You probably heard a commercial on TV or radio for My Pillow. Turns out the man behind the pillow is a devout Christian and former drug addict. After building a massive empire with charities and organizations, Michael Lindell, is investing in faith-based movies. In my past recap of the state of Christianity in America, I noted that faith-based movies have been commercially successful. The 2018 film, I Can Only Imagine stunned box office expectations. More recently a pro-life film, Gosnell: America’s Biggest Serial Killer, was also financially successful.
Initial Story Hollywood Reporter
Michael Lindell, worth an estimated $300 million, tells The Hollywood Reporter he has plowed $1 million into Unplanned, an upcoming feature that was shot in secret due to its critical take on Planned Parenthood.
His investment amounts to one-sixth the entire production budget of Unplanned, which comes from some of the same filmmakers who were behind God’s Not Dead and I Can Only Imagine, a couple of Christian films that did well at the box office, earning $61 million and $84 million, respectively.
Lindell also has a cameo in Unplanned that’s sure to raise eyebrows in certain circles, as he is seen bulldozing a Planned Parenthood site to make way for the headquarters of an anti-abortion group called 40 Days for Life. “I’m pro-life and I’m happy to do it,” Lindell says.
The third movie Lindell intends to bankroll will be based on his upcoming book, What are the Odds? From Crack Addict to CEO, proceeds of which are earmarked for his charitable organizations, the Lindell Foundation and Lindell Recovery Network. He says he’s in the process of learning about the film industry inside and out, preparing for the making of a movie based on his life story.
Reaction
Christianity is very clear on abortion, as opposed to most political issues. Michael Lindell believes strongly in protecting the unborn, and his efforts in the pro-life cause is admirable. As an aspiring entrepreneur, he seems to be a good role model. I cannot deny I am fascinated with film and storytelling. It’s basically a dream of mine to be able to do as he is doing with the upcoming Unplanned. But to broaden the scope to all or most seriously ambitious Christian entrepreneurs, Michael Lindell is an example of a Christian man using entrepreneurship as a means to make the world a better place with God in mind. I like to emphasize that Christian entrepreneurship is not about acquiring wealth for one’s own prosperity. Rather it is about using acquired wealth for God’s Kingdom. Keep up the good work, Mr. Lindell.
Raymond Fava is the Founder of Startup Christ and the founder of EcoEats, Inc. EcoEats crafts exotic jerkies using unique flavors. To see their selection, click here.
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