27. Each story is touching, but the film gives no characterization to these pioneers. I am constantly researching a great number of things, I kinda drive myself crazy with it sometimes! Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, Why couldnt we drive it out? He replied, Because you have so little faith. This movie was very well put together. The courage and well being of the dwarf and the fact that he made it as far as he did. There is one final struggle between narrative styles I would like to consider: the struggle between faith and disagreement. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not? But they remained silent. He is an interesting character surrounded by interesting characters: families who left loved ones, children who traveled alone due to finances, elderly couples who faced death because they were accused of possessing a spirit of apostasy when they expressed concern over traveling at their age. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) It is not meant to be an Indiana Jones type of show. Harrowing Watch with a free Prime trial Watch with Prime Start your 30-day free trial Rent HD $3.99 Buy HD $9.99 More purchase options A few days before leaving for Utah I heard about this movie. Compared to everyday life, the sun shines brighter in Christensens world. Jesus said to them, Come and have breakfast. None of the disciples dared ask him, Who are you? They knew it was the Lord. this movie is for those strongly religious faithfuls, not for atheist non-believers (i, for one) who never believes god almighty was not a make-belief invention and imagination made by those self-serving and self-righteous rich and powerful persons or parties to subordinate those born poor and lowly. And he was also the great storm god. Lord, he said, my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly. Jesus said to him, Shall I come and heal him? The centurion replied, Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. Why couldn't they have killed some of the wolves stalking them & used them for food. A lot of the LDS films out there are plain bad. Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, There are six days for work. The Willie Handcart Company treks across America to the Salt Lake Valley, experiencing many trials and deaths, as well as 17 miracles. Brother Moyle stayed with his son and daughter-in-law during the week and would then walk 22 miles to return home on the weekends. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere. The miracles of Jesus show us how powerful Jesus Christ is and how much He loves us. xo Diana. There is not really a point to watch this film if you aren't LDS. So I went and washed, and then I could see. Where is this man? they asked him. Very often, when I watch a film, the subject matter makes me want to learn more and this wasthe case with a movie that Isaw on the BYU channel. I Highly recommend it. I often wonder if I would have gone with the Saints that took this trek. Second: If god is alive and well (and I believe he is) then he would look down upon the events and in this movie and say"this is not what I am had in mind when I told you to go forth" For a church to belittle or ridicule a person for telling people that making the crossing across the Oregon trail during winter is wrong, is NOT what god had in mind when he said "sacrifice leads to heaven". The miracle of the jerky in the cave. "It is my hope that this book will fill in a few of the gaps, answer some questions, raise a few more and invite greater admiration for the wonderful handcart pioneers I have come to know and love," Christensen wrote. With the threat of winter starvation, illness, wolves, freezing river crossings, and death following them throughout their journey, Levi and others also witness the occurrences of divine miracles that enable them to complete their journey and arrive in Salt Lake City. Life was not easy then. Jesus restored the ear of the high priest's servant (Luke 22:50-51). If this man were not from God, he could do nothing. To this, they replied, You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us! And they threw him out. Originally, he thought, "Oh, another pioneer story." (Please Our dear son got married! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly. Jesus did not answer a word. Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. If you are looking for intrigue or for a completely integrated plot line with the same character's being followed up on throughout, it is not that type of movie and you won't be satisfied. For this I am truly grateful, and forever faithful. We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we dont even know where he comes from. The man answered, Now that is remarkable! The people were amazed and . Jesus opened the eyes of a man born blind (John 9:1-38). Night is coming, when no one can work. And a large crowd from the town was with her. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. He possesses a talent to create palpable environments where lighting, costuming, and settings combine to quicken the past and its dead. Thank you. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. Nearly nine hundred years later, these miracles of Elisha would have been well known to Jesus's Jewish audience when he performed miracles such as curing the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19), feeding the five thousand with five small loaves of barley bread (Matthew 14:13-21), and raising Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:21-43). "17 Miracles" tells the story of the Mormon pioneers who used handcarts to travel to Utah in 1856 and endured terrible hardships by traveling during a brutal winter. Christensen's film "17 Miracles" was released last year, Mormon audiences embraced the compelling pioneer stories of courage and inspiration. He said, Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some. When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Savage and others found the remains of the Donner Party, a sad fate he prayed wouldn't happen to the handcart companies. English Standard Version Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. Were the majority of them so newly arrived to this country that they had no idea of the length of the journey or the severity of winters on the plains? 