Original subtitles

[GOSPEL MUSIC] And let this feeble body fail

And let it faint or die.

[SIRENS]

My soul shall quit this mournful vale

And soar to worlds on high

And I'll sing hallelujah

And you'll sing hallelujah

And we'll all sing hallelujah

When we arrive at home

Give joy or grief, give ease or pain,

Take life or friends away.

But let me find them all again

In that eternal day

And I'll sing hallelujah

And you'll sing hallelujah

And we'll all sing hallelujah

When we arrive at home.

And I'll sing hallelujah

When we arrive at home.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

[APPLAUSE]

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah.

[APPLAUSE]

Doyle.

Hey, great to see you.

Mr. Davis, what are you doing here?

This is my wife, Janet, my sons, Lance and Troy.

Boys.

Well, the bishop wanted me to congratulate you.

Eight baptisms in two months.

What are you putting in the water?

Just people with their clothes on.

[LAUGHTER]

Well, I can tell you the denominational leadership

is very impressed.

We are confident you're going to have

these four churches united and the new one built

before we know it.

It's a big project, but God's going to finish what he started.

I better watch out.

At this rate, he's going to have my job.

Won't be long before these boys are

going to be preaching like their father, right?

It was good to see you.

Keep up the good work.

Thanks. You too.

We're gonna get in so much trouble.

Construction starts tomorrow.

They'll be talking all night.

That's it. That's it.

Turn it up.

Act now and receive 10 free lessons

with the purchase of any guitar from the Copper

Chord in downtown Adrian.

Mom will never let you have a guitar.

Now, more music on your favorite station.

[ROCK MUSIC]

(SINGING) And if you hear the wind blow

The breeze can catch your eyes.

Look in the sky with wonder

And hear what I said

[CLEARS THROAT]

Thank you, Thelma.

I'm sure it will never happen again.

What were you thinking?

It's just music.

You know how we feel about rock music.

Well, it's Jesus rock.

And the shop was offering free lessons.

I already gave you free piano lessons.

I'm tired of the piano, mom.

Why can't I just learn the guitar?

Honey, these people give all they have to support us.

We can't just waste it on a guitar.

I'm sure someone in the congregation

has an old one they aren't using.

And I could play hymns for the church.

And your father would lose his job.

Don't worry.

Nothing will happen.

Can you please see if the sanctuary is all cleaned up?

That's right.

So we just have to be prayerful.

Doyle, I'm sorry, but my people cannot agree to this.

What?

So you're quitting?

We're not quitting.

We're simply not joining you.

It's too much risk.

But we've already bought the land, graded the site.

We've already paid for the architect.

Lloyd here's already set up the subcontractors.

We're ready to start tomorrow.

You got us into this mess with your lofty ideas,

and there's no way out.

Your budget, it's woefully underestimated.

Lloyd, am I right?

The budget's tight.

OK, but we can build in stages.

We can stay here until it's completely done.

Right, Carmen?

You can stay a few more months.

But if we don't sell the fourth church, then we're short, right?

$50,000 short.

George, we need you.

God's called us to greater a--

Us, Doyle?

God called me to shepherd my community,

not follow some high-minded dreamer with no real plan.

I know you're disappointed, but we have prayed about this,

and our board members agree.

What about the board members of the combined church, all of us?

You can still walk away.

Look, there is one other solution, right, Lloyd?

Doyle, I can't play that card.

Set the meeting up.

I'll make the ask.

(SINGING) I need thee, Lord

I need thee

Every hour I need thee

Oh bless me now my Savior

I come to thee.

[ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYING]

Hey!

You're lucky I let you back in here.

Cut the crap.

Play the list.

All right, all right.

I'll play something that'll put a little...

Something familiar. Let's see...

(SINGING) I must tell Jesus

All of my troubles

I cannot bear this burden alone

Play the list.

Oh, come on, man.

They like this.

(SINGING) I must tell Jesus

And he will hear me

He ever loves and cares for his--

No, you're right, man.

You're right. It ain't working.

Hold my guitar.

Come on.

I'm gonna sing a cappella.

(SINGING) I must tell Jesus

I must tell Jesus

I cannot bear these

Burdens alone

[LAUGHING] I must tell Jesus

I must tell Jesus.

[COMMOTION] Jesus can help--

[SMACKING]

All these years, you're still the same pathetic trash.

Glenn, is that you?

Hey, Harold.

You miss me?

Welcome back, Glenn.

You ain't taking me in, are you?

Just like old times.

Because I can drive.

I just got to find my car.

You know the drill.

I got the right to remain silent, but I don't have to.

(SINGING) Jesus and Harold

Jesus alone

Holy wine

Well you shoulda been there

What's going on in that field over there?

Oh, over there?

We're building a church and a school.

A school?

Yeah, it's about time this town has one of its own.

Sounds like a lot of money.

Well, the pastor's got a plan.

Who's the school for?

Anybody, everybody.

Everybody?

[CHATTER]

This is it, Lloyd.

Don't sit, gentlemen.

This is not going to take very long at all.

Lloyd, good to see you, Mr. Clark.

Pastor Clark.

Pastor Clark.

Well, at least you admit it can't be done.

We'd like to thank you for seeing us on such short notice.

