"English Corner": A Short Film Bringing People Closer to God

Greetings! My name is Matthew Faye Terry. I am an independent filmmaker. Following Jesus’ Great Commission, God has tasked me to write “English Corner”, a mini-series that is based on my testimony of His faithfulness when I taught and guided my students at Pei Zheng College in Guăngzhōu China (I lived and currently reside in Chicago).

While living in China, I began sharing stories and reflections through a series of Facebook posts. Over time, those entries formed the foundation of a journal—one that eventually blossomed into my memoir, “I Came to You in Weakness”. It was more than writing—it was a testimony.

From that memoir, God stirred me to craft a screenplay. Thus, “DragonFlies”, took flight—a story born of faith and experience. But the Spirit whispered: there’s more to tell. So, I listened. What emerged was “English Corner”—not just a screenplay, but a mini-series carrying the heartbeat of everything God had shown me along the way. But another step still needs to be taken: to create a proof of concept (PoC) short film which will be used to lay the corner stone for the entire series. Think John the Baptist paving the way for Jesus.

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“Our prayer should be that God will raise up more Christians in strategic spots, such as filmmakers who can fashion and frame the minds of the public.” – Pastor Charles Swindoll

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According to the Barna Group, a respected Christian research organization, 41% of adults in 2023 said they had seen a film in the past two years that stirred them to think more deeply about their faith. It’s a powerful reminder that stories through film still can awaken the soul and draw hearts closer to God.

As I scroll through Netflix and Amazon, my heart grows heavy. So many films, yet so few that reflect the light of God. It’s not just disappointing—it’s a quiet grief, watching a world hungry for meaning settle for shadows when the truth could shine so brightly through film.

The “English Corner” Mission

That’s exactly why “English Corner” exists—to harness the transformative power of storytelling via film to illuminate truth, inspire hope, and invite viewers into a deeper encounter with God’s grace. Through authentic characters and a faith-filled narrative, I genuinely believe God has consecrated “English Corner” to bring viewers closer to Him.

At its heart, “English Corner” is a short-film about absolute trust—trust in God’s guidance even when the path ahead is unclear.

Inspired by Psalm 32:8— “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”—this film reflects the quiet courage it takes to follow divine direction in unfamiliar territory.

“English Corner” follows the journey of a frustrated corporate man named MAXWELL PATTON whose faith in God is rekindled as he teaches Spoken English at a private college in China. The story beautifully captures how God works through Maxwell to renew the lives of his students, demonstrating hope, redemption, and the power of His (God's) love to change lives.

As Maxwell pours his heart into teaching, especially guiding his students using Psalm 32:8, shadows gather around him as two antagonists emerge: College President Wang Mei Zhu ("Are you teaching Bible lessons to the students!?"), and Benji (“Teacher, it is against our culture to teach these words!”) Benji is an angry sharp student fiercely loyal to the Communist Party. Both begin to see Maxwell as more than just an American teacher. To them, he is a quiet disruptor, a cultural threat cloaked in kindness. Their growing suspicion may set off a chain of events that could cost him not just his job, but his freedom.

But Maxwell isn’t alone. At his side is LittoJack—a spirited, sharp-witted student with a heart full of loyalty (think Robin to his Batman). She has a flair for the unexpected and her slightly off English phrases adds a touch of humor. (“Teacher Max, when talking with college boss, don’t mince your meat, be forward straight”).

Just as I once stood before my students at Pei Zheng College with faith as my only map, Maxwell steps into his classroom guided not merely by knowledge, but by grace, humility, and a heart that listens.

His (and my) journey echoes the spiritual path we all walk—moving forward not because the way is clear, but because we trust the One who sees beyond the horizon.

Over the three-year journey of writing “English Corner”—and now crafting this very GoFundMe campaign—I’ve been continually and graciously led by the hand of God. He still teaches me, still guides me, still whispers the way forward. Every step has been a reminder that the story I’m telling is also the story I’m living…for His Glory alone!

Why I’m Asking For Your Help

It’s essential that we complete this film by October 5, 2025—with the gifted actors who bring these characters to life, the dedicated Emmy Award winning producer, Mark Wiemers, who believes deeply in the mission, and a spirit of excellence guiding every frame. From casting to final cut, we’re committed to honoring this story with the care, craftsmanship, and detail it deserves.

“English Corner” isn’t just a story; it’s a calling. The Great Commission binds me to bring this into the world without compromising God’s Holy Word which we hope to offer a deeper glimpse into who God truly is—gentle, present, protective, and redemptive.

The Costs of Doing God’s Work

My funding goal is $31,000 which is primarily pre-production, filming, and post-production.

