As a teenager, Nate Dean ran track and field — It wasn't just that he loved running.but Because it gave him access to the shower. Such was his life as a homeless teenager. Nate lived in his car and learned to be resourceful.
“I did a lot of things to survive,” Nate says today.
Eventually, a teacher named Stan contacted Nate. He mentored and supported him. At one point, he rescued Nate from prison.
Nate's story will be retold in an upcoming Angel Studios film Brave the Dark (PG-13) follows Nate as he confronts his tragic past and gets his life back on track. It will be released in theaters from January 24th.
Nate told Crosswalk Headlines that the film is a “salvation story,” but it's a journey to get there. He grew up in the foster care system.
“I had a very traumatic childhood,” he said. “I became an angry young man, and I Really I didn't trust anyone, including the various foster parents I was with. Some of them were great. One morning I ran away and no one came looking for me and no one seemed to care. So I lived in my car for the next two years. ”
Nate attended school, keeping the fact that he was homeless a secret from his teachers.
“Thanks to my teacher's help, I overcame them all and am strong enough now,” he said. “I recovered from all of that, and it was pretty heavy, and The fact is I was healed after that. And now I can tell my story and hope others can tell theirs. ”
Even though Nate tried to push him away, Stan kept reaching out and never gave up.
“He met me where I was,” Nate said. “He watched me in class and noticed that sometimes my clothes were a little dirty, and I looked Really skinny. Other types just I didn't care. …Hyou looked at me at that moment literally changed my life. ”
Eventually, Nate took Stan's last name, Dean, as an honor. he. he also Standeen Foundationwhich supports underprivileged students through education and the arts.
“Everyone needs at least one person they can trust who cares about them, and that was Stan for me,” Nate told Crosswalk Headlines. “I want people to be like Stan. [to be] Stan Dean of their community. They may not be as great as what Stan did for me, but these small acts of kindness go a long way. I don't know how to give something to someone when they need it [can change them]. they need it. That's very important. ”
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Brave the Dark is rated PG-13 due to domestic violence/gore, suicide, some strong language, teen drinking, drug references, and smoking.
Photo credit: ©angel studio
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's podcast! he is the host of crosswalk talka podcast where he speaks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christians are making their faith a priority in Hollywood, and discover the best Christian movies, books, TV and other entertainment. can be found crosswalk talk above LifeAudio.comor subscribe at apple or spotify So never miss an interview that is sure to encourage your faith.
First publication date is January 22, 2025.
