On July 3, Angel Studios will release the faith-based Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot. The true life tale shares the incredible story of Bennett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Pastor and First Lady W.C. and Donna Martin, and how their entire community was transformed as the led a foster care adoption crusade.

 

The kids had big needs, but God’s love was even bigger. Often with little more than a willing heart, these families made room for the kids knowing that where God guides, He provides. In all, 77 children came to live in Possum Trot, many still living and raising their own families nearby. 

 

The Martin’s home is at the center of it all. 

 

Last weekend they came home from a weeklong whirlwind press tour, including Toronto, New York, and Atlanta. Yet that didn’t stop them from having a Spirit-filled worship service followed by a boisterous family meal on Sunday. 

 

I had the opportunity to spend the day with them. Attending services at Bennett Chapel, I was welcomed with open arms. Right away, Uncle Chewy came over and introduced himself. Princeton didn’t miss a stranger and immediately hugged me as he walked past my pew. The Spirit moved so strongly in the three-hour service that I knew I’d been in the presence of God. 

 

Donna Martin invited me to her home for dinner after church where I realized there was no Hollywood license or embellishment in depicting her family’s bonds. That love and closeness was not only real, but palpable. 

 

There were so many kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids, great-grandkids, and siblings…oh the siblings! Check out the powerful scene where Donna’s mother prays over each of them daily by touching the photos lining the wall of her shack. She raised eighteen children and most of her living offspring were there for dinner!  

 

Refusing to be treated like a guest, I joined the sisters in the kitchen and stirred pots of black-eyed peas and lima beans while trying to place each family member with their movie counterparts. I shared a little of my story as they shared more of theirs. 

 

I naturally gravitated toward the kids as well. I visited with Mercedes’ daughter, Maddie, while Terri’s daughter Kinsley sat on my lap. Cindy’s grandson Eli climbed up in the chair next to me for help with the American flag he’d been holding. My heart was as full as my belly. 

 

After dinner, I danced with Princeton around the living room. He is the happiest, most loving young man and I knew I’d visit again if only to see his face light up. 

 

The sisters hadn’t yet seen the film while I was there, having made a pact to see it together. Another guest and I tried not to give away “spoilers” but they joked that they lived it so there could be no spoilers. 

 

I still think they will be amazed when they see the power of God represented through their lives on the big screen at the Shelby County, TX red-carpet premiere Tuesday. They don’t know it yet but they will win multitudes to Christ and bring such a great awareness to the foster care system, particularly the needs of those kids who need love the most. Their lives are amazing; their story transforming. 

 

The acting is fabulous in this movie but I can promise you that the real-life Possum Trot citizens are the true stars of this story!