I think you'll agree, if you review my business proposal,

that--

I have reviewed your business proposal, pastor,

and you have zero business acumen.

Now, my gift is business.

And you're a philanthropist.

Who takes his investments very seriously.

So I'm not about to waste any hard-earned money

on some pastor pipe dream that can't even get a line of credit.

I'm sorry, Ken.

You're a man after my own heart, Mr Strickler.

You have the vision and determination

to do what is right.

I know God's going to provide.

He's seldom early and never late.

You ever done this before?

We've sold three churches and raised 50% of the budget.

And then what?

No pews, no pulpit.

You see what I'm saying?

Jesus fed 5,000 people with two fish and five loaves of bread.

He's in the business of miracles.

So let's leave him to do the miracles

and me to handle the business.

There's a fourth church, too.

Doyle.

You mean the one Lloyd told me about last night

that bailed on you?

Pastor, I've made countless investments across the state.

Now, the only thing that distinguishes your opportunity

from all the others is zero viability.

So, until you can prove the viability of the project,

I'm afraid our conversation ends right here.

[CAR DOOR CLOSES]

Well, at least now we know what we have to do.

How could you lie to him?

You're a pastor, for crying out loud.

I didn't lie.

Strickler returns, George comes back.

No, George is out.

Strickler is out.

We're $50,000 short.

All--

It's over.

--we have to do is prove our viability.

You're going to have to prove a lot more to me.

I trusted you.

I put my name on the line for you today.

Lloyd, I know this whole faith thing is new to you,

but God is seldom early and--

Don't condescend to me, Doyle.

I trust God.

It's you I'm unsure of.

I'm heading to the worksite to tell

the board I'll meet you there.

I wish it wouldn't have ended like this.

I know you're the contractor, but it's the board

that makes these decisions.

If Strickler comes back, then they're

going to move forward with this.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

So, can we still build?

Dad?

Can we?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

God called us to unite these four churches, right?

If we pray--

I mean, really pray--

God will answer us.

Here.

Write your prayers down in there.

I guarantee you you'll be checking those off one by one.

Jesus said he's a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

And a lamp only shines a few feet in front of us,

but it doesn't mean that the path isn't there.

Remember, ask--

And it shall be given to you.

Seek--

And ye shall find.

Knock--

And the door shall open.

[LAUGHTER]

Hallelujah.

Amen.

Let's roll.

[ENGINE STARTING]

[CLINKING]

[CREAKING]

Uncle Glenn, wake up, buddy.

Oh, hey.

You must be Daryl.

Why are you sleeping here, buddy?

I'll just wait out here.

Thought maybe you were just going to leave me here.

I have to work.

I have a bunk bed.

You can sleep in my room.

Well, thanks, buddy.

Hey, Daryl, honey, can you go help Mr. Harold for a minute?

Mommy needs to talk to Uncle Glenn.

Of course.

Thank you.

You're working on Sundays?

Why you couldn't come yesterday?

20 years.

Bev...

20 years.

You just left.

You didn't call.

I thought you were dead.

Well, I kind of was.

And 20 years later, it's the same call from Harold again.

I have to come here to this place to pick you up again.

Bevy, now--

All these years later, the exact same call, Glenn.

I mean, I wish I could see you the way that Daryl does.

I wish that I could see him the way you do.

Get up.

We are not sitting down.

I have to get him to school, and I have to go to work.

So.

[CREAKING]

Get a shower.

There's food in the fridge.

We'll be home at 7:00.

You can read my comic books and I already made your bed, my man.

Thanks, buddy.

I'll sleep out back.

The shed is filthy.

You'll sleep inside.

I don't want to be in the way around here.

I don't mind you in the way.

I need you to stay out of trouble.

All right.

No more trouble.

Scout's honor.

Yeah, like the Scouts would even have you.

Why don't you look for a job?

Did you get the call from Lloyd?

No, the hospital in Adrian.

What?

Lloyd had a heart attack.

Let's go, son.

Not yet.

We have to find a new carpenter by the end of the day.

We're still going to build today?

Well, not without a carpenter.

I just got the call.

We need to go.

The masons can't do their job without a carpenter.

Well, let's reschedule.

They're booked out for months.

We need someone by the end of the day

or we can't start until November.

Is Robert still in Detroit?

No.

He took a job in the UP.

My nephew in Indy, but we'd have to house him.

No, that's out of the budget.

Out of the question.

[CAR BACKFIRING, CLANKING]

You Pastor Clark?

Glenn--

Glenn Frank.

I know.

How can I help you?

Well, I was fixing to ask you the same thing.

You see, Harold and I, we were catching up the other night,

and he mentioned you're running short on money.

Well--

Thought you might need a carpenter.

Could you use me?

I don't know.

Well, you knocked, and the door opened.

We're building a church, son.

And a school, too.

All the more reason to be careful.

Would you give us a minute, please?

Yeah, talk to your people.

Now, look, this is you guys's--

[MUFFLED CHATTER]

Are you any good?

Well, as a matter of fact, I am.

Been fixing cars, electric, plumbing, anything else

I could get my hands on since I was your age.

What happened to your eye?

No, this?

This is nothing.

This is what you call a "performance-related accident."

This might be our answer to prayer.

Do you remember what he did to his grandparents?

