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From a Mom’s Perspective

Honored, excited, grateful, proud, and overwhelmed are a few words that come to mind as I reflect on the Premiere for “Brave the Dark”. It was Saturday evening, January 11th, at the Fulton Theatre, where 600 investors, family, and friends gathered together to celebrate the making of this great movie!

Dave and I stood among the crowd, as we watched our son being celebrated as producer of this film! Derek’s childhood flashed before my eyes as I saw him take the stage. How did all of this happen so fast? Just yesterday he had a paper route, making friends with the older ladies in our development. He would be gone hours, stopping by and playing piano for them. He loved electronics, and loved taking videos with his dad’s clunker of a camera. LOL! He was in training for such a time as this!

He had his moments of being strong-willed and determined that wasn’t always easy to navigate. I’m pretty sure we made some mistakes, but all of that now was behind us and 39 years later, working in his favor! His tender heart and ability to relate to anyone was evident that night and was so surreal.

We were so humbled to see his poise and relationship that he had with many, including the investors in the film. Tears came to my eyes as he took pictures with the cast, investors, and even had the time to take one with his mom and dad!

Derek Stoltzfus smiling with his proud parents, Connie and Dave, at the premiere of "Brave the Dark." Proud parents, Connie and Dave, at the premiere of "Brave the Dark."

He honored Nate, who was present and who the film is all about, and the horrible things that happened to this man at an early age! And Stan Deen, who was Nate’s teacher, was used powerfully to bring redemption to this incredible man! Derek expressed his gratitude towards his company, Make Films and Angel Studios and others who were the creatives who made this movie come to life… filmed right here in New Holland, PA!

Derek Stoltzfus, producer of "Brave the Dark," standing on stage at the Fulton Theatre, celebrating the film’s premiere.

The film is powerful and inspiring! It is showing this weekend in over 2000 theatres across the US!

Click here to purchase tickets and spread the word! Tickets are selling fast and you wont want to miss it!

I would like to say to those moms and dads out there who might be in the early stages of raising your kids, to cherish every moment! You have a short amount of time to make a difference in their lives. Strong-willed children are not easy, but keep your eye on the goal, see their potential and ask God to help you cultivate and guide them.

All of your children, regardless… are the next generation and world changers! Speak words of affirmation and life into their lives, letting them know they are incredible, amazing human beings, that can do anything God calls them to do! If only I would have zoomed out and done that more! Dave, was much better at that than I was.

Growing up, I did not have the encouragement from my father. He was more concerned about me working hard, than who I was. I was a “hired-child”, free labor in many ways as I grew up on a huge pig farm with a thousand pigs.

The story of my journey and how I started Cavod is in my new book, entitled, “From Barn To Stage”. It will be released on Saturday, February 8th, at our 20th anniversary celebration at Worship Center, from 2:00-5:00pm! You won’t want to miss it!

Join us as we travel through time… through exhibits, videos, dance, prizes, cake and refreshments, worship, and so much more! Our theme is “Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going”. We have lots of surprises and fun for all! The event is free, but please register here to attend!

And what is happening on the home front this week? It’s visitors week at Cavod! This is always so exciting for our students as family and friends are invited to attend classes. They enjoy showing what they have accomplished so far! There will be lots of energy in all three buildings this week and the café is gearing up for a crowd!

Also, Citylight Dance Theatre… our outreach team are in their final weeks of rehearsals for their winter concert, called “Out of Darkness, Into Light!” It is showing at Cavod Theatre on February 1st at 2:00pm, and February 2nd at 4:00pm.

This is a beautiful show, redemption through movement! Purchase tickets HERE!

 Citylight Dance Theatre dancers in  "Out of Darkness, Into Light," promotional image

And finally, I am going to leave you with these verses from Matthew 5:14-16.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket,

But on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others,

so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

I challenge you this week, to be a light, shining in the darkness. Train yourself to see the good in others, and point out their strengths instead of their weaknesses! I am working on this too! And don’t forget your coffee! That helps! 😊

Much love to all!

Connie Dienner
Executive Director

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