Movie Money

The last movie I saw in a theater was The Grinch in November 2000. I’ve missed Cast Away, Pearl Harbor, and more than a few recent romantic comedies. The average cost of a night at the movies is at least $10.00 with the very crucial popcorn and drink combo added on to the cheap student price. Ten dollars is pocket change to me compared to the millions of people who have never even had ten cents in their pockets.

In response to what I saw and learned at Urbana 2000, I made a commitment to God and to God’s people of every nation to give up going to movie theaters for a year and give the money to missions. When friends ask me to go to the movies, I gracefully decline. I put the money in an envelope and begin to pray about where God wants that money sent. Over the past year I have seen my movie money go to help earthquake victims in Guatemala, missionaries in South America and victims of poverty in different areas of the world.

This commitment may seem a little odd, and I admit that it hasn’t been easy. And sometimes I wonder how my little donation can make any difference. When my friends were all going out to a relaxing night at the movies and I was sitting home alone, it was hard to stick to my commitment.

Not everyone gets it when I try to explain what I’m doing, especially non-believers. Some people say, “Oh, that’s nice of you,” but I wonder if they think I’m crazy.

My friends in my chapter—and even my family—have been supportive of me, and they understand why I’m doing this, but it’s hard sometimes when they really want to see a movie and I have to say that I can’t go.

But what God had asked me to do was important, and his people are worth more than my desire to watch a sappy love story. He has been faithful in using my money for the advancement of his kingdom. In this year I’ve gone from sulking over being left at home during a movie outing to using that time to pray for the people that God is using my money to reach. It’s amazing to see how God can use one simple commitment to reach the nations.

—Katie FitzGerald is a senior at Florida State University majoring in child development. She’s also a youth intern at a local church. She likes to play the oboe, and hopes to pursue full-time ministry.