9. "17 Miracles" is really a miracle. I think this movie helps people to realize that miracles really exist if we just exercise a little faith. Christensens new film, 17 Miracles., Photos courtesy of Excel Entertainment Group. Jesus cured a man of dropsy (Luke 14:1-4). I watched the trailer right now, whew, heavy stuff! Jesus cured the paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8). 17 Miracles tells a few of the incredible true stories of pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you believe Jesus was a nice bloke that could not then stay clear of this film because it is very fanciful. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. We believe that Jesus Christ and His Father are one in purpose, not one in being. He is of age; he will speak for himself. His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. These subtle changes do not detract from the story's compelling elements. In 1856, five handcart companies traveled from Iowa to Utah (a distance of 1300 miles.) The day on which this took place was a Sabbath. There are many miraculous works of Christ recorded in the Bible, as He continues to help mankind in heavenly ways today! As found in the Gospels, here are miracles Jesus performed up to His Crucifixion and Resurrection. Then they turned again to the blind man, What have you to say about him? "More than Miracles" is available at Deseret Book and other LDS booksellers. Let it be done just as you believed it would. And his servant was healed at that moment. It is not wholesome for there are thematic suffering and hardships that might offend children so parental guidance is recommended. "He was just a guy. You leave with a lasting impression of these amazing pioneers. Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this worlds light. He was in that handcart company and the times he felt he couldn't pull that cart any farther, he felt Angels pushing it for him. I am not Mormon myself but it seems he took some cheap shots at them. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch. Simon answered, Master, weve worked hard all night and havent caught anything. Jesus turns water into wine (Jn 2:1-12). When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 1. the two girls going through the field with the rattle snakes. 1. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Wade has kept a daily journal for 20 years and felt a connection to Savage. As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, Have mercy on us, Son of David! When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? Yes, Lord, they replied. T.C. Then Jesus said to Simon, Dont be afraid; from now on you will fish for people. So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. Lord, help me! she said. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. This schedule was repeated for almost 20 years. 17. Its not a faith of equality. The survival of the love that Sarah exemplified. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints do believe in miracles. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord! As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, It is the Lord, he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. This is not a bad philosophy to live by; it informs how Mormons tend to shape and share their stories. The second great haul of fishes (John 21:1-14). Note: By 1850, the Mormons had 30,747 members in Great Britain compared with 21,092 in North America. The film is built around the trail experience of Levi Savage (Jasen Wade), who marched with the Mormon Battalion and was recruited to help the handcart company as he was returning from a mission in Asia. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask. Jesus said to her, Your brother will rise again. Martha answered, I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. It also symbolized a key component of His ministry: The replacement of the old order, the water of . And the recorded stories of people pulling the handcarts up hill, when they look back to see who is helping them, see no one there. It is recorded that his hands looked liked the hands of a bird. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. Brother Moyle settled in Alpine and was called to be a stonemason on the Salt Lake Temple. Note: By 1850, the Mormons had 30,747 members in Great Britain compared with 21,092 in North America. Jesus fed at least five thousand people (Matthew 14:15-21). The pure and deep abiding love and sacrifice that one can feel for another is present here in this story. I recommend it for everybody, member or non-member. Wasted a hour, glad I called a halt to this film YUK! Power (dunamis), which means "mighty deed."Jesus's miracles were overwhelmingly powerful acts that revealed his omnipotence and authority. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now. What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her? When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. Critic Sean P. Means of The Salt Lake Tribune thought that Christensen's eye for striking cinematography gave the film a "glossy look" and Wade's portrayal of the hardy Levi Savage "held the film together." 4. Listen to our podcastThe Bible Never Said That. Along the way Louisa noticed a pie in the road. "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" in Psalm 139, Be Still and Know That I am God in Psalm 46:10, "No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper" - Isaiah 54:17, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. He is currently a second-year PhD student at the University of Maryland in theatre and performance studies. