From Atheism to Evangelist Filmmaker: A Story of Transformation and Redemption

31/07/2024 49 min

Listen "From Atheism to Evangelist Filmmaker: A Story of Transformation and Redemption"

Episode Synopsis

From Atheism to Evangelist Filmmaker: A Story of Transformation and Redemption
In this heartfelt and emotional podcast episode, Tim shares his incredible journey from a life of atheism and a severe gambling addiction to becoming a devoted Christian filmmaker. After being fired from his prestigious law firm, he experienced a dramatic spiritual awakening in a hotel room where he accepted Jesus Christ. This transformation led him to a successful career in Christian filmmaking, culminating in his latest project, 'The Firing Squad'. The film aims to convert a million people to Christianity and is set for a wide release. Tim also addresses the challenges of facing critiques from both secular and lukewarm Christian movie critics and stresses the importance of authentic faith. Through personal anecdotes, he highlights the power of evangelism and the importance of living a Christ-centered life. The conversation also delves into the societal issues affecting Christians today and the ongoing spiritual battle they face.
In this episode, Michele interviews Tim Chey, a former attorney turned Christian filmmaker who shares his dramatic transformation from atheism to faith. After being fired from his prestigious LA law firm due to a severe gambling problem, he rediscovered his passion for filmmaking, eventually directing a film for Universal Studios. Hitting rock bottom after losing his director's salary in one night of Blackjack, he found solace in a Gideon's Bible and dedicated his life to Jesus. With 16 Christian films under his belt, including the new release 'The Firing Squad', he discusses the challenges and triumphs of Christian filmmaking. The film aims to win a million souls for Jesus and features a powerful evangelistic message. The dialogue also touches on the real-life inspirations behind his films, the opposition faced from secular and lukewarm Christian critics, and the broader mission of spreading the gospel through cinema.
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:14 A Journey from Atheism to Faith
00:26 Struggles and Redemption
01:42 The Impact of Christian Films
02:14 Reaching a Million Souls
02:41 Challenges and Criticisms
04:09 Recognizing True Believers
05:07 Addressing Skepticism and Abuse
05:56 The Nature of Sin and Grace
06:16 The Evidence of Heaven
07:51 Dealing with Modern Challenges
10:45 The Importance of Love and Forgiveness
11:09 Experiencing Persecution
16:06 The True Story Behind the Movie
18:38 Connecting with the Story
19:22 Facing Attacks and Staying True
20:39 Discussing the Media and Faith
21:11 The Last Film and Financial Security
21:31 Inspiration from a Singapore Broadcast
22:18 Christianity and Media Bias
24:30 Political Views and Personal Faith
28:49 Challenges in Christian Filmmaking
38:33 Personal Reflections and Regrets
43:43 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
Connect with Tim:
www.TimChey.com
IG: @tim_chey
FB: Tim Chey