Pat Rouse, owner of On Eagles Wings’ Christian Bookstore and Outfitters, wants to make sure the people of Spencer and the surrounding area have an opportunity to see “Courageous” during its limited engagement release.In order to make that happen, Rouse pledged to guarantee the sell of 1,000 tickets to the film’s opening weekend when it debuts Friday, Sept. 30, at the Southpark 7 Theaters in Spencer. The film is scheduled to be in the Spencer theater through Oct. 13.”Courageous” is the newest Christian film release from Sherwood Pictures, the production company responsible for “Fireproof,” “Facing the Giants” and “Flywheel.” “Courageous” follows four law enforcement officers: Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, David Thomson and Shane Fuller. All are confident and focused when it comes to their job, but they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood.The film synopsis suggests: “While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they’re quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark.”When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God … and to their children?”Rouse, a big fan of “Fireproof,” a film starring Kirk Cameron as a firefighter who excels at his job but struggles in his role as a husband, is hopeful “Courageous” will provide the same kind of impact for viewers.”Online at their website, they have several different trailers. I have not seen the whole film, but based on their previous reputation,” Rouse said, “each one has gotten better.”After viewing “Fireproof,” Rouse joined the fan page and “liked” it on Facebook. It was through the social media, she discovered “Courageous.”"They started sending out notices that they were planning a new movie. As they started writing, and casting, they kept me up to date in the process. Then I got all the information as far as promoting it,” Rouse explained.She said they want churches to bring groups of people to the film, but it wasn’t scheduled to show in Spencer.”I decided we’ve got to have it come,” Rouse said. “I went through the process and they approved us. It’s at selected theaters for the opening weekend. The closest was Orange City and Forest City opening weekend.”I got in after the deadline to be approved. I started working with Fridley and I needed the agreement to sign … Just before fair I followed up and they got it approved for us to have it. Now it’s here too. … That’s a really big deal.”Southpark 7 has been working with Rouse to promote the film in advance. The theater sent letters out to 90 area churches and Rouse, in addition to displaying posters, has put the information on receipts and inserted flyers as bag stuffers.Sherwood Films, is a film ministry, operated by the Sherwood Baptist Church in Georgia, dedicated to producing quality Christian movies.When can you see ‘Courageous’Southpark 7 Showtimes beginning Friday, Sept. 30 daily at 4:10, 7:00, and 9:30 p.m., plus Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 1:30 p.m.. Tickets: Now on sale at the theatre during regular business hours or at fridleytheatres.com. Please contact the General Manager Brian Justus, for theater rentals, special shows, and group discount tickets.
