By Stephanie Woods-McKinney
Angel Studios, a relatively small movie company located in Provo, Utah and is driven by films that have values and positive biopics.
The film company is also behind ‘Dry Bar Comedy’ which offers a free online comedy platform with over 5.6 billion viewers. Angel has changed the way movie studios make movies-this particular studio is actually taking the time and looking at people and making films about real-life stories that matter! Angel’s view of filmmaking is based on what really affects not only people but what affects human emotions and their values. Their business model differs from that of ‘Old- Hollywood’-this this company is the voice of the people and they stand by that approach by making movies demanded by the people.
According to their business plan, the strategy is to allow the viewer to not only bring stories to them, but to also have a financial gain as an investor. This design has worked in their favor and several of their ‘blockbuster’ movies have taken the ‘Hollywood’ hills by storm.
Husband and wife movie producer team Rebekah and Josh Weigel recently produced a powerful faith-based film of a heartfelt ‘true story’ inspiring film titled ‘The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot,” a film that will inspire and uplift.
I was recently given the golden opportunity to sit down with adoption advocates Bishop W. C. (Wilbert Christopher) Martin of Bennett Chapel Baptist Church in Possum Trot, Texas and his adoring wife and life partner of 46 years- First Lady Donna and discuss the film and hear more about this epic biofilm. Donna has been married to W.C since the age of 17 and they are the real life characters of this true story. We discussed the challenges involved with making this movie and the real life challenges involved with the foster care system in the United States.
Our in depth conversation began as the First Lady was busy handling other business which she often spearheads, while The Bishop greeted me and we chatted while we patiently awaited for First Lady Donna to join. After getting to know each other better, Bishop Martin yells through the house “First Lady, we’re on”-this gave me a smile and relaxed me as I felt deeply connected to First Lady Donna and her ‘tardiness’.
Donna finally joins the conversation, and quickly yet proudly reminds me of their ‘Christian’ faith and begins her conversation by strongly advising me of her dedicated and heartfelt membership of 39 years with OJM International (formerly Oil of Joy Ministries) which began as a women’s ministry overseen by Apostle Elaine Benson who has served her community and beyond over 40 years in Houston, Texas. The ministry is currently worldwide has grown to reach thousands throughout the United States and has churches located in Texas, New York, and around the world.
While the movie is heartfelt, genuine and sincere, the First Lady let me know of the continuous deep prayers and many conversations between Apostle Benson and the movie producing team the Weigels to finally find the right movie company to distribute the film. After many discussions, pitches and heavy conversations, the film found a home and it was agreed that ‘Angel Studios’ was the best choice to distribute this film. It was Apostle Benson who, after watching a movie produced by Angel, titled “The Sound of Freedom” and her strong conversations with God, who aided in her powerful feelings to go with Angel Studios to produce the film.
The movie is an adaptation of Bishop Martin’s book titled “Small Town, Big Miracle: How Love Came to the Least of These” which he wrote over 19 years ago in 2005. After a long bout with depression Donna suffered painfully after the death of her mother, while praying together, God spoke to Donna and said ‘Adopt’. It was those words that inspired them both to not only adopt 1 child from the foster care program, but they adopted 4 additional children-two of those children are ‘special needs’ plus, they are parents to two children of their own and 1 is also special needs. Their efforts were heard throughout their congregation and the city of Possum Trot, the whole town was inspired to adopt children who would otherwise would have faced challenges in the process of being adopted since most of the kids were abused and required special attention.
As Donna was in a deep depressive state, she did not seek help since the disease is not widely accepted in the Black household. It was highly believed that ‘Prayer’ conquered all, and it was this belief that Donna prayed to God to stop the pain of losing her mother, she didn’t want to live anymore and at that very moment In 1996 when Donna prayed to God for help and strength, God spoke to her and said “I heard everything you said, your mother is with me, what I want you to do: think about those who are out there and did not have what you had in a mother. He then said Foster and Adopt- Give back to them that was given unto you- UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!”. And according to Donna it was that very moment in which she was overcome with peace and restoration and It was at that very moment when Donna picked up her phone book and dialed 1-800-ADOPTION.
