You feel like you are in the story. We know that God does not listen to sinners. Were they forced to leave at that time, or why did they not listen to the voice of reason in the shape of Levi Savage? Sweetness And Light/Roger Federer and Mr. Gumby, Gluten Free? He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.. Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Then he said to the man, Stretch out your hand. So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. And looking at the history of Israel, it seems there are always greater miracles to come. Jesus cured a demon-possessed man (Matthew 12:22). Simons mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. The healing is in his faith and the strength of his character. Drunk husband threatens wife and kids with liquor bottle. This is not just a story for Mormons but for all Americans. Jesus cured the nobleman's son (John 4:46-47). He has done everything well, they said. If you are looking for a churchy film to watch on a Sunday evening, or at a church event, don't bother with this one. On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Louisa said a prayer and asked God to help them. The great haul of fishes (Luke 5:1-11). What do you want with us, Son of God? they shouted. Never boring. Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. '", "Whenever a sceenplay is based on historical events, viewers of the film frequently want to know if the events being depicted are factual or merely the screen writer's imaginary version of what might have been," Christensen wrote. Leanna | www.lds.org. Jesus cured a man of dropsy (Luke 14:1-4). They hadn't taken the journey. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. Director T.C. The second great haul of fishes (John 21:1-14). Though the basic story of the 1856 ill-fated Martin and Willie handcart companies is fairly well-known, a more personal perspective of the events and a more specific focus on miracles are what Christensen says separates his new movie "17 Miracles" apart from others. Stranded in the deep snow with few supplies and hardly any food, many died and were buried in shallow graves. That was why his parents said, He is of age; ask him. A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. It is not wholesome for there are thematic suffering and hardships that might offend children so parental guidance is recommended. He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He combined the two handcart companies into one, and some events are not told in chronological order. First: I want to say is the acting in the movie was good. This handsome young actor could be the new Robert Redford. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. For everyone else, this is an inspirational film that pushes a strong Mormon belief system, and if you still want to watch it after hearing that, then go for it. This film is diabolical. It was released in 2011 by Excel Entertainment Group. As the writer, producer and director of the popular film, Christensen offers a literary version of the director's commentary in 122-page book. English Standard Version Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. Did Miracles Really Happen? | Answers in Genesis I have written about it before! A pioneer story means something different than describing a trek across the plains. The mother not being recognized by her abusive husband. One can not leave from viewing this film without having a greater respect for these faithful pioneers and a deeper reverence for our Father in Heaven. So his disciples came to him and urged him, Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us. He answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. The woman came and knelt before him. For LDS audiences looking for a staunchly Mormon film, this is one of the best options for your viewing pleasure. Were going to drown! He replied, You of little faith, why are you so afraid? Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The majority are faith healings, exorcisms, resurrections, and control over nature.. I know who you arethe Holy One of God! Be quiet! said Jesus sternly. Savage's experiences, recorded in his journal, are used to weave the other stories together. Christensen and historical adviser Jolene S. Allphin wrote a small book to answer some of the questions viewers have asked about the historical accuracy in Christensens film, 17 Miracles., "MORE THAN MIRACLES: Extraordinary Stories from 17 Miracles'," by T. C. Christensen with Jolene S. Allphin, Deseret Book, $10.99, 128 pages (nf). Mothers carried children and young babies along the trail. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. What Are The 7 Miracles Of Jesus - Proven Way I do not see how, in retrospect, someone can dislike this movie, as it has so many wonderful aspects that make it shine. My father once was traveling along a country highway. Jesus' miracles included raising people from the dead, feeding crowds, controlling nature, casting out evil spirits, and healing the infirmed, among other things. Stephanie Grant lived on Gower Street in Londonthis is Russell Square. Film director T.C. The acting is amazing. When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. Here a great number of disabled people used to liethe blind, the lame, the paralyzed. Do you want to become his disciples too? Then they hurled insults at him and said, You are this fellows disciple! Having served as a sub-captain for the 1856-57 trip, Levi recorded the severe trials endured, as well as the various miracles experienced by those traveling on conviction and devotion to church leaders who delivered messages from God. Then he touched their eyes and said, According to your faith let it be done to you; and their sight was restored. There are many stories and events that happened in Mormon history that make me wonder if I would have made it through those trials. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way. If you believe Jesus worked miracles watch this you will probably enjoy it. . Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town, and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. I know, there was little choice in going on, but the main leader should have listened to Eli who knew what was involved. 7 Modern Miracles That Science Can't Explain - Beliefnet Come and see, Lord, they replied. So I went and washed, and then I could see. Where is this man? they asked him. