All Saints

Michael Spurlock, a driven and ambitious sales executive in his late 30s, is on a fast-paced path to success in the corporate world. Working for a large food distribution company, he is tasked with identifying undervalued companies to acquire. His job requires him to travel extensively, and he sees this line of work as a means to climb the corporate ladder. However, beneath the polished surface, Spurlock feels unfulfilled and restless. He yearns for a sense of purpose and belonging. On a whim, he makes a decision that will drastically alter the course of his life. He decides to leave behind the comforts of his high-paying job to become a pastor, a profession he has always been intrigued by but has never seriously considered before. Upon accepting the position, Spurlock finds himself facing a daunting challenge – the closing of the rural All Saints church. The small congregation has dwindled, and the church is in dire financial straits. His superior, Bishop, asks him to close the church and sell the prime piece of land where it sits, envisioning it will become a source of revenue for the organization. Spurlock reluctantly accepts the responsibility, but something within him lingers, and he begins to feel an unease about shutting down this small community. The thought of erasing the church's history and tradition weighs heavily on his conscience. As he begins to explore the church, Spurlock notices something peculiar. Amidst the quiet surroundings and crumbling buildings, he finds a sense of calm and connection to the natural world. This serenity resonates with him, and he starts to grasp why this small church holds significance to its members. It represents more than just a place of worship; it's a beacon of hope and a haven for the rural community. However, things take an unexpected turn when a group of Burmese refugees arrives at the church. Displaced by the ongoing civil war, they are met with hostility and indifference in neighboring towns. But the All Saints community greets them with compassion and acceptance. Spurlock is surprised to discover that many members of the dwindling congregation have ties to this refugee population. A retired nun, Mother Mary, becomes a source of inspiration for the refugees, offering them comfort and assistance. Her genuine concern for their well-being awakens something in Spurlock. He starts to question his decision to close the church. Spurlock meets the group of refugees who are struggling to adjust to their new surroundings. Despite their hardships, their resilience and strength are palpable. He witnesses their quiet determination and resourcefulness, which motivates him to reevaluate his stance on the church's future. The Burmese community faces immense challenges in terms of language barriers, finding employment, and securing basic necessities. They require support and guidance to settle into their new lives. As Spurlock delves deeper into their experiences, he develops an affinity for the refugees and the people of All Saints. He starts to see the church as more than just a physical structure – it's a symbol of hope and unity. With his newfound understanding, he shifts his priorities. Instead of shutting down the church, he decides to join forces with the refugees to find a way to keep it operational. The turning point comes when Spurlock meets Sam, a rugged and unassuming farmhand who has been working at the church. Sam shares his vision of turning the land around the church into a productive farm where the refugees can find employment and help pay the church's bills. Inspired by Sam's ideas, Spurckock rallies the community, and together, they embark on a daunting but thrilling journey. With limited resources and expertise, they start from scratch, clearing and cultivating the land. As they face setbacks and struggles, the small group perseveres, driven by their collective determination to create something remarkable. Through trial and error, they build a thriving farm, with the refugees learning new agricultural techniques and skills. This joint effort fosters an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual support. Through this experience, Spurlock undergoes a transformation. He discovers a sense of belonging and purpose he had been searching for his entire life. He learns valuable life lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the power of community. The refugees, too, begin to heal from their traumatic past, and All Saints church becomes a sanctuary where they can reconnect with their heritage and their faith. As the story unfolds, the church's farm becomes a model of community-based development, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions in rural areas. The film All Saints celebrates the resilience of its characters, demonstrating that faith and community can lead to extraordinary transformations and successes.