Immediately after dialing her husband who was too busy at work to really focus on her idea at the time, Donna phoned her sister Diane and Diane immediately assured her of her calling by stating “if God said it, we can do it”.
It was the Martins tireless efforts that enabled them to continue to foster and eventually adopt Mercedes and Tyler who were their first adoptive children and later Josh and Terri. Even though the road was extremely rocky initially with Mercedes, Donna recalls telling Mercedes “this is the last train to Georgia”. The film displays all of the hardships, sacrifices and difficulties involved with working tirelessly to conquer a need to love and nurture.
“… her spirit and sisterhood will always be a part of their family …”
The late great case worker Mrs. Susan Ramsey from Child Protective Services was selected by Diane as their case worker and she knew immediately that Susan was the one to assist with their need to foster care and later adopt. Ramsey sadly passed away in 1999, but her spirit and sisterhood will always be a part of their family and her loving memory will always be a devoted church member of Bennett Chapel Baptist Church in Shelbyville, TX.
The Martins are keeping busy with promoting the film and traveling around the world as they advocate for the foster care system and the Bishop is currently writing about the challenges, rewards and politics that profoundly affect the process of trying to help a shattered system. Hip Hop Icon, DMC ‘Darryl McDaniels’ of pioneering rap group RUNDMC has joined the mission of fighting for stronger laws around the foster care system since he too was a foster child. Darryl was not aware of his fostered childhood until the age of 35. The family has moved from Possum Trot, but the state of Texas is still their home and First Lady Donna continues to be thankful for her rock and the leader of her family-her husband and the Bishop vows to stay with the Church and will continue to put family first as those were last wishes of Donna’s mother the matriarch of the family and who was a “praying warrior” whose mighty statue and deep faith birthed 21 children although Donna grew up with 18 siblings.
It was Donna’s mother’s sound family base and strong parenting that helped this ‘divine calling’ as Donna affectionately declares. The Martins and the small community of Possum Trot saved lives that would have been lost had it not been for their love of family, community and solidarity but extra love and understanding was needed for their biological children daughter La’Donna and son Princeton, who is truly treated as the Prince of the household. While both children struggled with their new additions to the family, LaDonna struggled the most with sharing her mother and father with new siblings. The movie softly touches on these real challenges faced by families who plan on fostering and or adopting and Angel Studios allowed the Martins to speak and openly acknowledge the siblings and the hardships they faced. Donna contributes this conversation with Angel Studios as a healing discussion which in real life helped heal some wounds faced by their biological daughter La’Donna. The Martins spoke on the Oprah Winfrey Show and plan on continuing on speaking around the world and helping cut some of the challenges and red tape that hinder the ‘foster care and adoption process’ and according to First Lady Donna for those who have an ear, “the spirit is saying to the church to take care of the witters and the orphanage and we believe if you live, breath and move you belong to God” and this was embedded in her heart.
“… 20% of young adults in foster care become homeless …”
Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children and Family Services is one of many not-for-profit child-welfare agencies in New York City and their mission is to serve and assist children and families. The services include foster care, adoption, preventive services and related assistance to children and their families, the agency focuses on serving children. According to the National Foster Youth Institute, 20% of young adults in foster care become homeless at the age of 18 and 50% of those children become homeless in the United States.
When possible, make time to see the film with family on Amazon Prime. Movies produced by Angel Studios are sure to uplift, inspire and motivate. The film company is bringing togetherness and good family times back to life with ‘pre-film’ cartoons and inspiring thought-provoking trailers.
According to their website, ‘Angel Studios is the home of record-shattering stories that amplify light.’
Stephanie Woods-McKinney
Stephanie Woods-McKinney is a Bronx native who graduated Magna Cum Laude from The College of New Rochelle with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts. She is a vocal community activist who sits on Community Board #10 in the Bronx; is a Co-chair of the Youth & Education Committee and holds a deep love for Hip Hop culture and community activism. Stephanie writes throughout NYC, and Harlem, she has also received countless awards and letters of recognition for her hip-hop photojournalism and a ‘Citation of Merit’ from Eric Adams. https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-w-2637a229/
Photo Credit: 1) Angel Studios.
Become a Harlem Insider!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