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us! The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us! Jesus stopped and called them. During one return home, while milking a cow, Brother Moyle was kicked in the leg, which had to be amputated just below the knee. Brother Christensen explained that in England a pie is potatoes and possibly meat and vegetables. 10. I am not Mormon myself but it seems he took some cheap shots at them. Those familiar with previous historical pieces by T.C. Christensen, like Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration, will be glad to rediscover Christensens capacity to create rich vistas for his characters. The score is a perfect blend for the look and feel of the story. And a man with a shriveled hand was there. Miracle - Sources of miracles | Britannica I so wanted to see that and hope they run it again. The movie in my opinion tries not to be over-dramatic and in some ways under-plays the suffering of the pioneers when you consider the temperature, with wind-chill factor would have approached minus 50 degrees. All rights reserved. Growing up Mormon as a strong female was tough. "Endless light of hope", that is perfectly worded, thank you.Happy that you took the time to leave me these heartfelt words, my friend! But, Lord, said Martha, the sister of the dead man, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days. Then Jesus said, Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God? So they took away the stone. Wolves haunt the company, but they primarily serve as a reminder of mankinds darker capacity to turn on themselves. Traditionally, when we tell stories of miracles, context is provided, but the event rather than the individual pioneer is preeminent. How is it that now he can see? We know he is our son, the parents answered, and we know he was born blind. 5. Note: By 1850, the Mormons had 30,747 members in Great Britain compared with 21,092 in North America. This one takes the biscuit. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. PDF 37 Miracles of Jesus in Chronological Order - Community in Mission Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake so that the waves swept over the boat. Christensen's movie focuses on 17 of the many miracles experienced by families in the two handcart companies, some of which aren't widely known. truly inspirational subject .thank you for bringing it to notice .it is worth watching friend!loved the photo of handcarts and people in journey .Faith is a thing which gives to one's heart an un defeat able courage and endless light of hope that keeps him moving always .glad you shared . What Were The 7 Miracles of Jesus? - Conform to Jesus Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. I was very moved by this film and I hope my respect for these pioneers came through in this post.Religion in general is getting bad press these days but I hope that will not apply to my blog!Thanks again for your thoughtful comment, Yaya. Leaves paint forests with sumptuous greens, and blue skies are matched only by the crystalline rivers. Thank you. If you're going to manufacture a religion, at least tell the truth without a revisionist history. To answer those questions, Christensen and Jolene S. Allphin, his historical adviser for the film, have written a small book titled "More Than Miracles: Extraordinary Stories from 17 Miracles. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. Levi Savage tried to persuade the leaders to wait until spring to make the journey. The men were amazed and asked, What kind of man is this? Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. And after that they can think back on that and know they are not alone.". It is as though Christensens cinematography gives vision to the paradisiacal glory of the Millennial Earth. The tears you shed at the end will be for the 113 minutes you will never get back. Come out of him! The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. A few days before leaving for Utah I heard about this movie. "It is my calling and callings are seldom convenient," Brother Moyle states in the film, then he leaves to walk the 22 miles to the temple, He was not some great ecclesiastical leader," Brother Christensen said. The girl is not dead but asleep. But they laughed at him. And he was also the great storm god. I say to my servant, Do this, and he does it. When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. But the more he read the script, the more fascinated he became with the handcart pioneers. He saw at the waters edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. Miracles occur in response to faith. this movie is for those strongly religious faithfuls, not for atheist non-believers (i, for one) who never believes god almighty was not a make-belief invention and imagination made by those self-serving and self-righteous rich and powerful persons or parties to subordinate those born poor and lowly. Im going out to fish, Simon Peter told them, and they said, Well go with you. So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 37 Miracles of Jesus Recorded in the Gospels - Learn Religions I watched the trailer right now, whew, heavy stuff! There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. Today, these noble pioneers are revered for their faith and courage. All of the events have come from actual events recorded in the pioneers journals, including the amazing young men who unselfishly carried the weak members of the party across the ice cold waters of a river all day. Unfortunately, there are points throughout the film where such visual richness counters the dramatic tensions other elements strive to create. At this, the mans ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. It does make one wonder. I love it more each time I see it. Their documented stories prove that the Lord watches over all his children, and will, and DOES intervene in our lives. He is not here; he has risen! Christensen Gary Cook Pat D. Smart Stars Jasen Wade Emily Wadley Jason Celaya See production, box office & company info Watch on Prime Video included with Prime Why Did Jesus Designate Harsher Punishment for Those Who Hurt Children? Compared to everyday life, the sun shines brighter in Christensens world. About 30 percent of the extras are descendants. While all of the acting is outstanding special mention should be made of Jason Wade who plays Levi Savage. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary, and her sister Martha. Yes, it is easy for us to look back and think, why did they do this or that, when in fact, we really have no idea what they could have been experiencing at the time.I am grateful that I did not have to walk all the way to the West. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. 