Organizers are preparing for the third annual Upstate Christian Film Festival to be held in October at the Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20 in Greenville.
Last year’s festival saw 8,500 people attend the films, resulting in more than 450 responding to the call for prayer at the front of the theaters.
“I’m excited to see what God is going to do this year,” said local coordinator Mark Williams.
The Upstate Christian Film festival takes the gospel message to movie theaters across the country. During the week of the festival, Oct. 20-26, 10 Christian movies will be screened in one of 74 different showings. (For a complete listing movies and times, visit the ministry’s website, 2006 Upstate Christian Film Festival.)
At the end of each film, the audience is given the opportunity to begin a relationship with Christ.
“As Christ’s salvation is free to anyone who will accept the invitation, so is the film festival,” said Williams.
“Hidden Secrets” is one of 10 movies that will be shown during the 2006 Upstate Christian Film Festival. Admission to all movies is free.The heart of the film festival is evangelism. In addition to reaching thousands each year with the gospel message, the Christian Film Festival is, for Christians, an easy introduction to evangelism. For many volunteers, the festival is their first experience in evangelistic ministry.
Roughly 300 volunteers are needed to work as greeters, ushers and counselors during the festival. Volunteers must attend one informational meeting during September to prepare for the festival. National Director Tom Saab will be returning to the area Sept. 24-28 to lead the meetings.
“Greenville has been known as the buckle of the Bible belt, but there are thousands of people here who need Jesus in their lives,” Saab said.
Those interested in working as volunteers or in learning more about the Christian Film Festival should attend one of the following training sessions:
Sept. 24, 6-8 p.m., Greenville First Church of the Nazarene, 1201 Haywood Road, Greenville
Sept. 25, 12-2 p.m. Brushy Creek Baptist Church, 4999 Old Spartanburg Road, Taylors
Sept. 25, 7-9 p.m., Laurel Baptist Church, 2331 Laurens Road, Greenville
Sept. 26, 7-9 p.m., Vineyard Church of Greenville, 208 Blacks Drive, Greenville
Sept. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m., East North Street Baptist Church, 4108 East North Street, Greenville
Sept. 28, 7-9 p.m., Burnsview Baptist Church, 9690 Reidville Road, Greenville
For further information, go to http://webpages.charter.net/christianfilms or call Mark Williams at 864-679-3310.