Sneak preview of ‘Letters to God'

Lighthouse Family Retreat will sponsor a free showing of “Letters to God” at 7 p.m. April 6 at the Lyceum Lawn in Seaside. Food and beverages will be provided for a small donation. Lighthouse is a ministry that serves families who have children with cancer at family retreats in the communities along 30A. Their mission is to help these hurting families laugh together, reconnect relationally and to find hope in God.

During a Lighthouse retreat, these families who have children with cancer are served in every way you can think of. From the time they arrive and their luggage is taken from the trunk, their meals are cooked and served, their laundry is done, moms are pampered at the spa and while parents enjoy a date night, children have an ice cream party and enjoy a movie night. Plus they get to have fun on the beaches.

At each Lighthouse retreat, 10-14 families from all over the U.S. are served. At least one family has come from each continental state. Once these families arrive on 30A, they do not pay for thing. Their amazing Lighthouse and 30A experience is totally free.

Since Lighthouse began 10 years ago, more than 800 families have been served, thanks to the continued generosity of many people, businesses and communities along 30A. Over the years, numerous people have donated their homes, hosted dinners, given their time to cut and style the mom's hair, given food and prepared meals. The 30A friends and partners have been incredible over the past 10 years.

This sneak preview is Lighthouse’s opportunity to give back to those in the area as well as an opportunity to view an amazing movie that is not scheduled to be shown anywhere in our area. “Letters to God” will premier worldwide on April 9. Join Lighthouse for a movie and a story where hope never stops. For more information about Lighthouse, visit the www.lighthousefamilyretreat.org.

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A heartfelt movie of inspiration, hope and redemption, “Letters to God” is the story of what happens when one boy’s walk of faith crosses paths with one man’s search for meaning — the resulting transformational journey touches the lives of everyone around them.

Tyler Doherty (Tanner Maguire) is an extraordinary eight-year-old boy. Surrounded by a loving family and community, and armed with the courage of his faith, he faces his daily battle against cancer with bravery and grace. To Tyler, God is a friend, a teacher and the ultimate pen pal. Tyler’s prayers take the form of letters, which he composes and mails on a daily basis.

The letters find their way into the hands of Brady McDaniels (Jeffrey S. Johnson), a beleaguered postman standing at a crossroads in his life. At first, he is confused and conflicted over what to do with the letters. Over time he begins to form a friendship with the Doherty family, getting to know not just Tyler but his tough, tender yet overwhelmed mom (Robyn Lively), stalwart grandmother (Maree Cheatham) and teen brother Ben (Michel Christopher Bolten) who are each trying to stand strong against the doubts that come with the chaotic turn their lives have taken.

Moved by Tyler’s courage, Brady realizes what he must do with the letters, a surprise decision that will transform his heart and uplift his newfound friends and community — an exhilarating act of testament to the contagious effect of one boy’s unwavering faith against the odds.

Inspired by a true story, “Letters to God” is an intimate, moving and often funny story about the galvanizing effect one child’s belief can have on his family, friends and community.