No one ever brought charges on that.

That's because he skipped town.

I think we should help him.

And he can help us.

Preacher, I know I ain't good enough for church,

but I can build anything you want.

Kids around here need their own school.

You don't even have to pay me.

What are you, independently wealthy?

Something like that.

Laid off.

Government pays every Friday.

Absolutely no drinking.

No, no drinking.

I'll keep him right by my side.

I'll go talk to the masons.

And Harold and I will go check on Priscilla.

Thanks.

What's the word?

Let's go.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

So this is the foyer, and this is part of phase one.

What's a narthex?

Well, you got to come through the foyer

into the narthex coming into the church.

That's the welcome area.

That's actually where we're going

to be practicing the service until we build the sanctuary

as a part of phase two.

Where's the school?

Hey, son, why don't you go play?

Yeah, what about the school?

Where are you putting it?

It's going to be a part of phase three.

See how these come out here like this, either side?

Yeah, like an anchor.

Yeah.

I like that.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Last man to lay their hands on that guitar

without asking almost got himself killed.

Relax, you ain't in trouble.

But you got to learn not to go around touching people's things

without asking.

I'm sorry.

Look at me, son.

I mean, look me in the eyeballs.

I want you to listen.

This is a very special instrument.

It's not a toy.

Heck, I understand you're curious.

When I was your age, playing guitar was all I could think of.

But you can't touch this without my permission.

You understand?

Yes, sir.

Now, you ever want to see it, just ask.

You want to take a look?

Glenn!

No, thank you.

[BIRDS CHIRPING]

[SWISHING]

Glenn!

Yeah, Preacher?

Why are there five plates on the table?

Oh, someone volunteered at the work site today.

So he's coming for dinner?

OK.

Well, I guess we can make the food stretch.

Well, he's a licensed carpenter.

Fantastic.

What's his name?

He even said he'd work for free.

That's great.

Who is he?

Glenn Frank.

That's--

[KNOCKING]

[DOOR CREAKING OPEN]

[DOOR SHUTTING]

Hey, little preacher.

Hey, watch where you're going, buddy.

Hiya, Glenn.

Welcome to our home.

Reverend.

Can I take that?

I think this young man here looks like he can handle it.

I'll do it.

You must be Troy.

Is that right?

Huh?

Your brother says you're a singer, like me.

Your breath smells like gasoline.

Troy.

That's a straight shooter you got there.

This is my wife, Janet.

Pleasure to meet you, Miss Janet.

Nice to meet you.

Let's eat.

After you, Reverend.

I insist.

You don't like pork chops?

Oh, I like them fine.

I just-- I filled up at Logger's Lounge before I come over.

I didn't know they served food at Logger's.

Well, they don't.

I just don't eat that much when I'm--

you know, I'm thirsty.

Well, boys, why don't you go play?

You grew up here in Frontier?

Yeah, out where Clear Creek crosses

Burt Road in my grandparents' barn out there.

I don't remember seeing a farm out there.

No, it burned down a long time ago now.

They died in the fire?

That must have been devastating.

How did it--

Excuse me, Miss Janet.

Is that why you invited me over here?

You want to ask me about that?

We've heard stories, but not yours.

[ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYING]

Oh, hang on there one second.

[ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYING]

Hey.

He opened it.

He played it.

Lance, what did I tell you?

Not to touch it without asking.

And?

That if I asked, you'd let me?

Well, do you want to hear it?

All right.

Grab it out of there.

Pass it here.

["COME, THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING"]

(SINGING) Come, thou fount of

Every blessing

Tune my heart to sing thy grace

Streams of mercy

Never ceasing

Call for songs of loudest praise

Teach me some melodious sonnet

Sung by flaming tongues above

Here's the mount I'm fixed upon it

Mount of thine unchanging love

Here's my heart, Lord

Take and seal it

Seal it to thy courts above

There she is.

Hi, Bev.

[KISS]

How's Daryl?

Oh, wonderful-- just turned 16 last week.

Aw.

Did he get the bike we sent?

Oh, he loves it.

Thank you.

Glenn's actually teaching him to ride.

Is he doing OK?

He's living with us, more or less.

If he needs some help, maybe getting a job,

I can help him down at the factory.

He actually found work in Frontier.

Surprised he found a job so quickly.

It's not exactly a job.

They don't pay him to do it.

But he loves it.

He's working for free?

I mean, he must be collecting unemployment.

It sounds worse when you say it.

I mean, he's helping build a church and a school.

What's the church?

New Hope.

It's actually several churches coming together.

There was a big ad for it in the paper.

The pastor and his wife are so nice.

They've had him over for dinner.

He and the pastor are working together on it.

New Hope?

Got it.

Hey, Doyle?

The lawyer dropped off the paperwork for the three church

sales.

They need to be signed today.

I got it.

OK.

[DOOR SLAMMING]

Can I help?

Now, stand back, little preacher.

I don't want you to get hurt.

[CAR DOOR CLOSES]

[CAR DRIVES AWAY]

There you go.

Looks like I got me a new apprentice.

I don't know why they make it so hard just

to get rid of a building.

I don't know what I'd do without you.

Indeed.

I wonder how Priscilla's doing?

I should go see her.

Well, Mr. Strickler sent her a very kind card.

