of the Manger we gathered to praise the Lord for what He accomplished through the piece, and a five-year-old prayed the most beautiful prayers! I asked if I could interview her about the play, and here's what she had to say. Click the arrow below, or if you're reading this in an email you can click this link, to play it.

I shared it as a part of the opening to this morning's service at Westchester Chapel. You can hear my introduction to the interview below...

Dr. Linda Warren preaches on Genesis 3 and the source of all fear. Rachel Taylor opens with prayer.  Jim Warren prays over the sermon and shares about the awesome nature of God expressed in Job 38.

Click the arrow below, or if you're reading this in an email you can click this link, to play the service:



This service is available for download free on iTunes, where you can also subscribe to our podcast. Search for "Westchester Chapel" on the iTunes Store.

If you want to more about starting a relationship with Jesus Christ visit www.WestchesterChapel.org/Salvation.

><><><

Remember, registration is now open for the 2018 Lamplighter's Guild and Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers Camp.

Alien Intrusion: Unmasking a Deception

Here's a guest review by my bride, Joyce Swingle:

Important, relevant and careful exploration of the subject. Anticipates and answers key questions while building its case for Christ's church to offer hope to millions of the afflicted ones. I pray that pastors and ministers heed the critical need to minister appropriately about this demonic deception.

Alien Intrusion: Unmasking a Deception was released in theaters on January 11, 2018 as a Fathom Event. It's now available in DVD.

See the rest of Olympic champion Eric Liddell's Chariots of Fire story in Beyond the Chariots. Watch it online and book a live performance.

Miracle Story

I wrote this story up at www.RichDrama.com/LamplighterTheatre, but here is how Mark Hamby, executive director of Lamplighter Live tells it:



If you're getting this via email click here to watch.

Join us at the Lamplighter Guild this summer!

><><><

See the rest of Olympic champion Eric Liddell's Chariots of Fire story in Beyond the Chariots. Watch it online and book a live performance.