As a Born-Again Christian from Helensburgh, Scotland, I was moved by the film, Jesus Freaks (2024), directed by Nina May. It really set my heart ablaze. You can watch the movie here https://www.jesusfreaksmovie.com/
The film was shot over 13 days in Florida and Virginia, beautifully capturing the 1973 Jesus Movement’s Holy Spirit fire at Stetson University. It was created as a birthday gift for Joanna’s husband, with support from local churches that reflected this heartfelt grassroots passion. Although it is a raw and genuine movie, the Holy Spirit had other plans for how it would be used.
Its filmmaking and story, especially Joannie’s passion and the stormtrooper ending, which is rooted in our pre-tribulation rapture view, stirred my soul, echoing the revival I felt while hearing sermons from Duncan Campbell and also from RT Kendall’s Spirit-filled preaching, especially his latest teaching called “Holy Fire Series”.
Joannie’s Passion: A Layperson’s Zeal
Joannie (Actress- Ashley Hibbs), inspired by Nina May’s story, shares Christ boldly as a student, not a pastor. Here at Born Again Christians, we believe that women are vital in ministry, though not in pastoral roles (1 Timothy 2:12).
But her fire reminds me of the Hebrides Revival (1949–1952) on the Isle of Lewis, where my family are from, where two women, Peggy and Christine Smith sparked revival through prayer. I think President Donald Trump is related to them in some way.
Joannie’s faith, like theirs, shows that every believer can shine for Jesus, much like the energy of the Jesus Movement in the Jesus Revolution Movie, which I loved.
We deeply need a movement like that here in the UK, society is destroyed, with the mess the UK government has caused through a liberal woke agenda.
I feel there is no way back to normality now. I think the only change now is if the Holy Spirit brings another movement like on the Isle of Lewis, Florida and California.
Stormtrooper Ending: Faith for the Fight
The film’s climax moved me: Joannie and her husband scribe scriptures under their house’s woodwork as the film ends. Looking ahead to the future through the time of the tribulation, which had children and perhaps their parents, are quietly hiding inside the home as stormtroopers rush in to check if they are reading Bibles or Christian literature.
Fortunately, the kids are safely hidden away in a secret part of the house, protected from the soldiers.
This movie scene reminds me of (Deuteronomy 6:9 “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.) This truly touched my heart, reminding me that God’s Word remains strong, sturdy and steady even in tough times. The image was simple yet powerful, encouraging me to live confidently for Christ.
I was inspired by Cheryl Chumley’s Bold and Blunt podcast, where I listened to Nina May, who passionately urges us to be a “Jesus freak.” https://open.spotify.com/show/6pFL0xUl67QzT7PrVS3X9U
Jesus Freaks chronicles the East Coast expansion of the Jesus Movement, driven by campus ministries like Campus Crusade and evangelists like Arthur Blessitt, who preached Holy Spirit baptism while rejecting the prosperity gospel. Blessitt carried a 12-foot cross across the globe, covering approximately 43,000 miles.
Blessitt, from Florida, carried a cross around the world, inspiring students like Joannie, who clashed with orthodox churches that resisted the Holy Spirit.
My burden and Lewis Echoes
The Bold and Blunt podcast calls Jesus Freaks a wake-up call for the church, resonating with our ministry, Calvary Chapel's distinctives ethos, and my Isle of Lewis revival’s prayer-driven fire.
Here in Scotland, I am stuck trying to get to the USA for the annual East Coast Calvary Chapel conference. Still, I always get to listen to the recordings on the app of Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia.
The East Coast Calvary Chapel conference continues to carry the wonderful fruits from 1973, just like this year's 2025 Philadelphia conference. I really enjoy hearing from speakers like Don McClure, especially his witty stories. Mike MacIntosh, Gary Hamrick, and the other speakers keep that Spirit-led legacy alive and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Filmed in just 13 intense days, Jesus Freaks isn’t a polished movie, but its genuine spirit and the way it ignited a revival fire in my heart make it a must-see for everyone. While I couldn’t find the DVD on Amazon UK, you can easily buy or rent it to watch on the website.
My prayer for you readers is that you will be inspired by Joannie’s passion, her readiness to share the gospel as the Lord's return draws near.
Whether you are taken in the Rapture or endure the tribulation, may you find strength in the Word of God, just as Joannie and her church family did in the film's powerful ending.
This is a call to live fully for Jesus Christ, as it is written in John 10:10, 'I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.' For us born-again believers everywhere, let us remember 2 Timothy 4:2, 'Preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.'
Trust in the Holy Spirit as promised in Acts 1:8, 'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses.'
So, stand firm in faith, as Ephesians 6:11 reminds us, 'Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.'
Watch, pray, and live so that your actions glorify God, as Philippians 1:20 encourages, 'whether by life or by death, that in everything Christ may be magnified.'
Be blessed
Peter
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