Exceeding industry expectations, the new Angel Studios film “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” landed at No. 4 on its opening day and finished at No. 7 for the July 4^th weekend. Starring Nika King, Demetrius Grosse and Elizabeth Mitchell, the film profiles an incredible story of one church rising to meet the needs in the foster care system. It also earned an A+ Cinemascore, one of only 2% of films that have received the recognition.

“We are thrilled with how audiences have showed up and responded to ‘Sound of Hope,’ even during a busy holiday weekend,” said Brandon Purdie, EVP and Head of Theatrical Distribution at Angel Studios. “SOUND OF HOPE is more than a movie. This true story of 22 families that changed the course of the lives of 77 vulnerable children has sparked a movement. We are confident that the film will continue to grow and impact audiences, so no child will be without a home.”

“Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” follows Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace kids in the foster system that nobody else would take. By doing the impossible–adopting 77 children–this East Texas community proved that, with real, determined love, the battle for America’s most vulnerable can be won.

Reverend Martin is portrayed by Demetrius Grosse, who was seen in “The Rookie” and has been cast in Marvel’s upcoming series “Wonder Man.” He said the story was transformational, echoing previous comments from King, who portrayed Donna Martin.

“This is a life changing kind of story,” he said. “I think it calls us to use what we have the resources that God has given us to do extraordinary things. I think that’s the message that I walk away with, is that you have enough right there where you are in who you are in Christ. And that nothing is really impossible for God. It is not by my strength or by my mind, but by His Spirit.”

Portraying Reverend Martin, Grosse had the benefit of learning from the real-life person, who he said he an authentic spirit and a common touch.

“He was very accessible, so our interactions were very familial,” he said. “To be able to then bring on that energy exchange that we had off camera and bring it on camera, it was a great privilege and joy as an artist. It was wonderful.”

For his part, the real Bishop Martin said that “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” is starting a movement that will “move people’s hearts, move people’s minds, and move their actions.”

“This is definitely something that God has done,” he added.

In the film, it was First Lady Donna Martin whose heart was touched to care for the orphans and then she presented the idea to her husband, who was reluctant at first. Although sped up for the film, Bishop Martin said in reality, “it took a while for the Lord to deal with me.” The Martins already had a son born with severe brain damage who had taken much of their attention. For more children to be added on top of what already felt like a heavy load, he said, had to be a divine push.

“That had to be something that the Lord done,” he said. “And He did it, because God had a greater purpose we don’t know anything about. We don’t always know the outcome. We just know what we are. And we are grateful to our Lord for what He does, and the way He did that.”

Beyond the small town of Possum Trot, Bishop Martin said the foster care crisis is something the church should rise up to meet the needs of.

“Somebody’s got to step up and change the dynamics and the heart set of the children,” he said. “It’s got to be the church. The church is the key that God is going to utilize to open the hearts and open their hearts and their minds. This is something that should just be done. James 1:27 says ‘Pure religion is undefiled that God accepts is that we take care of the widows and orphans.’ We cannot deny that is something that God said to do and we got to do it.”

Grosse agreed and added that “We are greater than the sum of our parts. If we stand together in in a unified energy to accomplish great things. They can be accomplished.”

“Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot,” directed by Joshua Weigel, is now playing in theaters.