In these troubled times that seem to get crazier and darker by the hour, Bernadette Wells has her work cut out for her. The South Philly native and founder of With a Purpose Ministries is on a mission to spread goodness and light among the area’s youth and families.
But the 37-year-old human-resources professional has chosen a rather unusual vehicle to promote her message — movies.
"Everyone enjoys films and we cannot take that away from them, but wouldn’t it make a difference if we replaced the distasteful shows with ones that are moral, hopeful and meaningful?" posed Wells.
Every fourth Saturday of the month at Houston Community Center, 2029 S. Eighth St., With a Purpose Ministries shows wholesome, thought-provoking films — with a Biblical perspective — for children, teens and adults.
"It is our sincere hope that through this program, we are able to offer a healthy, safe and fun recreational activity to those who would otherwise not be able to experience such an event," said the gentle-voiced Wells.
Films are free and open to the public, but seating is limited. The children’s feature, for ages 3 and up, begins at noon, followed by the teen, adult and family flick at 4 p.m. Complimentary light refreshments are served afterwards. Wells secured a contract with Herr’s to receive potato chips and pretzels. Tastykake and other local companies donate goods or offer Wells a discount to purchase snacks. She also accepts contributions from individuals or anybody else who cares enough to support her program. Donations can be dropped off on Saturday prior to each screening.
At her August showing, Wells handed out school supplies to all the children in attendance as her way of encouraging them to do well in class.
Since the debut of her first flick on June 29, Wells has sponsored four children’s films featuring Veggie Tales characters, and four teen and family films with such titles as Where’s God When I’m Scared?, Ribbits, Something to Sing About and The Climb.
Filled with what Wells describes as "great, catchy, memorable songs and hilarious animated vegetables as characters," the Veggie Tales series parallels Biblical stories by teaching kids principles in a fun new way, she said.
Wells said she believes providing children with a loving foundation and positive messages is critical to their future.
It’s not all fuzzy bunnies and Bible stories, though, when it comes to the teen and family films.
In The Rock, one of the previously shown movies catering to an older audience, NBA stars tell how "The Rock" — otherwise known as Christ — helps them face the full-court pressure in their careers, families and personal lives.
While Wells herself is not a minister, she is a self-described Christian woman.
"As a young, single woman desiring to live a pure life, I am appalled at the type of programs that are being shown on the television today," she said. "I especially think about the children, teenagers and adults who are being greatly influenced by these programs, and I worry. While I don’t expect to save the world from television, I do intend to try saving my inner-city community."
Wells’ vision of touching hearts through movies has been in the making for almost 10 years.
Born and raised at Eighth and McKean streets, she said she watched her neighborhood wither before her eyes.
"My community is part of my family. Soon there will be nothing left of my people, and I couldn’t swallow the thought. It was just too depressing," she said. "We have already lost precious souls to violence, drugs and the prison system and my heart ached year after year."
So Wells decided to become a part of the solution, with a little help from above. She said she began praying to God for ideas on how she could rebuild her community and breathe life back into it. The answer Wells received, she said, was With a Purpose Ministries.
"What greater joy is there than to see the transformation of a life change right before your eyes? The love that God gave me for my community is so great," she said. "I’m not after the masses. If it’s just one child that I have changed, then I’m happy."
As time went on, Wells purchased tapes and a projector, and laid the groundwork with the Houston Community Center, which was receptive to her vision from the start.
The enterprising young woman went about securing all the necessary permissions, rights and licenses to screen the movies in public. Today, she funds the film venture herself, while friends and family lend a helping hand.
According to Wells, the ministry promotes basic moral principles by impacting the minds of children, teens and adults in a positive way. Wells believes that everyone needs encouragement for the present and future.
"We want to replace hate with love and revenge with forgiveness," she said. "We must prevent them from experiencing the vicious cycle the streets have to offer and give them a choice. We must encourage their hearts and minds with ambition to make something out of their lives."
So far, attendance at her screenings has been encouraging. Her first film drew about 55 people, and each movie since has attracted a larger crowd, said Wells. She gets the word out with fliers, and plans to send postcards for the winter showings.
The next With A Purpose Ministries event will be Oct. 26 at the community center.
"I want people to come and be blessed," Wells said.
In time, she hopes her ministry has a lasting impact. One day she would like to see a Christian cinema where people can come in off the streets and watch something meaningful and life-changing.
