Joseph J. Graber
Directing
Biography
As a pastor, artist, and filmmaker, Joseph is passionate about telling stories and using film for advancing the Kingdom of Christ. In 2011, soon after they were married, Joseph and his wife, Stacie, founded the Thorn Crown Project in order to produce films. In 2013 they moved to Colorado where Joseph was one of the founding pastors of a church. Joseph was born into the family of an Old Order Amish minister. His early childhood was marked by the usual features of the Amish culture: no electricity, going everywhere with horses and buggies, and wearing distinctive clothing. For years his father taught that salvation comes through good works and church membership. After extensive Bible study he discovered the truth: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9) As his father began to preach salvation by faith, it caused serious conflicts with the elders of the church. Eventually, when Joseph was fourteen his family was excommunicated from the Amish church. Before becoming a pastor, Joseph traveled throughout the US and Mexico as a gospel chalk art evangelist. During those years he gained valuable experience in storytelling and learned much about the effectiveness of audio/visual presentations in communicating truth. He also discovered the need for quality promotional film projects to inform supporting churches about the mission. In 2013, Joseph and Stacie spent three weeks in Peru filming a promo for a Christian school high in the Andes mountains. Joseph finds that his faith informs his film making and is grateful for each film project that he gets to do with his wife Stacie by his side.
Known For
Amy, Catherine, and Charles Fay can't wait for their Uncle Henry to arrive for Christmas. This is the first year since Mama passed away and the children are working together to fill the void and put together a Christmas play at their church. There are challenges along the way, from a runaway lamb to the stern lady who plays the church organ, but with the help of Uncle Henry's new song, 'We Three Kings,' not only is the Christmas pageant a success, but the children learn truths about Jesus and the gifts that were given to Him by the Magi.
We Three Kings
A heartbreaking, yet redemptive journey into the history of the Amish People. The year 2017 is the five hundred year anniversary of Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg and starting the Reformation in Germany. This film considers the impact of the Reformation Era on the Amish Church in America today.
The Amish and the Reformation
Breaking the Silence is a documentary series that presents a respectfully honest view of the origins and legacy of the Amish and how they became who they are today. Featuring the story of Lester and Rebecca Graber's salvation, excommunication, and exit from the Amish church, this film traces the Graber family and the Amish church back to the Reformation Era. The documentary includes interviews with people who have left the Amish as well as church leaders and historians from Switzerland. One of the primary messages that the film presents is the power of God's Word in the lives of those who read it. The film's director says, "This film is part of my personal journey into what my Amish heritage really means."