AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources
March 2013 – Not Today CAUTION
Each day in India, 7-year-old Annika and her father Kiran beg for money to buy food. Each day, Annika asks if today is the day her father will sell her so he can feed himself and the remaining family. Each day he says, “Not today.” That is, until today.
Caden is a spoiled, rich American college kid whose life revolves around bad friends, a good girlfriend and making fun of the God his mother and girlfriend pray to. He tried praying when his parents were getting a divorce, but since his prayers didn’t change anything, he decided it wasn’t worth doing. Until today.
Caden visits India on a whim and crosses the paths of Annika and Kiran on the day before Kiran sells his daughter. He and Caden then travel to several brothels across India where young girls are bought and sold for sex. When they both hit a wall of despair they know it will take a miracle to rescue the little girl.
Not Today’s subject matter needs to be noted by parents before viewing. It is about the child sex industry in India; it is handled modestly but truthfully. Parents should also be aware of drinking, partying, disrespect of parents and short scenes of immodest dress, although these are all brief.
Review by Teddy James
Little Red Wagon CAUTION
A Florida Keys community prepares for a hurricane, but the Bonner family doesn’t evacuate. In the aftermath of the storm, 8-year-old Zach Bonner is moved by those who have lost their homes and all their possessions. He first sets out to collect water and other staples to take to shelters serving the homeless and displaced. A little TV coverage, and almost overnight, Zach gains celebrity status and is well on the way to beginning a non-profit foundation to serve kids in all sorts of challenging situations. It’s a true story, which makes it even more appealing.
Production quality is good, the story is gripping, and the acting is good. AFA cautions include use of the d-word, and Movieguide notes five mild obscenities.
Review by Randall Murphree
Abandon Not My Soul
Abandon Not My Soul by Sherye Simmons Green is a novel of grief turned into joy and beauty made from ashes. Four years after suffering the tragic loss of her husband and discovering his horrible betrayal, Abbie Richardson is still trying to get her life back on an even track. By God’s grace, she is given three older women who comfort, listen, encourage and pray for her along her painful recovery. However, life is hard and she struggles to find the next step in God’s plan. Her sense is that God is up to something but finding that next step is difficult.
Abbie’s challenges reflect those of all who face despair, unforgiveness, fear and waning faith.
Review by Debbie Fischer
Passport Through Darkness
Passport Through Darkness by Kimberly L. Smith is the gripping real-life story of one woman’s journey to discover exactly why God created her and how He desires to use her so that her life really matters.
With raw honesty, Kimberly Smith tells of the struggle to submit to God’s plan for her and her family. Reluctance to leave her comfortable life, and the fear and anger she had to face in order to follow Him, made for months of anguish and tears.
Once she yielded, she found herself and her family facing the atrocities of human trafficking in Spain. Later in Africa, they worked to save thousands of children from disease, slavery and genocide.
This book is powerful in its impact. The reader is convicted to consider how God could use his life to bring meaning, hope and healing to others.
Kimberly L. Smith is president and co-founder of Make Way Partners, a missionary organization committed to ending human trafficking in Africa and Eastern Europe. This book is available at www.kimberlylsmith.com.
Review by Debbie Fischer