I know that’s no small number, and I want to be fully transparent about why it matters. This isn’t about filming and editing—it’s about stewarding the entire life of “English Corner”. From production to post, from festival submissions to outreach efforts, this budget ensures the story reaches hearts far beyond the set.

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“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:16

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Finishing a film is only the beginning. What follows—promoting it, distributing it with care, and forging lasting partnerships is a full-time act of stewardship. In truth, post-production is just a sliver of what it takes to carry this mission forward. To bring “English Corner” into the world so others may see the light, we must walk with intention every step of the way.

A Lamp Under a Jar (A Film to Show the Way)

“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.” Luke 8:16

This funding fuels more than just the technical finish—it empowers God’s mission. It allows us to partner with seasoned Christian marketing and distribution teams who believe in the heart of “English Corner” and are equipped to carry its message far beyond the screen, into communities, conversations, and lives. Thank God, He led me to FrontGate Media for their God-centered gifts in assisting in these areas.

Every gift—large or small—helps light the path forward. By giving, you’re not just supporting a film; you are also laboring to share a story of faith, courage, and redemption with the world.

Help Us Cross the Finish Line—And Go Further

With God’s infinite patience in me, I have already poured 18 months of prayer, work, and heart into bringing “English Corner” to life. Every step has been a leap of faith. Now, I am inviting you to walk with me—to help carry this story across the finish line… and into the lives it’s meant to reach.

Your donation directly supports:

• Production Costs – Recouping expenses for the actor’s travel, lodging, meals, and other on-location coordination.

• Fair Pay – Honoring the time, pay, and talent of our small, dedicated actors and crew.

• Post-Production – Editing, sound design, color correction, subtitles, and final mastering

• Legal & Administrative – Ensuring ethical, professional, and protected storytelling

• Marketing & Distribution – Amplifying the message through strategic partnerships and campaigns

• Music & Licensing – Securing the right sound to match the soul of the story

• Festival Deliverables – Preparing the film for submission and screening opportunities

• And More – Every dollar helps us steward this story with excellence and care

Together, we can ensure “English Corner” doesn’t just get finished—it gets felt so more people will see God’s eternal light.

If you are interested in becoming an executive producer or strategic partner, please message me through GoFundMe. I am happy to share a detailed financial breakdown or have a one-on-one conversation.

Why This Film Matters

We live in a fractured and chaotic world—one where many are led by voices convinced they’ve found the right path, only to guide others into deeper confusion. So much of today’s media, especially in films, glorifies violence, distorts love, and normalizes foul language and behavior that pull hearts away from truth. The younger generation is being shaped by stories that celebrate the counterfeit…and the market is saturated with these film qualities.

But we have an opportunity—to offer something different. Something true.

Let’s show them a better way.

Let’s point them to the only One who is the true Way.

How You Can Help

Whether it’s $25 or $2,500, every gift matters—and every gift moves us closer to completing the “English Corner” mission. As Scripture reminds us,

“God loves a cheerful giver” —2 Corinthians 9:7

Tier Gift What You Receive

Why This Mission Matters

“English Corner” is more than a film—it’s a reflection of a calling that has shaped my life. When God opened the door for me to teach at Pei Zheng College in Guǎngzhōu, China, it wasn’t just about teaching Spoken English—it was about guiding His children, planting seeds of truth, and walking alongside them in love.

Even Now

One of my former students, Lai Xiao Jie—the real-life inspiration behind “LittoJack”—remains part of our lives. My wife Pearl and I have the joy of leading her in online Bible studies, gently shepherding her toward God’s light. We see the Spirit at work—her mind opening, her heart softening, the Word slowly taking root.

But this journey has also brought sorrow. Another dear student, Xie Xiaona—affectionately nicknamed “LittoBat” for her nocturnal study habits—very recently passed away from cancer at 32. Her absence is still deeply felt. I hold onto the hope that we’ll meet again in our Father’s house, where every tear will be wiped away.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXPjORwWzfg&t=13s

This film is for them—for the ones still searching, and for the ones we long to see again in glory.

If the “English Corner” mission stirs something in you, don’t keep it to yourself. Share this campaign with your loved ones, your church, your community—anyone who longs to see more truth, more hope, and more direction in a world that’s lost. Together, with God’s grace, we can make something that points people back to Him - who never leads us astray using the gifts He has given me in “English Corner”.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I have written what You placed on my heart.

I have guided these students in ways that point back to You—

not for my name’s sake, but for Yours.

May Your hand rest upon this “English Corner” mission and campaign.

May every word, every frame, every act of generosity

be a reflection of Your light.

Let those who encounter this story be drawn not to us,

but to You who authors all truth.

In the matchless name of Jesus -

Amen, Amen.

Matthew Faye Terry

Writer/Director