What did he say?

He was shocked and sorry.

He was glad he got to see him one last time.

They were friends, you know.

Lloyd used to work for him.

Mr. Strickler is a generous man.

And let us know how we can help Priscilla.

This must be devastating.

I will.

Thank you, Doyle.

There's pop in the cooler.

The ladies' aid brought a whole bunch.

Hey, little preacher.

Didn't see you.

Are you drinking?

Let's not tell the whole world.

You're going to get fired.

Not if nobody knows.

Mr. Carmen told me you're not supposed to be drinking here.

I have to go tell him.

Hey, it's just a little bit.

All right?

It's like medicine.

Medicine is for when you're sick.

I suppose maybe I am.

Well, what happens if you don't take your medicine?

I don't know.

Get a headache, my hands shake, fever, that kind of thing.

Like the flu?

Sort of.

Can I get it?

Troy got the flu last year, and it got my whole family sick.

No, it ain't like that.

But I can get real sick and end up in the hospital

if I ain't careful.

Look, I know it's hard to understand.

You ever wanted something real bad--

I mean, so bad you can feel it inside you?

If something gets stuck in your mind,

you can't stop thinking about it, no matter what you do,

no matter how many times you try.

[GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING]

You want to play guitar.

More than anything.

And I can't stop thinking about it either.

Am I an alcoholic for guitar?

No, I think you're fine.

But I know how you feel.

I suppose I could teach you, give you a couple of lessons,

if you want.

I promise I won't tell if you don't tell.

Deal.

And there you go.

That's the D chord, all right?

You play them three together and you'll

get your way into just about any song you want.

I got to go finish up dinner.

Can you stay, Lance?

Thanks, but my mom will be expecting me.

All right.

Good night.

Good night.

Who taught you to play?

I taught myself on my granddad's guitar.

Were you his apprentice?

Oh, no.

Well, you better get home.

Your parents are going to be worried.

And I'm hungry, too.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Hey, Glenn.

It's been too long.

Ken, what are you doing here?

Just came by to see you.

Well, I got work in the morning.

Right, at that volunteer gig.

Bev tell you about that?

Why are you here?

I reckon I could ask you the same thing.

I just came by to say hello to an old friend.

Old friend?

Didn't seem like much of a friend after that fire.

What was I supposed to do, Glenn?

I don't know.

Stick up for me.

So then that's why you're back-- stir this whole thing up again?

Stir it up again?

I've been gone 20 years waiting for everyone to forget.

They're still talking about it.

And that's why you're here, isn't it?

You're afraid someone's going to remember.

Why should I be afraid?

I don't know.

It was your dad's lighter, wasn't it?

Nobody knows how that fire started, Glenn.

My grandparents started that fire.

Their parents before them, three generations of

Franks-- this whole town sitting back on their hands,

watching, waiting for something to happen.

No one cares who lights the match when the whole world is

soaked in gasoline.

You know something, Glenn?

Perhaps we could work together, me and you.

I'm confident I could make all this go away.

I don't need your help, Ken.

Never have.

And from the sound of your voice,

it's you who's asking me for help, anyways.

He didn't drink all day?

Not a drop.

We got a lot done, and we planned out the whole week.

Dad?

Hmm?

Today, Glenn--

Yeah?

He worked really hard.

He's here!

That's good to hear.

["CRAWDAD SONG"]

(SINGING) Crawdad fishing in a crawdad hole, honey

Crawdad fishing in a crawdad hole, mine

You get a line, I'll get a pole

We'll go fishing in the crawdad hole

Honey, baby, mine

Along come a man with a sack on his back, honey

Packing all the crawdads he could pack, mine

Man fell down and broke that sack

All them critters go crawling back

Honey, baby, mine

Honey, baby, mine

Hey!

[APPLAUSE]

Can Mr. Glenn play for the church?

Not guitar, honey.

But he can sing in the choir.

I don't know about that.

Well, maybe someday.

All right.

Bedtime.

Oh, well, can't he keep playing?

It's late.

What about tomorrow after church?

Mr. Glenn may enjoy a break.

Oh, no.

I'd enjoy the company.

Cool.

(SINGING) Honey, baby, mine.

[LAUGHTER]

Move your fingers up just a little.

There you go.

All right, give it a try.

All right.

That's not bad.

Don't be afraid to squeeze it.

Give it a good grip.

There you go.

No way.

You got something to practice on at home?

No.

Mom says we can't afford one.

I guess you better start saving.

Well, how much does one cost?

Depends on what you get.

Well, how much does yours cost?

I tell you what.

Get you a Sears catalog.

Look up classical guitars.

Well, I want to play something fun.

Classical just means it's got soft strings.

Makes it easier to play when you're learning.

All right?

Pick one you like.

We'll start saving for it.

Pick you out a case, too.

Spend your money on something nice,

you want to take care of it.

All right?

Let's finish up before the Reverend gets home.

Yeah.

We'll do more tomorrow.

[POUNDING]

Are you sure you ain't rock mining?

I'm not Troy.

[COUGHING]

Are you OK?

I'm fine.

Do you need some medicine?

I'm gonna get you in trouble.

Look, we need you to build this.

It's just to keep you sharp.

Hey, is he OK playing over there?

Yeah, he's fine.

