*BELLA* and the Sanctity of Human Life

Yesterday was proclaimed National Sanctity of Human Life Day by President George Bush, with these words:

"All human life is a gift from our Creator that is sacred, unique, and worthy of protection. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, our country recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world. We also underscore our dedication to heeding this message of conscience by speaking up for the weak and voiceless among us . . .

If you haven't already heard about it or seen it, now seems an appropriate time to tell you about *BELLA*, a wonderful movie NOW available on DVD that portrays the same high regard for human life.

Below is a short video clip of the movie's star and producer speaking about what transpired in his heart a few years ago that led him to desire to make this movie.

"This film is very special," the film's star, Eduardo Verastegui told CBN News. "I've never worked in a project so meaningful, so special, so unique, so important. This film has changed the lives of many people including me."

"I think it's a wonderful tool to use it to spread the word not only about adoption, but family, life, the dignity of the human person, the dignity of life, Christian values and forgiveness, hope and redemption," Verastegui said.

"That's my hope as a producer that ... after seeing Bella ... (viewers) will leave with a candle in their heart, they will leave wanting to love more and judge less. They will leave wanting to forgive more and complain less, they will leave inspired to adopt, inspired to use their talents to serve others and to make a difference. They will leave wanting to be a better person."

The following are some questions asked of Eduardo by reporters:

What was the defining moment of your life?

"When I moved to Los Angeles, I hired an English teacher. This young lady happened to be a very devout Christian who not only taught me English but also changed my life because she started questioning a lot of things in my life.

For example, she asked, “Eduardo, what is the purpose of life? Who is guiding your life? Do you know your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?” I believe this young lady was the answer to my mother’s prayers.

Six months later, I realized that she was pretty much right in everything. And I remember that day. Everything changed in my life because I went to my knees, started crying, and asking God to forgive me.

The good news is that God not only forgave me, but he changed my heart, made me a new man. He became the center of my life, my Savior, my boss, my manager, my father, the center of my life, my redeemer, my creator, my everything.

I promised Him that I would never compromise my faith anymore. I would never use my talents for anything that would offend Him. I knew I wasn’t born to be a movie star or to be famous or to be a producer. I was born to know and to love and to serve Jesus Christ."

This commitment to not compromise your beliefs in your professional life — it cost you a lot. What price have you had to pay?

At that time, 5 years ago, I wanted to leave Hollywood. I was afraid to be there because Hollywood is the capital of temptation. I wanted to give 2 years of my life and just detach myself from all the dreams that I had. I wanted to go to Brazil, to the jungle, to do missionary work. I wanted to discern what God has for me.

I told my friend that. He looked at me and said, “Hold on. Hollywood is a bigger jungle. It doesn’t belong to the studios, it belongs to God, and we need to take it back. So don’t run away, don’t escape; this is where you need to be." He convinced me to stay.

For 4 years, I couldn’t work because the offers I was receiving were exactly the thing I didn’t want to do because it required me to compromise. I didn’t have money to pay my rent. I was broke, but I had so much peace in my heart and joy and serenity and happiness.

I decided to be the light in the darkness, and that’s when I was inspired to open this production company (Metanoia Films). And you know what? There’s nothing more beautiful than waking up in the morning and fighting for something that you believe is bigger than yourself.

CLICK HERE for a wonderful interview about Bella and Edoardo with the American Family Association Journal.