Hope for New York

“I don’t remember ever wanting to accomplish anything in particular,” commented one of the St. Paul’s House regular attendees at the Movie Night discussion following “The Astronaut Farmer.”  The film tells the story of a NASA-program dropout who builds his own rocket and circles the earth in it.  Against all odds, the hero fulfills his lifelong dream.  I was taken aback by the “accomplishment” response, mostly because the fellow making the statement said it with no particular emotion, verbally shrugging off his answer.

In stark contrast, Michael Oher—the ghetto child who became an NFL offensive tackle and subject of the book and film, "The Blind Side" (also a popular St. Paul's House movie selection)—says in his new book "I Beat the Odds," that having a dream and being willing to work to fulfill it is fairly critical to rising out of slum conditions.  He also reminds his readers of the adage, "It’s easier to build a child than repair an adult."

The people (mostly men) who come to Movie Night the last Tuesday of the month both live and sleep on the streets, or in area shelters or low income housing.  About 75 percent of the folks come every single month; the rest come periodically, hearing about the special film night from those faithful St. Paul's House moviegoers.  All delight in "cinematic treats," like soda and popcorn, and several slices of delicious Dominoes Pizza (pepperoni, sausage, mushroom or plain).  The audience of 40 (occasionally with an overflow crowd of another 10) is served by five or six volunteers who enjoy the complete movie experience themselves.

Movie Night originated from the idea that every person has the need to have his/her thoughts and opinions expressed and heard.  Movies are a great, "non-threatening" way of sharing viewpoints, discussing themes, examining character motivations—even costuming!—in a lively, sometimes spirited, but always encouraging manner.  "There are no wrong answers" is a good way of describing how St. Paul's House films are discussed; however, we try to guide the discussions toward uplifting and godly messages found in each movie shown.  When participants begin to open up and share viewpoints, they feel more human because their thoughts matter.  They begin to experience community.

Enjoying Movie Night may seem some distance from "repairing an adult," but it provides a means for both volunteers and moviegoers to connect in a real, down-to-earth manner.  Every single person is a unique individual created in the image of God, the God who created literally trillions of totally unique and individual stars.  And those who have an opportunity to help may find ushering and serving at St. Paul's Movie Night both a different and valuable way to connect with someone much, much less fortunate.

The ending of "The Pursuit of Happyness" finds Chris Gardner, the real-life homeless man on whom the film is based, walking down the sidewalk in the midst of a typically crowded New York City, end-of-work crowd.  Within seconds, Chris is jumping into the air, exuberantly celebrating.  He's just landed a job that will get him—and, by extension, his young son—out of poverty's despair.  Our St. Paul's House moviegoers felt joy right along with Chris, applauding and rejoicing in his hope.  Even though his rise-from-destitution success story is not theirs, God is not yet finished—with the audience, or with those of us who volunteer.

Albin Sadar