Oct 23, 2018 | Muchanan, Michigan, United States |
Film crew of The Mysterious Note captures a scene involving three of the film’s actors. [Photo courtesy of the NAD Stewardship Department.]
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A film produced by the North American Division Stewardship Department and One Mustard Seed seeks to teach parents and children what it means to be a good steward. The Mysterious Note is available for churches to use October 22-February 22, 2019, as part of an evangelistic and/or fundraising campaign.
The Mysterious Note is about a family from Chicago that is caught up in a self-serving lifestyle. The unexpected happens when the father brings his family on an overnight business trip to a small town in Michigan. A surprising turn of events unfolds when he clashes with a store-owner who runs his business using Biblical principles of stewardship. In the meantime, his mischievous son along with a couple of local kids, discovers a mysterious note that catapults them into a four-day adventure of mystery and self-discovery.
The idea for the film sparked in 2015 when John Matthews, director of NAD Stewardship Ministries, commissioned Richard Aguilera, director of One Mustard Seed, to help produce resources to teach young people about stewardship principles. Aguilera knew that one of the most effective ways of reaching young people is through film. However, he had to go on a spiritual journey to help him create the content.
“Like many, when I heard the word ‘stewardship,’ I assumed the words ‘tithe and offerings’ were soon to follow,” said Aguilera, also known as the “Mud Guy” from Guide magazine. “I soon discovered how much bigger stewardship really is. I also discovered that, at its core, stewardship is about acknowledging God as Owner of everything we have, and that we have been placed as managers of these things
“How we manage the important things can be divided into two basic choices. We can manage them ‘God’s way’ or ‘society’s way.’ The choice we make will have a profound impact on how we live our life,” continued Aguilera.
Biblical stewardship principles are subtly weaved throughout the story. The film will help both children and adults learn to trust God with everything that has been entrusted to them. The storytelling platform provides a fun and visual representation of what it happens when one trusts and remains faithful to God.
The film also emphasizes the importance of contentment and how God will bless and reward those who are faithful to Him with all the important things in their life.
“I pray this tool will give glory to God and be a discussion starter that may help people see that trusting God with the important details of our lives will be a rewarding decision that we will never regret,” said Aguilera.
The licensing fee to show the film is $299, but the fee can be waived if the film is screened in a non-religious venue for evangelism, such as a theater, or auditorium. Visit TheMysteriousNote.com to learn more.
