A Special Event

Today was a milestone for me! At the age of 69, I have lived to see the day where I can go to the theater and see a movie on the big screen, and for the first time ever, watch an animated film and understand it! Today I wept tears of joy that I  finally see the day that the sound barrier was broken in theaters and that the deaf can now go to movies!!

The ADA (The American Disability Act)  passed a law in 2016 that theaters must provide captioning for deaf to be able to engage in movies. All public theaters had to comply by June 2018. That long awaited day has come to me just in time to see my favorite of all favorites stories come to life in animation on the big screen and I, as a profoundly deaf person, can go watch it and understand what is happening!!

On April 18th in theaters around the country will be the release of the animated movie, Pilgrim’s Progress!! This is a must for everyone whether you are a Christian or not. It is a spiritualized allegory about  our journey through life and is way beyond any of Hollywood’s entertainment!  Because it is a special event, it will only be shown for 2 days of the week, the 18th and 20th of April. Be sure to get your tickets early as it’s a special viewing for only two days and it’s a certainty it will be a sell out!

I encourage you to get the word out about this movie to as many as you can. Please let your church know of it’s release. You can obtain a special group discount with a block group going together.

If you are a deaf interpreter, educator for the deaf, or work among or simply know a deaf friend, spread the word that Pilgrim’s Progress is highly recommended and can be viewed on the big screen with captioning.

Do you know the story, Pilgrim’s Progress?  First printed in 1678, it would have been a runaway best seller had it appeared in our day.  By 1692 over 100,000 copies were in print in English alone! It has been translated into 200 languages, and has NEVER been out of print! Talk about a popular book!  Many phrases that we use in our English language today such as “jumping from the frying pan into the fire” remain part of our language because of the popularity of Pilgrim’s Progress around the world.

John Bunyan wrote this book during the 12 years he spent in the Bedford prison for his faith. When local magistrates sentenced Bunyan to imprisonment unless he promised them he would not preach, he refused, declaring that he would remain in prison till the moss grew on his eyelids rather than fail to do what God had commanded him to do.

Whether you are facing road blocks or life challenges, and are tired and weary with life and all that you are faced with, this story puts everything in true perspective as an allegory of our life’s journey through this world. Do you need an uplifting moment in your day or life? I strongly suggest you view this newly released film on April 18th.

Now in an animated format that the entire family can watch together!  It sure beats Disney characters any day!

Yes, I am rejoicing that in my life time I have lived to see the day that technology broke the sound barrier. It is with texting on my cell phone, closed captioning on the TV and now to be able to sit before the big screen with a tub of hot buttered popcorn to celebrate! God truly is good!!

Do yourself a favor and give a special gift to your family and friends and plan an evening to watch Pilgrim’s Progress together at a theater near you!

Come celebrate with me,

Sue Thomas, A Witness