Lost Boy documentary wins film festival award
April 28th, 2009 Posted in lost boy, Lost Boy Blog, Pastor's cornerHey everyone! Great news on the Lost Boy film!
We entered it in the 2009 Riverside International Film festival and it won! Lost Boy: The Next Chapter won the award for the Audience Favorite Documentary.
It is worth noting that hundreds of films were submitted to this festival from all around the world and few make the final, judging round in each category. There is only one winner per category and Lost Boy: The Next Chapter won.
We wanted this film to have both artistic integrity and be a tool for the gospel. The exciting thing is that the gospel has been proclaimed through this film at this festival, before an audience that might not otherwise hear it.
We have also entered this film in other film festivals around the country.
Lost Boy: The Next Chapter was a labor of love
I had a great team of people who helped make this film a reality, starting with Dwight Thompson, the director. Dwight is a very talented filmmaker, and this was his first foray into the documentary film world. He did a wonderful job.
Special thanks also to go Pastor Paul Eaton for his production of the film, helping to bring it to completion.
Finally, my son Christopher was also an integral part of this project, as he did all the design, graphics, and type treatments.
Little did we know that his story would become a major part of this film, resulting in an entirely new version that has just come out. He was very excited about it and had seen some of the early screenings. He told people he had really enjoyed working on it and wanted to see God use it to touch people with the gospel.
And a book nomination
It is also worth noting that Outreach Magazine has nominated the Lost Boy book as its Outreach Resource of the Year in the Evangelism category. The awards, according to the magazine, are meant to celebrate and encourage excellence in resources designed specifically to help the church reach out in areas such as evangelism, compassionate service, and cross-cultural ministries locally and worldwide.
More than awards
But more important than the awards is the ministry tool that this film has been. I have personally seen this story resonate with thousands of people around the country at screenings where I have given a message afterward.
We have seen hundreds and hundreds of people come to Christ through it. So we give God the glory for it.
You may want to order a copy of the just released DVD of Lost Boy: The Next Chapter. And if you would like to see it right now, just click here.
Dear Pastor Greg, I cried when I heard your testimony. To hear your life testimony was powerful, touching, and inspiring to me in so many ways. I too have not had the greatest childhood, and life has thrown me some punches as well. I went to your church for many years. My daughter sang on your choir and was one of the lucky girls that had a solo part with Dennis Agajanian during one of your Christmas programs many years ago. She was the little one who is not so little anymore (she is now 18) that gave you the gingerbread house. Anyway, you probably don’t remember. It is ok. Your testimony touched my heart. Going to your church and hearing your sermons for many years before, I had heard only part of your testimony that you shared during the Harvest Crusades very briefly. With Lost Boy, and you losing your son, I just could not stop crying, but I am so happy for your victory in Christ at the same time. You are my brother in Christ, and you have helped me all of these years and so many other people. Thank you. God bless you always and always.
Wow! Greg, that’s exciting! Praise God!
To God be the glory! I am not at all surprised that Lost Boy: The Next Chapter received an award. It is a very powerful film, and deserves to be recognized. Congrats, Pastor Greg, and everyone who was involved. Also, congratulations on the Lost Boy book for its nomination. Praise God. Blessings~ Teri
Bravo!
Thank you for reminding us also that our prize awaits us in heaven. And for reminding us of what our treasures truly are here on earth and in heaven.
Peace and Grace be with you.
Dear Pastor Greg,
Congratulations! I am so happy for you and Praise God for your ministry. Sincerely, Renee
Eternity and heaven seem to be more real this year for me personally, as well. You have brought comfort to many of us who lost loved ones in 2008. It has been a tough year, but I think more eternal things seem to be going on. Thanks for all you do. God bless you and keep you.
Also, it was powerful to hear an excerpt from Brittany on the radio to encourage us to trust in the Lord. I didn’t realize that she had only been a Christian for three years. God bless you, dear Britanny.
That’s so wonderful! Congrats, Pastor Greg, and God Bless.
Congratulations, Pastor Greg! We couldn’t be more happy for you and everyone who helped out with this film. We are so grateful to go to Harvest and hear from you every week! May God continue to bless you and your amazing ministry!
Krystal Nelson
Wow! How exciting that the film did so well. Even more exciting is the audience that it is reaching. Praise God, Pastor Greg!
That’s so great, Greg. Praise God for using you to reach so many people.
Bless you. 
Becky Smith
Dear Greg,
Lost Boy is an amazing story and movie. God is good to bring attention and honor to this movie. Its impact is far reaching, and I know it will change the lives of all who see it or read the book. Christopher is cheering with you in heaven! His contribution to this work was great and I know he is very proud of his dad!
So are we all . . .
Jenny Goetz
Great news indeed! Great film!
And I know God has great plans for more great works using it.
To God be the glory!
Congrats, Pastor Greg!
You have been and continue to be a blessing in many people’s lives. Because you live your life so real and true, it has been an inspiration. You share the real world with everyday people, and let us all know that God is here with us. You have taught us to hold on to our faith, even tighter in the worst of times. You don’t just talk the talk, you walk the walk. That is why I listen to you every day, Pastor Greg. You remind me that I can do (and get through) all things through Christ who strengthens me.