I tied that off this morning.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Vroom, vroom.

[SNAPPING]

[CRASHING]

Are you OK?

Dad's going to kill me.

You're not hurt?

No.

You said you tied it off.

Troy, go get your things.

We're leaving.

I thought Glenn was going to take us.

Go on.

Get him home.

I got some stuff to finish up around here.

Go on.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Someone there?

What are you doing here, Glenn?

Is this where all the magic happens?

I mean, that's what it is, ain't it, all smoke and mirrors

to hide the truth?

Truth about what?

We killed them.

I don't know what you're talking about, Glenn.

That fire didn't start itself.

It was an accident.

Just two young boys playing with fireworks.

And we ran for the hills, like cowards.

And you kept running, didn't you--

and running, and running, and running,

until you come back now?

Tell me, old friend, was it the smoke or the flames

finally got them?

I never did hear.

I wouldn't know, Glenn.

I wasn't there.

No, of course not.

I mean, how could you have been there

and still end up with all this?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[CRASHING]

[DOOR SLAMMING]

[WHIRRING]

Get Harold over here.

He's awake!

What's going on?

Harold brought you over last night.

You're going to stay with us until you stop drinking.

It don't work like that.

I tried.

We'll try again.

Bev already agreed.

And it's better than the hospital, right?

What about work?

We got a group from church coming over today.

Carmen and I got it figured out.

You just stay here and focus on getting better.

Come on, son.

Lance and I will make you some tea.

It's OK.

I'm going to help.

All right.

[COUNTRY MUSIC]

(SINGING) I walked alone in my sorrow and shame

With a fistful of fear in my hand

[VOMITING]

Then I heard the Savior call my name

Now I'm bound for the promised land

No.

Soup first.

Man, I can't.

Every time I smell food, my stomach just churns.

(SINGING) Jesus saved me

Jesus saved me

Jesus saved me from my sin

Jesus saved me

Jesus saved me

Jesus saved me

I'm born again

Out in a world full of troubles and tears

Where the storm clouds swallow the breeze

The still, small voice whispered in my ear

Then I fell down on my knees

That's the last of it, huh?

Sorry.

It's the only thing that keeps the food down.

(SINGING) Jesus saved me

Jesus saved me from my sin

Jesus saved me

Jesus saved me

Jesus saved me

I'm born again

Mom, I'll be right back.

(SINGING) I used to sing me a heartbreak song

Hammered down on a hard guitar wire

Then the Spirit turned me to the right from the wrong

Now I sing with the heavenly choir

So you got the whole roof on?

Well, not the whole roof, but we made headway.

Did you get Glenn to eat?

A little, but he puked about 1,000 times.

Well, I am proud of you.

It was a long day, but I'm just glad that he's better.

Honey, it'll be a few weeks before he's better.

Weeks?

[GRUNTING]

[COUGHING AND VOMITING]

["JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE"]

(SINGING) Let it be

Dear Lord, let it be

Let's go, boys.

Can't be late!

Mr. Glenn, are you coming with us?

I don't think so, buddy.

Well, it's just a work day--

no sermon.

I ain't so good around church folks.

We're all church folks.

He'll be back to work when he's ready.

Come on.

Time to go.

Bye, Glenn.

[DOOR OPENING]

[DOOR SHUTTING]

Thank you again, Bev.

My pleasure.

Have a good night.

You too.

Just one more thing.

How's Glenn doing?

Well, five weeks sober.

That's wonderful.

Incredible.

So then he's gone back to Detroit?

He's still at the church.

The pastor's family actually helped him get cleaned up.

Still volunteering at that church?

Oh, everybody is.

I mean, the whole church helps-- nights, weekends.

Glenn makes a list.

Everybody pitches in.

What an unusual community.

Yeah.

You know something?

I think I just might tell him thank you.

Well, you don't need to do that.

No trouble at all.

It's almost too good to be true.

Thank you.

Good night.

Have a good night.

[KNOCKING]

Hi, Lance.

Would you like to play catch?

Oh, I can't right now.

Do you know where Glenn is?

I need to talk to him.

He went to the shed.

Thanks.

[CREAKING]

[PLAYING GUITAR]

Little preacher.

[CLANKING]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[DOOR SHUTTING]

You were awfully quiet tonight.

You sad Glenn's back at Bev's house?

Is it OK to keep secrets?

Depends.

Some secrets are good, like not spoiling a birthday surprise.

What if somebody did something they weren't supposed to do

and you knew about it?

I don't want you tattling on Troy.

It's not that.

Honey, it's been a hard few weeks,

and you've been so grown up.

You're not my little boy anymore.

You're a young man.

Don't worry.

He'll be back.

(SINGING) --Father through Jesus, the Son

And give him the glory

Great things he has done

Amen.

Have a seat.

Who has a praise for us?

Praise God for my friend Mr Glenn.

He helps with the construction site and sings us songs.

He even stopped drinking.

Hey, little preacher.

[CLATTERING]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Ms. Janet.

I came.

I'm sorry I'm late.

Use your legs.

I heard the singing.

I'll get him out of here.

Thanks, Harold.

Don't thank me yet.

I heard singing.

Yeah, you did.

I should press charges against you.

What are you talking about?

I was told he's sober.

