“War Room” actress Karen Abercrombie will be speaking at Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries Saturday, Oct. 17, about faith and worship. The Pennsylvania native played prayer warrior Miss Clara in the 2015 film.
“It was a perfect fit,” Abercrombie said of her recent role. “I heard the character’s voice immediately.”
In the film, Abercrombie’s character helps a damaged family solve their problems through faith. When Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries Pastor Calvin E. Callins saw the film with 150 members of his congregation, he recognized his own grandmother in Abercrombie’s character.
“It reminded me of … how the older generations really kept everything together,” Callins said.
After the congregation saw the film, Callin’s uncle, Robert Callins, suggested that the church look into having Abercrombie as a speaker. With less than two weeks until the event, Callins is expecting about 800 guests.
“We live, breathe prayer,” Callins said. “And not just for ourselves. In the movie, and what we do here, we pray for our country, we pray for everyone around the world.”
Guest attendees can expect praise and worship, and an atmosphere of fellowship. Oasis World Outreach, of Zephyrhills, will perform, and clothing and food vendors will be selling items in the church parking lot.
“It will almost be a festival,” Callins said.
This isn’t the first time that the church, which has over 500 attendees on a regular Sunday, has hosted such an event. In 2006, gospel star Kirk Franklin spoke, followed by Bishop Marvin Sapp in 2007. In 2008, the church hosted a two-night revival with over 4,000 attendees at the John R. Trinkle Center, with Dr. Juanita Bynum as the main guest.
Abercrombie, who wants to do more motivational speaking in her career, is looking forward to the event.
“I’ve collected lots of tales from around the world,” Abercrombie said. “They all have morals. I love sharing them.”
In addition to motivational speaking and acting, Abercrombie is filming her first project with her production company, Handmaiden Entertainment. She started the company two years ago, with a mindset of producing films with uplifting stories. The goal is to have children and teenagers as the main characters to serve as role models to other young adults.
“I feel children get a lot of the brunt of bad choices [made by adults],” Abercrombie said.
Abercrombie’s upcoming speaking engagement is free to the public, but preferred seating and a private reception with Abercrombie is available for $75.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
A Saturday Night in the War Room
WHERE: Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries, 2104 Mud Lake Road
WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
COST: Free; $75 for preferred seating and a private reception with Karen Abercrombie