“The Blind” — the real-life story of Phil and Miss Kay Robertson and the “Duck Dynasty” family — hit theaters Sept. 28, and resonated with fans deeply.
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But the film, which has grossed over $10 million at the box office, is doing far more than merely entertain. “The Blind,” a profoundly personal journey, opened in the top five at the box office in its first two weeks, despite being shown in fewer theaters than some competitors.
The movie is reportedly changing lives, with news of baptisms following screenings.
CBN Digital sat down with entrepreneur and Christian leader Ethan Drum to hear how he brought “The Blind” to hundreds of homeless people and individuals struggling with addiction — and the results were incredible.
According to Drum, 70 people accepted Christ during initial showings. Some people were so moved, they got baptized on the spot — all a fruitful effort born out of Drum’s quest to bring the Gospel to the vulnerable and those struggling.
“I was like, ‘Why don’t we just bring the movie theater to them?'” he said. “And so [I] called a friend of mine who owned a production company.”
From there, “The Blind” quickly made its way into these rehab centers, and true life change unfolded.
Watch Drum reveal what happened during these powerful screenings:
Drum said Phil Robertson recorded a personal video to show to the men and women who watched the film — a clip recounting Robertson’s own struggle with alcohol, infidelity, and chaos before coming to the Lord.
“[He was] like, ‘Hey, this movie is about me. If anyone should be embarrassed, I should — and, by the way, I was where you were at, and now I’m not,'” Drum recounted, noting the movie truly connected to those struggling with addiction, homelessness, and other issues. “There was crying, laughing, gasping.”
He continued, “The movie had such an impact, because they were like … ‘He didn’t actually go back to drugs and alcohol. It actually did change; he finally did stop, and maybe I can stop too.'”
Drum held impromptu baptisms after the showing, as the film spiritually moved many.
“On those two days combined, over 70 people [were baptized],” he said. “And then I’ve been getting text messages that it’s still ongoing … the movement hadn’t stopped.”
Drum said he plans to return to baptize more people still feeling spiritually impacted by “The Blind.” CBN Digital will continue to cover the story as it unfolds.
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