I've dealt with people like you before, thinking God's

ordained every silly idea up in that head of yours, regardless

of who gets hurt.

You don't understand.

No, you don't understand.

What Glenn needs is a doctor, not a church with no money

and a charlatan for a pastor.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Dad, Mom says it's almost 7:00.

Is Mr. Glenn in trouble?

Yeah.

Are you in trouble?

Is Mr. Glenn getting fired?

I don't know.

Are you going to get fired?

I don't know.

Why did God stop answering our prayers?

We just have to keep hoping and praying.

I did hope, and it didn't work.

God just stopped listening.

God is always listening.

Then where's the money for the school and the church?

And why isn't Mr. Glenn better?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[THUNDER]

[HEAVY RAIN STORM]

Hi, Doyle.

Mr. Davis.

Doyle.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[RAIN PATTERING]

I don't understand, Doyle.

How did all this happen?

We needed a carpenter.

Lloyd had a heart attack.

We prayed, and there Glenn was.

[TRAIN HORN BLOWING]

[TRAIN HORN BLOWING]

[ENGINE REVVING]

And the Clarks have been very generous to have him

over for dinner regularly.

Almost nightly.

And it has been a financial strain,

but it's kept him from drinking.

Has it?

We saw a whole congregation this morning that would disagree.

[ENGINE REVVING]

Has he ever come to work inebriated?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[TRAIN HORN BLOWING]

I haven't seen him drinking, but--

[RUMBLING]

[TRAIN HORN BLOWING]

[KNOCKING]

I need to find the preacher.

I need to find the preacher!

Hey, it's OK.

You're OK.

Dad's not here.

He left for a meeting at the church.

Get out.

Lance.

You've done enough.

You need to leave.

Lance.

Go.

Stop.

I said go!

I said enough!

I need the preacher.

I'm gonna take you.

OK?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

I know he has his shortcomings, but we needed a good carpenter.

And I know deep down inside, he is a good man.

Good or bad, having a drunk build this church--

He's not a drunk.

He's a broken man, just like you and me.

Jesus uses broken people to build His Kingdom.

David was an adulterer.

Jonah ran from God.

Peter denied he even knew Jesus.

If the Israelites can knock down the walls of Jericho

with a prostitute and a marching band,

surely Glenn can help us build this church.

Preacher.

Preacher, please.

I need to get healed.

Son, come here.

Doyle, what's going on?

Please.

What do I gotta do?

Ask for forgiveness.

He ain't gonna forgive me.

I ain't good enough.

Nobody's good enough.

What I done, it's...it's bad.

He used to whip on me, keep me locked in the barn days on end--

no food, nothing.

When I saw that fire started, I just watched it smoldering.

I didn't try to put it out.

Next thing I know, that whole place is up in flames.

And he come up out of the house, waving his gun around,

Grandma following after him.

I never meant for no one to get hurt.

I never meant for them to die, but they did.

It wasn't your fault. It wasn't anybody's fault.

Preacher, I want to change.

I want to change, but I can't.

Just ask.

What do I say?

What do I say, preacher?

Say, forgive me.

Forgive me, Father.

Forgive me, Father.

For I have sinned.

For I have sinned.

I want to be a changed man.

I do.

I want to be a changed man.

God make me different, please!

Make me different.

I baptize you--

[WATER DRIPPING OUT]

--in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Your sins are forgiven.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Hey.

Morning, Glenn.

How are you doing?

I'm not sure yet.

Are you sober?

Yeah.

I brought you this.

What's this?

Well, I got it when I got baptized.

It used to be my dad's.

I figured you could use it.

Reckon I could.

You fired?

Going to the church, aren't we?

We'll find out anyway.

[CAR STARTING]

Listen, we've made tremendous progress here.

We've raised some of the money needed, but not all of it,

obviously.

But if we continue to pray about this and ask God for clarity,

He's going to provide the resources we need--

I don't see how we can go on without more funding.

We have the foyer built and the roof.

Maybe if we meet at the construction site,

people will be more inclined to give.

Doyle, these folks have already given everything they have.

Yeah, they've already sold everything at the auction

last summer, including the family heirlooms.

And there's nothing left but tithe.

That's not much.

I don't mean to interrupt, but I don't mind working for free.

Oh, Glenn, that's really nice.

Labor is one thing, but materials, they cost money.

Maybe I could reach back out to George.

Maybe he'd have a change of heart once he saw the progress.

Or I could reach out to Strickler.

Are you kidding me?

He wouldn't even look at us after last Sunday.

No, that ship has sailed.

All we have to do is prove viability.

The problem isn't Glenn or Strickler.

It just seems like your passion for this project

is clouding your judgment.

I didn't lie.

But you weren't straight with us, either.

Doyle, we've talked.

We're going to bring Davis back on for some advice on how

to move forward.

Without me?

We're not saying that.

Not yet.

Why can't we keep working?

No money left.

Well, we have all this.

Why can't we use it until we get more money?

Guess that's not our choice.

Are you going to sell your guitar?

What?

Well, you're a Christian now, right?

Isn't it a sin?

Well, I played it at your house all the time.

Your parents never said nothing.

Hey, preacher!

You want me to stop playing guitar?

There's something wrong with it?

God gave you a gift.

