For the proudly pro-life, ‘Sound of Freedom’ actor Caviezel’s message resounds in Visalia
The lead-up to Hollywood Christian actor James Caviezel’s appearance on Sept. 5 at the Visalia First Church was lengthy at more than three hours, but the crowd of nearly 2,000 didn’t seem to mind the wait.
They were there not just to hear Caviezel – a man who sits squarely atop the indie film heap from his role as Jesus Christ in the 2004 film “The Passion of the Christ” – they were there for the Tulare-Kings Right to Life’s annual fundraiser.
TKRL Board president Sue Jackson said that Ann Marie Paden, the organization’s new executive director, is the powerhouse behind securing Caviezel’s appearance at the annual fundraiser.
“She’s only been with us as the executive director for about a year, but she’s been with the organization for much longer as a volunteer,” she said.
Because the organization is shifting its messaging from “Making a difference for life” to “Advancing the mission,” she said it was important to Paden to pull together a program and message that mirrored its objectives.
“[Caviezel]’s is a message of freedom, of unity and of caring about children,” Jackson said, “from the unborn all the way through life.”
Caviezel spoke at length about the 2023 release of “Sound of Freedom,” his second major indie film success and another blockbuster Christian film, this one from Angel Studios, around the July 4th holiday. In it, Caviezel plays Tim Ballard, a government agent who devotes himself to rescuing children from sex traffickers in Colombia.
“I couldn’t sleep for two years,” Caviezel said when he was first approached with Ballard’s story. “I couldn’t stop thinking about the children.” He said making “Sound of Freedom” left an indelible mark on his soul. He said his purpose in making the film was to inspire people to rise up and to take action against traffickers.
“God’s children are not for sale,” he said.
Visalia resident Kelli Coles attended the event with her husband, David. She said she had recently viewed “Sound of Freedom,” piquing her interest in hearing Caviezel speak at the fundraiser.
“This is a place and a topic where people of all denominations can come together for a single message and purpose,” she said.
Preceding Caviezel’s entrance, an array of speakers talked about the TKRL’s efforts to galvanize supporters against abortion, the need for legislation, personal stories about abortion, and what’s happening in Tulare County.
Speakers included local officials California Sen. Shannon Grove representing the 12th Senate District, and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, both of whom spoke on their efforts to bring an end to human trafficking, especially the sex trafficking of children. Senate Bill 1414, authored by Grove, Anna Caballero (D-Merced), and Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) will make it a felony to solicit or engage in sex with minors for money.
New mission, vision for Tulare-Kings Right to Life
TKRL Executive Director Ann Marie Paden introduced a new name, logo and message for the nonprofit that will go into widespread use in January 2025.
The organization will pivot away from “Right to Life” to “Resources for Life” to reflect an emphasis on education and activism. The shift will enable TKRL to pursue grants for education and outreach.
The logo features a graphic depicting the stages of life and those the organization represents. It also incorporates the new tagline “Advancing the mission,” the objective of which Paden said is to answer the questions: “Why are you here?” and “What will you do to advance the mission?”
TKRL volunteer of the Year
Tulare resident Linda Smith was presented with the Volunteer of the Year award for her efforts to raise awareness of a women’s health clinic opening in Tulare with the potential to perform abortions.
Despite the imminent opening of the clinic, she thanked the many Tulare volunteers who joined her in protest on the streets and at Tulare City Council meetings.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: James Caviezel’s message resounds with Right to Life visit in Visalia