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, This is a remote place, and its already getting late. He threw himself at Jesus feet and thanked himand he was a Samaritan. But let us go to him. Then Thomas (also known as Didymus ) said to the rest of the disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.. Oh, now I want to see this movie too. 5. It does not seem a very sensible thing to do, dragging handcarts across vast distances so close to winter, and not being better equipped for it in terms of food and clothing. By the end, 17Miracles repeats these narratives; however, the first two-thirds of the film indicates a more complicated relationship among company members than is generally conveyed in a traditional pioneer story. Another subject for me to investigate. Many of those in the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies were from the British Isles or from Scandinavia. but this movie is definitely an overly religious pitching and empowered one from the very beginning, a mormon believer financed film, that treated every lucky survival as a miracle from the god almighty but never the torments and loss of lives and miseries. What do you want me to do for you? he asked. Those people had a whole lot of faith to make a journey like that. Why Did Jesus Designate Harsher Punishment for Those Who Hurt Children? Jesus raised the widow's son from the dead (Luke 7:11-18). Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. Life is always more complex than can be depicted in two hours. There is also no point watching it if you are. An independent film telling the true story of one of the most amazing pioneer migrations stories ever is beautifully written, directed, acted, edited and photographed to say nothing about the excellent musical scoring. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. He recalled the story of the Mellor family and what he called "miracle of the pie." It was early morning and he was at the front of a long line of traffic. Christensen Gary Cook Pat D. Smart Stars Jasen Wade Emily Wadley Jason Celaya See production, box office & company info Watch on Prime Video included with Prime Jesus opened the eyes of two blind men (Matthew 9:27-31). "It should be noted that in some instances, I blended details of two or more stories, not to distort history but to achieve dramatic effect. Pioneer stories tend to be structured as vignettes rather than biographies; in any pioneer story, whom the miracle happens to is less important than the universality of God interceding on behalf of the faithful. '", "Whenever a sceenplay is based on historical events, viewers of the film frequently want to know if the events being depicted are factual or merely the screen writer's imaginary version of what might have been," Christensen wrote. Where are the other nine? She said to herself, If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed. Jesus turned and saw her. Photo Credit: GettyImages/LindaJohnsonbaugh. So he went to her, took her hand, and helped her up. The lead actor who played Levi Savage is very good at the portrayal of his part. Jesus warned them sternly, See that no one knows about this. But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. I feel Brigham Young was also to blame for this travesty because it was his idea to bring people to the Utah territory with hand carts. We believe that Jehovah is God and that He is the Son of God which is to say that he has a Father; the same Father who said, when Christ was baptized, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". Film director T.C. I know, there was little choice in going on, but the main leader should have listened to Eli who knew what was involved. 6. 21. I know who you arethe Holy One of God! Be quiet! said Jesus sternly. The sacred may manifest itself in natural phenomena, such as thunderstorms or earthquakes, that evoke appropriate feelings of awe, but these are not usually considered miracles unless attended . Thank you. He often falls into the fire or into the water. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then Jesus said to the centurion, Go! The company could not wait so the family continued to walk while daughter Louisa tried to talk her mother into continuing. But the more he read the script, the more fascinated he became with the handcart pioneers. The miracles of Jesus were clearly not to show that the kingdom had been consummated. Have you come to destroy us? All Rights Reserved, New movie 17 Miracles highlights handcart miracles. I am so glad you saw this and left this comment, Yaya. Jesus performed plenty of miracles. He called it a sustaining miracle. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? The point is that there are miracles throughout based on faith in God and His mercy. You dont know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. OK I know that is not to be judged by the 5 senses definition. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, Lord, the one you love is sick. When he heard this, Jesus said, This sickness will not end in death. It also does not abandon James Williethe man most responsible for pushing the Saints late in the season and accusing Savage of apostasyto thoughtless caricature. The great haul of fishes (Luke 5:1-11). . Many died on the journey from starvation and the cold. When Levi Savage, a former Mormon Battalion member and missionary to Asia, agrees to assist the Willie Handcart Company as they journey to Salt Lake City in 1856, the late start and onset of a bitter winter leaves the pioneers unprepared and suffering as they cross the plains of the Midwestern United States. Christensen's movie focuses on 17 of the many miracles experienced by families in the two handcart companies, some of which aren't widely known. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, Jesus, Master, have pity on us! When he saw them, he said, Go, show yourselves to the priests. And as they went, they were cleansed. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. It does make one wonder. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-46). Afterward, Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. Christensen took some artistic license in producing the movie. He combined the two handcart companies into one, and some events are not told in chronological order. [1] The film was released in select theaters across the United States in the summer of 2011. My Great Great Grandmother came to Utah in the Willey Handcart Company; she is the little girl jumping over the rattlesnakes in the film. You also discover the reason that they are in such a hurry to push on to the Salt Lake Valley, the sealing power of the Temple that binds families together forever. I really, really enjoyed this movie. All of the events have come from actual events recorded in the pioneers journals, including the amazing young men who unselfishly carried the weak members of the party across the ice cold waters of a river all day. Mormon cultures hallowed treatment of the trek has appeared in oral histories, pageant depictions, and trek reenactments, and writer and director T.C. Christensens treatment of the subject material is an excellent addition to a robust tradition that remembers a significant moment in our cultural past. Jesus said to the servants, Fill the jars with water; so they filled them to the brim. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live. Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. If not the DVD and Blu-ray are now available thru Deseret Book Company. When he had spit on the mans eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, Do you see anything? He looked up and said, I see people; they look like trees walking around. Once more Jesus put his hands on the mans eyes. Remember me telling y'all that our one and only son writes for a living? Don't you want to read something by him? I think the most interesting part of this movie is trying to figure out just how many miracles there were and what they were. Christensen has produced such LDS films as "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration," "Testaments," "Forever Strong," "The Work and the Glory" and "The Mouth of Babes." Their faith pushed them onward when even when hope may have failed them. Christensen films a scene in his new movie, 17 Miracles., Pioneers cross the Sweetwater River in 17 Miracles.. "The Lord is in their lives. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us! The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us! Jesus stopped and called them. This is not just a story for Mormons but for all Americans. Based on the experiences of members of the Willie Handcart Company of Mormon pioneers following their late-season start and subsequent winter journey to Salt Lake City in 1856, the film emphasizes miracles individual participants reported having during the journey. The men were amazed and asked, What kind of man is this? With one exception, those who experience miracles are not introduced before their short story. Glad you like the movie! Their trek left too late in the fall and they ended up struggling to survive the harsh winter, starvation and more as they continued on. After I saw this movie I wondered if it would be a good one to show non-members and if they would get the real meaning behind it or just think that the people were dumb to make that trek or the Church was dumb to ask it of them. I must admit I cried like a baby, maybe it's just because I'm a member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day-saints, anyways, to my view they 're good actors and they were able to interpret these true stories full of miracles, not only seventeen, and that is totally inspiring. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Peanut Butter Cookies/Peter Pan. The first two-thirds of 17 Miracles is framed by following the narrative and characterization of those in the pioneer party, though some alterations to historical accuracy did occur for the cinematic adaptation to work. 14. First: I want to say is the acting in the movie was good. The girl is not dead but asleep. But they laughed at him. These were mostly poor immigrants from the British Isles and Scandinavia who arrived late in the season and had no recourse but to continue on to Utah even though there was the potential for bad weather. Jointly published by the Deseret News and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church. Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. Their is a lot of comic relief and romance. Jesus rose from the dead (Luke 24:5-8). 15. 2022 Giving Company Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy. Disappointed. Jesus asked, Were not all ten cleansed? I am one of these, and my heart swells with love for these people. At present time it is only being shown in the Intermountain West. Thank you very much for your comment. I have written about it before! It also made me furious at the LDS church for their treatment of the only sensible character, Levi Savage. I am willing, he said. Brother Christensen also spoke of his new movie "17 Miracles," which follows the story of Levi Savage and his journey with the Willie Handcart Company. Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, Do you want to get well? Sir, the invalid replied, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. "17 Miracles" tells the story of the Mormon pioneers who used handcarts to travel to Utah in 1856 and endured terrible hardships by traveling duringa brutal winter. At the wedding in Cana of Galilee, Jesus altered the chemical composition from water to wine. For each pull cart family at one time or another during the long ordeal learned to rely on their fellowman. You would find this film interesting, I am sure. Blind trust in god is one thing, throwing your life away because the church leaders vanity is at risk is another. Lord, Martha said to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. The sun continues to shine brightly despite the intensity of the situation. Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner? Then he said to him, Rise and go; your faith has made you well.. Stephanie would have walked here, I am sure. Traditionally, when we tell stories of miracles, context is provided, but the event rather than the individual pioneer is preeminent. Most Christians know that Jesus accomplished many miracles but may be surprised to learn of some they didn't know before. "Hopefully they will learn things that will touch them even more deeply and affect their lives," Christensen said. Find out today Proof God exists Scientific proof of God God's love The love of God is the reason why you are alive God loves you! the first "brethren" appeared in the dialog just sounded like those movies about communists calling "comrade" to each other. And after that they can think back on that and know they are not alone.". The Mormon pioneers trek across the plains.
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