Might as well use it.

You heard him.

Well, I want to keep learning.

I want to keep teaching.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[CLANGING]

[RINGING]

Glenn, it's for you.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Just be honest.

Rip it off like a Band-Aid.

They'll understand.

What about Lance?

Well, Lance is a strong kid.

Besides, you said you wanted to help him get

that guitar for his birthday.

Now you can.

Oh, man, he'd love that.

It's only four weeks.

It's good money.

They could ask me to stay on.

Or they could fire you.

What if I can't do this without them?

I think that they want this for you, too.

It is going to hurt, but it's because you

have a good thing going on.

And if I could get him that guitar--

[CHUCKLING]

--can you imagine the look on his face?

Go on.

She's going to have dinner ready.

My cooking isn't that bad.

No, no.

It's quite good.

Thank you, sweetheart.

I got some good news today.

My old boss called from Detroit, and they're

starting up work again.

When?

Right away.

Yeah, I thought maybe I could save up some money.

And we got a birthday coming up.

Is Mr. Glenn leaving?

No.

No, I ain't leaving.

Ow! Mom, he kicked me.

Hey, that is not how we treat each other.

Oh, yeah?

How do we treat each other, by keeping secrets,

lying to the board?

Did you even tell Mom that you're getting fired?

What is he talking about, Doyle?

Or that Mr. Glenn is moving to Detroit,

but didn't bother telling me?

I thought I was your apprentice.

I got it.

I'll take care of it.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Hey, Lance?

I'm sorry.

I should have told you first.

I just found out this morning, and I didn't

know how to break it to you.

You know, I'm going to be home by your birthday.

You're going to be so busy helping your dad out

at the church, you ain't even going to have time

to notice I'm gone.

[DOOR BANGING]

You know, I wish I had an apprentice like you with me

down in Detroit.

There's no telling what we might build together.

I'm going to miss you, little man.

I'm so proud of you.

You're the best friend I ever had.

I love you.

I wish you would have told me.

I don't like being in the dark.

I could have helped you.

I'm not mad.

I'm just-- I want to know what you're thinking.

Doyle, please.

Doyle, please don't shut me out.

We knew this would be hard.

Nobody expected it to work.

It'll be OK, no matter what.

You got to work all night to afford a place like this?

Here he is-- under the cloak of darkness, I see.

I'm leaving.

Got my old job back in Detroit.

Congratulations.

What about your pro bono work?

Well, that's why I'm here.

I need a favor, and you owe me.

What is it?

New Hope Church.

You need to get them up and going again.

It's a lost cause.

They're good people.

It's better than anything you've ever invested in.

When have you ever seen a group of folks

like that, sharing what they have, selling all they own,

giving what's theirs to others?

All the while lining the pockets of a charlatan.

You know Doyle and Janet don't take a salary.

They live off a love offering.

Most of the time, that's food, not money.

What little money they do have goes back

into buying materials for that church they're building,

all the while feeding me, giving me medicine,

taking care of every other poor and lonely soul

crosses their path over there.

The only charlatan lining his pockets around

here is sitting across the desk from me.

You sit there all high and mighty, doling out your money

a dollar at a time, looking down your nose,

condemning those folks who give everything and have nothing.

I'm not asking for your pity, Ken.

I don't need it.

I figured out a long time ago how to go alone.

I only just recently figured out I don't have to.

I don't need your money, but I could use an old friend--

someone who used to care about folks like me.

Look, they're not perfect.

They don't pretend to be.

They got just as many faults as the rest of us.

But they accept me just as I am.

You really believe in these folks, don't you?

I do.

I do.

I hope someday you can find folks like that--

to love.

Who love you back, faults and all.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Yeah?

I mean, Clark residence.

Dad, it's Carmen.

He wants to know if you're coming or not.

Dad?

[TUMBLING]

What?

Dad?

Come on, Dad.

Daddy, let's go.

Wake up.

We got to get going.

Come on.

We got to go.

Come on.

Please, Dad.

Please.

Please, wake up.

OK, Lance, you take your brother and you call Harold.

OK?

Hurry, please.

Is Dad going to die?

Let's get going.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Got you, ok.

Just wake up.

Wake up, Doyle.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

It's not the first time?

It's been a couple of years.

I guess I thought I--

I hoped he was somehow healed of it.

When he's up, he's so up.

He's charismatic, and fun, and funny, and just draws you in.

So when he's down, it just seems like he

couldn't sink any further.

And then he does.

How long will he be like this?

A couple days, a week.

Two weeks.

Is it because Glenn is leaving?

It's a lot of things.

A lot of change is coming, and it's scary.

What about the school?

I'm sorry, honey.

I don't think so.

Well, I can help.

Tell Dad not to worry because Glenn told me all about it.

I can frame windows and I can measure and cut wood,

and I can even straighten out the nails

so we don't waste anything.

Lance, you are smart.

And I am so proud of you.

We didn't even get to have one service there.

I better go check on your father.

Where are you going?

Come on.

I'm going to need an apprentice.

["THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE"]

(SINGING) This little light of mine

I'm going to let it shine

This little light of mine

I'm going to let it shine

This little light of mine

I'm going to let it shine

Let it shine

Let it shine

Let it shine

Everywhere I go

I'm going to let it shine

Everywhere I go

I'm going to let it shine

Everywhere I go

I'm going to let it shine

Let it shine

Let it shine

Let it shine

["LIFE IS LIKE A MOUNTAIN RAILROAD" ON RADIO]

(SINGING) --With the hearty, joyous plaudit,

"Weary pilgrim, welcome home."

Blessed Savior, thou will guide us

Till we reach that blissful shore

[MUSIC DISTORTS] Where the angels wait to join us

[TIRES SCREECHING]

--In God's grace forevermore

Where the angels wait to join us

In God's grace forevermore.

[CREAKING]

Where were you?

We were setting up the new church.

What happened?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Bev--

I'm sorry.

We're closed.

Shirley and I just heard about Glenn.

We're heartbroken.

If there's anything we can do at all, funeral arrangements,

anything--

I told him to go to Detroit, to take back that job.

I mean, he could have worked here, for you.

It's not your fault.

He slept in the garage like a dog.

He grew up caged in a barn, and I put him in that garage.

That was his choice.

And if that church--

No, that church saved his life.

He was like night and day.

Without those folks, he would have been gone a lot sooner.

[KNOCKING]

Hi.

I'm sorry to bother you.

You're no bother.

I was wondering if we could have the memorial

service at the worksite?

It would be an honor.

And wait right here.

He'd want for you to have it.

It's your only thing to remember him.

Well, it's your only thing to remember him by, too.

Come here.

I want to show you something.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

["JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE"]

(SINGING) Just a closer walk with Thee

Grant it, Jesus, this my plea

Daily walking close to Thee

Let it be,

Dear Lord, let it be.

When this cruel life is o'er

Time for me will be no more

Guide me gently, safely o'er

To Thy kingdom

Lord, to thy shore.

Let it be,

Dear Lord, let it be.

I talked to Bev this morning.

She's doing OK.

She said that we could do the memorial

service at the new church.

She said he'd have liked that.

There is no church.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

I thought God was going to work this whole thing out for us.

George was going to come back.

We were going to make the money.

And Glenn was the key.

I didn't try to lie.

I was just trying to stay positive, keep

that forward momentum.

Because I believe in it--

believe in the community.

Remember, ask and ye shall receive.

What if God gave us Glenn, but not for the reason we expected?

A false hope?

No.

So we could help him--

maybe for this reason that we can't even imagine.

The lamp only shines a few feet in front of us.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Mom?

Mom?

Yes?

Sorry, honey.

I was thinking.

About Glenn?

Do you think he really changed?

What do you mean?

He stopped drinking and getting in fights.

Harold even said he was getting bored.

I know he changed on the outside.

He got saved at church.

Oh, it was drunken conversion.

It was real.

Here.

You should read this.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

You were right.

It was real.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

It's time to go.

Out the door.

Oh, Mom, I forgot something.

We don't have time.

Just go.

I'll--

Lance, come on.

I'll hurry.

We gather today to celebrate the life of Glenn Frank

in a building made in large part by his hands.

Don't be fooled.

He wasn't building us the church.

He taught us how to be the church, to love

our neighbors, flaws and all.

Hey, Lance.

Just the man I was looking for.

Could you do me a very important favor-- hand-deliver this

to your dad for me?

Yeah.

Thanks, Mr. Strickler.

Now, he tested us, sure.

He struggled through life, and we joined in that struggle

with him.

Through this community, this church, God changed him.

So today, our dream of forming New Hope Church

comes to a close.

Wait, Dad, please!

Dad, you have to read this letter.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

"Dear New Hope Church, our foundation

has reconsidered your business plan.

Your investment in the life of Glenn Frank

does indeed prove that not all investments are financial.

In fact, some financial losses may have long-lasting returns.

To honor his work, we are pleased to report that we have

authorized a gift for the building of your school

and church in the amount of $50,000 in memory of Glenn

Milton Frank.

Sincerely, Kenneth Strickler."

[APPLAUSE]

We may not always know the path, but our hope leads us forward.

Who's ready to finish this with me?

In honor of Glenn Frank, let me give the benediction.

Oh, Dad, we have something for that.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

["WAYFARING STRANGER"]

[SINGING] He's just a poor wayfaring stranger

Traveling through this world of woe

There is no sickness, toil, or danger

In that bright land to which he goes

I know dark clouds will gather around me

I know my way is hard and steep

But beauteous fields arise before me

Where God's redeemed their vigils keep

He's going there

To see his mother

She said she'd meet him when he comes

So he's just going over Jordan

He's just going over home

He's just going over Jordan

He's just going to his home

And it is well

It is well

With my soul

With my soul

It is well

It is well

With my soul

It is well

It is well

With my soul

With my soul

It is well

It is well

With my soul

["WAYFARING STRANGER"]

(SINGING) I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger

Traveling through this world of woe

There is no sickness, toil, or danger

In that bright land to which I go

I know dark clouds will gather round me

I know the way is hard and steep

But beauteous fields will rise before me

Where God's redeemed their vigils keep

I'm going there to see my loved ones

Gone on before me one by one

I'm just going over Jordan

I'm only going over home

I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger

Traveling through this world of woe

There is no sickness, toil, or danger

In that bright land to which I go

[GENTLE MUSIC]