Unique film and opportunity comes to Worland

WORLAND - CrossPoint Baptist Church of Worland is bringing a free showing of "Divided Hearts of America" to Worland this Sunday.

The film, according to the website https://thewatsonseven.com/theirs/divided-hearts-of-america, is produced by Benjamin Watson, former NFL player with the New England Patriots. According to the website, when questioned about his motivation for the film, Watson describes his goal as "... to unveil the truth about abortion, the laws, the history and where our country is headed. I believe in the sanctity of life, be it in the womb or on your deathbed. That's my conviction. But with the film, I'll engage those who disagree and hear their reasoning. The No. 1 thing I'm looking for is empathy on both sides."

The film is structured around a series of more than 30 interviews with Americans holding opinions from all over the political and social spectrum. Most notably, the film includes interviews with Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and former 2016 presidential candidate and neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson.

The film will be shown at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Washakie Twin Cinemas. Katie Schmeltzer, who is organizing the event for CrossPoint Baptist, said the Washakie Twin Cinemas will have both theaters available for the showing at 4 p.m. should the need arise to accommodate proper social distancing. She noted people are welcome to wear masks.

Schmeltzer, who is a nurse at Dr. John Thurston's medical clinic said she heard about the film from visiting orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mark Ryzewicz. His wife, Betsy Kennedy-Ryzewicz, is one of the producers of the film and he was looking for a church to sponsor a showing.

"I thought this was a great opportunity to bring some education on a sensitive subject through a unique perspective," she said.

MORE THAN A MOVIE

In addition to the free showing of "Divided Hearts of America," a producer from the film, who lives in Cody, Betsy Kennedy-Ryzewicz, will host a question-and-answer time directly following the film.

"We're super excited, not only for the film but to have the opportunity to ask questions of one of the producers of the film is amazing," Schmeltzer said.

She said her hope is that this event on Sunday opens up a compassionate conversation about the subject matter and eventually bring about healing that only God can provide.

There will be free resources available from CrossPoint Baptist and Serenity Pregnancy Resource Center in Cody, along with an opportunity to donate to the Serenity Pregnancy Resource Center or speak to their representative at Washakie Twin Cinemas.

Following the Q&A there will be a fellowship at CrossPoint Baptist with Kennedy-Ryzewicz in attendance, Schmeltzer said.