Author Francine Rivers Cites God’s Timing for REDEEMING LOVE Delays
By Movieguide® Staff
Author Francine Rivers, known for her works full of biblical themes, recently shared about her visit to the set of the movie adaptation of her 1997 book, “Redeeming Love.”
“Last February, Rick and I traveled to South Africa to see the filming of Redeeming Love. It was so exciting to meet the actors, the director, the crew, and so many other people involved in making the feature film based on my novel. The sets were beyond my dreams, the costumes fantastic, the setting absolutely gorgeous,” Rivers wrote on her website.
Although most of Rivers’ work deals with Christian themes, “Redeeming Love” was her first book after genuinely coming to the faith.
“From 1976 to 1985, Francine Rivers had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were awarded or nominated for numerous awards and prizes. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, mother of three, and an established romance novelist,” the author’s “about” page reads. “Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. This retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea set during the time of the California Gold Rush is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the Christian Booksellers Association’s top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian bestsellers list for nearly a decade.”
After Rivers visited the set, her excitement for the movie’s release was halted when COVID-19 was announced in March 2020. At the time, the movie was slated to premiere in theaters in Spring 2021.
“When we left, we knew ‘the shoot’ would soon be finished and we looked forward to readying for the theatrical release. There was no hint of COVID and when we arrived home, there still wasn’t a whisper of a pandemic. But before long, news hit of a new virus spreading quickly around the globe and everything changed. I still see it as miraculous that Redeeming Love was ‘in the can’ just twenty-four hours before South Africa shut down, also that the cast and crew were all able to make it safely home,” Rivers wrote.
“Months later, an early cut of the movie was brought to our home by producer Cindy Bond and Holly Caruso (the wife of director D.J. Caruso). I was thrilled with what I saw, even without music and other elements that would be added,” she continued. “Just a few weeks ago, I viewed early editions of two trailers, along with numerous samples of poster art. Every step forward makes us that much more eager to see the film in theaters across the country. But sometimes, it seems the closer we come to an actual release date, the more other forces interfere.”
Rivers confessed that the constant obstacles are “frustrating, to say the least.”
However, River pointed people to God’s plan for the project and said that she trusts Him with the movie.
“People keep asking when the movie will be released, and I wish I had an answer other than soon. I must remind myself that nothing surprises God, and all things work according to His plan and timing,” Rivers said. “Some may wonder where God has been in this crisis. The truth is, He has remained our strength and comfort. His love is unchanging, passionate, and sacrificial. We can count on Him to bring us through it all. And that’s the message of Redeeming Love. When the movie is released, I hope people flood into theaters to see how God brings beauty from ashes and that faith in Him alone, whose love changes us from the inside out, will sustain us through whatever comes.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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