Lead Actor in 'Sound of Hope' Film Says Adoption Story 'Makes Gospel Very Real and Tangible'
Have you ever heard of the story of Possum Trot?
"Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot," tells the true story of "Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace kids in the foster system that nobody else would take."
The couple successfully encourages their Christian church community to adopt 77 children in the East Texas foster system.
Demetrius Grosse, who portrays Reverend Martin in "Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot," sat down with ChurchPOP editor Jacqueline Burkepile to discuss what he considers this "miracle" that occurred in Possum Trot, Texas between 1998 and 2011.
Grosse says he believes this film based on a true story "makes the Gospel very real and tangible."
"This was not a magic trick kind of a situation. It took tenacity. It takes steadfastness and it takes faith," Grosse says. "It's not without challenge that the people of Possum Trot have been able to set this standard and this bar for what it means to put faith in action for all of us."
Listen to the full interview below:
Grosse also says that Donna and Reverend Martin responded to God's call to adopt and encouraged adoption in their church community with obedience.
"When you hear that call–to be obedient to it– and then look, even though it could be hard and challenging, we look at what is possible. Look at what the positive outcome can be. So this story is special to me because it transcends itself. It becomes greater than the sum of its parts."
While the film's storyline tackles serious issues and challenges, Grosse says he also wanted to emulate Reverend Martin's humor and joy.
"He is a charismatic man...he uses humor strategically in his delivery of his sermons," Grosse explains. "Clearly, God has a sense of humor. Right? And so we're to emulate and be imitators of Christ."