By While serving as missionaries in Africa, Nik and Ruth Ripken faced the death of their son and potentially their faith. Their journey, chronicled by Nik in The Insanity of God (B&H Publishing Group), is now being turned into a film by the same name.
Released in partnership with the International Mission Board, the movie will be the first theatrical release from LifeWay Films when it opens in 400 theaters across the United States on August 30 as a one-night event.
The Insanity of God movie follows the Ripkens as they go on a mission to interview individuals and “discover what God has been doing in the toughest parts of the world, retelling the stories of persecuted Christians in Africa, communist Russia, Asia and the Middle East,” says Trey Reynolds, manager of LifeWay Films. “They discover the church not only survives under persecution, but it thrives.”
Bringing to the screen a successful B&H book was an easy decision, according to Trent Myers, marketing specialist with LifeWay Films. “For us, it was important to stand behind a product with a great message,” says Myers, “as well as one LifeWay customers could relate to having read or seen in LifeWay stores. And our relationship with the Ripken family and the IMB is one we value and are very passionate about.”
Reynolds says they want to provide as much access to The Insanity of God as possible. “Whether an individual or local church watches this film in theaters on August 30, at a large event in their church, or in the comfort of their homes, we believe God will use this film and the testimonies to turn the hearts and minds of believers to Him,” he says. LifeWay is also releasing a Bible study based on Ripken’s book in July.
Reynolds says he hopes this film spurs the church to pray for persecuted believers and to be passionately involved in the Great Commission.
By Aaron Earls, online editor of FactsAndTrends.net.