Testimonies of Faith is an inspiring and uplifting film which offers hope to anyone who has ever gone through suffering or needed encouragement and guidance. This film is hosted by Wendy Wheaton, who says she felt called to make this documentary after working as an entertainment reporter. She also adds that she never would have dreamed she would make such a film.
Several well-known entertainers are interviewed and asked about their Christian faith and their humble journey. They are also asked what their favorite scripture is and who is their “human” guardian angel. Not surprisingly, close to 80 percent say their mother started them out on the right track-loving them and, in many cases, teaching them about God and the Bible.
The film opens with singer/actress Della Reese, who has appeared in many TV shows, but Touched by an Angel might be the one she’s best known for. Della shares that she practices God’s presence every day. She was once married to an abusive man and says she was beaten. But she has been happily married to loving husband Franklin now for 27 years. She shares how she fainted while singing on the Johnny Carson show and learned she had a serious health issue. She says she had a visit by a being in her hospital room that assured her God was with her. Her doctor, Dr. Charles Drake, a fellow Christian, was going to perform surgery and told Della he knew he didn’t do it by himself, but that the Lord was with him. Ten days later Della, who was facing death, did a TV commercial for Campbell soup! Della shares her favorite scripture is Psalms 46:10 which says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
There are many others who share their testimony and favorite scripture, too many to include in this review, but we will give some other examples so as to give the viewer the “flavor” of this documentary, and rest assured it is a sweet flavor. Musical genius Al Jarveau shares he faced fear in making the necessary changes he needed to in his life to move forward in a spiritual way. For him, 1 Timothy 7 helps him as it states, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Another interesting popular figure is Kenny Lattimore, who has been a famous rhythm and blues singer. He speaks of walking more by faith after you gain Christian experience. “You start out on your journey,” he says, “and you can hear from God. You become more mature and He doesn’t answer you right away and he doesn’t rescue you right away.” He shares how he planned to be on a praise team but God had other plans. “It’s been about hearing His voice,” he says. He gives an enlightening comment when he says, “It’s not about our career but who we are. If we stay connected to the branch, we’re going to bear fruit.” Kenny is married and shares how it’s wonderful to have a partner that can lift him up and pray for him, and how he can do the same for her. He mentions a very important topic when he mentions how that many marriages suffer due to a lack of romance. He speaks of the romantic music he performs and states that romance is needed to sustain a marriage and it’s his desire to see marriages enhanced.
Kenny’s favorite scripture is Luke 10:19: “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
He also loves Luke 12:48 which states that to whom much is given, much is required. “Prepare yourself for what God has for you,” he advises. Michael Clarke Duncan, the late actor, is included. Known for the movie The Green Mile Michael was once homeless in Chicago, and he tells how he knew he had two choices-to stay in the predicament he was in or to get up do something with his life. “I chose the latter!” he says happily. His favorite passage, not surprisingly, is Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Other performers and entertainers included in the film are Deniece Williams, whose favorite passage is Psalms 23, Teddy Pendergrass, Hinton Battle, Fatima, Michelle Williams and Johnny Gill who, when asked who his guardian angel is simply replied, “God!” Comedian and actress Monique shares how she was always a controlling person, but her husband has taught her the godly principle of submission, that others can help carry the load.
It should be noted that one of the entertainers believes that no “one faith” as he calls it, will get to heaven before another, “if” there is a heaven. We wanted to note this for parents who might view this film with kids. We are awarding the film our Dove 12+ seal, and we are grateful for Wendy Wheaton’s efforts in presenting so many entertainers that promote Jesus Christ unashamedly, share their favorite scriptures, and are grateful for the people who influenced them in their Christian walk. Other great takeaways from the film is Quincy Jones’ comment to treat others the way you want to be treated (the Golden Rule), and Ray Parker Jr.’s comment that his parents influenced him and he spent time with them as they got older, something he does not regret.
The Dove Take:
This film does a remarkable job in showing how Christ has influenced all people, including some of the most famous entertainers in the world.
