Do today’s headlines of wars, natural disasters, and cultural chaos leave you questioning God’s plan for the world?

Key Points:

• Set in 19th-century New England, this true story begins with William Miller (Bill Lake), a War of 1812 veteran turned gentleman farmer.
• More than a story of a failed prediction — it’s considers some of today’s toughest questions. What do we do when we misunderstand God’s plan? How do we find God when He doesn’t show up where or when we expect?
• The Hopeful opens in selected cinemas from today (October 17).

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The Hopeful explores God’s promises to us and what happens when His timing differs from ours.

Set in 19th-century New England, this true story begins with William Miller (Bill Lake), a War of 1812 veteran turned gentleman farmer. A keen student of the Bible, Miller is convinced he has decoded a biblical prophecy predicting Christ’s return. He is also deeply troubled by his discovery.

Grappling with a sense of duty, he eventually surrenders to God’s call and shares the news of Christ’s imminent arrival. His followers, now called ‘Millerites,’ settle on October 22, 1844 as the date of Christ’s return. But when the day passes without event, the public humiliation becomes known as the ‘Great Disappointment.’

The Millerites aren’t just disillusioned—they are publicly mocked and labelled frauds. Many had given away everything in preparation for the Lord’s return. As the believers are engulfed in loss and confusion, the question arises – how would we handle being ridiculed for something we deeply believe in?

How would we handle being ridiculed for something we deeply believe in?

Enter Ellen Harmon (Tommie-Amber Pirie), a frail 16-year-old, inspired by Miller’s message of a loving God, unlike the harsh, judgmental one often preached at the time. As Miller struggles with the aftermath of the great disappointment, Ellen receives divine guidance to keep trusting in God and continue to prepare for His return.

The film shifts focus to Ellen’s journey, as she delivers her powerful message of hope to a sceptical and male dominated community who later form the Seventh-Day Adventist church.

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The Hopeful is more than a story of a failed prediction — it’s considers some of today’s toughest questions. What do we do when we misunderstand God’s plan? How do we find God when He doesn’t show up where or when we expect? How do we lean into God when we fail, rather than retreating in shame or humiliation?

The Hopeful opens in selected cinemas from October 17

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Images supplied by Movies Change People.