By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
Church to screen film about crime on children
Spokesperson Estrada to attend viewing
Placeholder Image

First Baptist Church of Dawsonville will be screening the new film "Finding Faith" Saturday with hopes that parents will take a new look at the dangers of Internet crimes against children.

"As grandparents, it's a grave concern of ours," said Debbie Gaines, whose husband Jim pastors the church. "We were interested in alerting the community on this important message for teens and their parents."

An advocate for children, the film's star, Erik Estrada, who is best known for his leading role in the television series ChiPs, will attend the screening.

As the national celebrity spokesperson for the film's creators, Safe Surfin' Foundation, Estrada is expected to address attendees on the dangers of Internet crimes against children.

"Finding Faith" tells the true story of a family finding faith in their battle to rescue their 14-year-old daughter who falls victim to an online predator.

Based entirely on true events, the full-length narrative highlights the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force's efforts to rescue children from predators.

Gaines said there is also a local focus within the movie.

"The local tie-in is that Atlanta has been named the worst in the nation for sex trafficking," she said. "The movie shows in a real life situation how quickly this can happen."

The screening is part of a national awareness tour Estrada and the foundation are conducting to bring consciousness to the issue.

"In today's world, pretty much all parents have had conversations about technology and the challenges in keeping our kids protected online or on their smart phones. Whether being concerned about your elementary-aged child learning to use search engines or managing your high-schoolers growing dependency on social networking sites, this film is both entertaining and extremely educational," according to organizers.

The screening begins at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Dawsonville, at 900 Hwy. 9 North, Dawsonville.

There is seating for about 500 in the sanctuary, and an overflow room will be set up if needed. The church also has permission to show a second screening if necessary.

For more information, call the church at (706) 265-2612.