21. 2022 Giving Company Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy. "It is my hope that this book will fill in a few of the gaps, answer some questions, raise a few more and invite greater admiration for the wonderful handcart pioneers I have come to know and love," Christensen wrote. Without giving anything away when daughter prays for mother who has lost hope and a pie arrives in a tray COME ON! Family and friends gathered for a group burial on the trail. 5 Jesus Heals Many Sick and Oppressed at Evening 8:16-17 1:32-34 4:40-41 6 First Miraculous Catch of Fish on the Lake of Gennesaret 5:1-11 7 Jesus Cleanses a Man With Leprosy 8:1-4 1:40-45 5:12-14 8 Jesus Heals a Centurion's Paralyzed Servant in Capernaum 8:5-13 7:1-10 . That would have been comfort food for them. Brother Christian asked the class members at BYU Education Week. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live. Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. Jesus raised the widow's son from the dead (Luke 7:11-18). 17 Miracles is a partially historical account of the Willie Handcart Company's torturous journey, pulling handcarts through treacherous territory on their trek to Great Salt Lake City in 1857. The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. His disciples asked him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Neither this man nor his parents sinned, said Jesus, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. The miracle takes the role of the protagonist. He is a very sensitive actor who has great range and power. There is also no point watching it if you are. Dove is a Giving Company brand, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to help have people have simple moments with Jesus. I don't agree with them taking off too late in the summer. "More than Miracles" is available at Deseret Book and other LDS booksellers. He gains experience when he helps find the remains of the Donner Party. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food. Jesus replied, They do not need to go away. We believe that Jesus Christ and His Father are one in purpose, not one in being. [2], Reviews of the film have been mixed. On a Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. These subtle changes do not detract from the story's compelling elements. As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, Have mercy on us, Son of David! When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? Yes, Lord, they replied. Their trek left too late in the fall and they ended up struggling to survive the harsh winter, starvation and more as they continued on. Jesus asked, Were not all ten cleansed? They were intended to be a proof to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ (Matt. I'm not a great fan of coincidents, although somebody like Philip Yancy would argue those are the best pieces of evidence that you have for a miracle. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. You may read more abouttheMormon handcart pioneers. Good to read what happened afterwards in the credits. 6. All the books in the world couldn't contain all of what Jesus did (John 21:25), but we do have record of many of Jesus's miracles. He replied, The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. The directing is first class. Pick an old classic, or just read a book. The Syrians were armed with hundreds of tanks, but gave the Israeli forces a false sense of security revealing only a few of their tanks in battle formation for months before the massive attack they had planned. The incongruence reveals a conflict in two modes of historical performance, rendering an otherwise brilliant piece of Mormon cinema somewhat fractured. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the mans eyes. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 24. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we dont know. He possesses a talent to create palpable environments where lighting, costuming, and settings combine to quicken the past and its dead. Angel Hitchhiker. "I had a teacher once ask me, 'Where can you personally heal by doing this character?' The most interesting part of this movie is My Great Grandmother experienced one of the miracles, A decent LDS (Mormon) film about pioneers, Copyright 2019 Living Scriptures Inc. |. The point is that there are miracles throughout based on faith in God and His mercy. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? There are many miraculous works of Christ recorded in the Bible, as He continues to help mankind in heavenly ways today! While the film does an excellent job balancing the portrayal of miracles with the reality of death, the narrative seems to uphold the tradition that no one who survived murmured about the personal price of reaching Zion. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. Brother Moyle became part of the Ellsworth Handcart Company and traveled across the plains to arrive in Utah in September 1856. Others said, No, he only looks like him. But he himself insisted, I am the man. How then were your eyes opened? they asked. Another actor, Travis Eberhard, was born with osteogenesis imperfecta. "It was a challenge to do a British accent and walk with crutches, but I got to stretch myself and do some things I hadn't done," Eberhard said. Critic Sean P. Means of The Salt Lake Tribune thought that Christensen's eye for striking cinematography gave the film a "glossy look" and Wade's portrayal of the hardy Levi Savage "held the film together." "This is not a big, western spectacle with lots of landscapes," the director said. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing. To this, they replied, You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us! And they threw him out. "17 Miracles" is really a miracle. Sue me. Along the way Louisa noticed a pie in the road. Jointly published by the Deseret News and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church. 17 Miraculous Israeli Military Victories - Jewish Virtual Library When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. I often wonder if I would have gone with the Saints that took this trek. 32. 17 Miracles is a summary of 17 of the documented events (miracles) of the two "Belated" handcart companies who were traveling to Utah in 1856. You also discover the reason that they are in such a hurry to push on to the Salt Lake Valley, the sealing power of the Temple that binds families together forever. Many of those in the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies were from the British Isles or from Scandinavia. You might be able to see this film.