'Insanity of God', movie highlighting persecution of Christians, to premiere for one night only on Aug. 30

"Insanity of God", a heart-rending film about the persecution of Christians will be shown for one night only on Aug. 30  in 530 theaters across the U.S. Based on the best-selling book with the same title, the film tells the story of Nik and Ruth Ripken, an ordinary couple from Kentucky who interviewed and helped persecuted Christians all over the world.

The Ripkens have collected more than 600 accounts of Christian persecution in more than 72 countries over the past 18 years. They traveled to the Horn of Africa to provide food and medial services to the people in war-torn lands and famine-stricken areas.

"Insanity of God" will be shown in a special one-night feature that will include an interview with Nik Ripken and a performance by Todd Smith. The film will be followed by a special message from David Platt, the president of the International Mission Board (IMB). 

"I don't think we are as aware of their stories as we should be," Platt told the Baptist Press. "With everything going on in the world, there may be no single issue more urgent to the Church in 2016 than persecution. We need to be praying continually for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world and learning more about how they are persecuted," he added.

"I encourage you to go to the theater and watch this film. It will change your perspective on what it means to follow Jesus and your life will be changed as a result," Platt continued.

"Insanity of God" ranked number one in ticket sales last Thursday at MovieTickets.com. The film was produced by Nik Ripken Ministries and the IMB. It was first screened at the Southern Baptist Convention in St. Louis last June.

The film garnered the praise and endorsement of several Christian leaders including Dr. Ed Stetzer, the executive director of the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism; Larry D. Andrews, President and CEO of Partners International; and Dr. Frank Page, President of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.