Television with A Purpose: The Darkest Hour

While the majority of the population is asleep during the hours of 2AM and 6AM, there are pockets of people that are awake during the “graveyard shift.” Some are college students cramming for an all-nighter, others are working the night shift, some might be out on the party scene and for others they just might not be able to sleep. Whatever their background is, Jay Lowder wants to reach them with his television show.

“The Darkest Hour” is a new television show produced by Jay Lowder Harvest Ministries which will feature raw and compelling stories of individuals who have found their way out of the pit of defeat by discovering a purpose for living. While most shows’ goal is to air in the “prime time slot,” the show will air in the early morning “graveyard slot,” between the hours of 2AM and 6AM, with the hopes of reaching individuals who feel lost or hopeless. The ultimate goal of “The Darkest Hour” is to help individuals understand they are not alone in their hardships and connect them with others they can relate to and learn from through the show’s website. The show is scheduled to air on Freeform, TLC, The Discovery Channel, AMG TV and Daystar Television Network with additional networks forthcoming

^“ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

Lowder shares why the “graveyard slot” was their first choice.

“While most television show creators avoid the ‘graveyard slot’ of the early morning hours, we specifically sought it out. This program originated from a deep desire to reach the countless number of people who feel trapped, alone and unable to escape problems that often appear unsolvable. The reality is many of these individuals experience sleepless nights, and we want to offer them a meaningful and hopefully life-changing show to help them when they flip on the TV.”

“The Darkest Hour” specifically addresses issues rampant in our nation including suicide, dependence, depression and abuse and explores the stories of individuals who experienced deep pain and hurt but found recovery and restoration through an encounter with Jesus. Lowder’s personal story of alcoholism and near suicide, even going as far as holding a .22-caliber pistol to his temple, is also included in each of the episodes. Three episodes of the show have been produced, with each one containing three unique stories. Individuals featured include PyRex, a former gang member and prison inmate; Alisa Kaplan, a rape survivor and recovering meth addict; Theresa Romo, a depression and suicide survivor; Matt Conti, a former drug addict; and Stephan Jackel, a Purple Heart recipient and double amputee.

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

Lowder shares what his hopes are for the show.

“‘The Darkest Hour’ is the culmination of a dream – to give to others what was first given to me. I am convinced that the most important thing a person can know is not when but why they were born. My hope is that ‘The Darkest Hour’ will help those who are searching or feel lost discover purpose for their life.”

Risen Reflections

Get help and help others. If you or a friend you know is struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts it is time to get help. Start with going to a professional counselor and a pastor. They can help you walk through steps you will need to take. There are also many faith-based support groups that offer on-going support and accountability including Celebrate Recovery. If your church doesn’t offer it, check out other local churches. It is a place where people of any background are welcome to get support and resources they need to break free. It also offers a safe place where you can share your struggles or just listen to others on how God is helping them.

Transform your pain. If you have had a life-changing experience, ask God how he wants you to use it to glorify Him. From financial hardship to breaking free from addiction, God wants to use each of those Take time this week to reflect on how He protected you, how he provided for you during a difficult time, and how your story can help others. It might be sharing what God taught you with one other person, your small group or even in a large group setting. Pray and ask for direction and wisdom with how to share.

Point others to purpose. If you have a friend or family member that needs help, point them to resources that can help them break free. It can be a television show, movie, book or magazine. There are many speakers and events where people share their testimonies of how they overcame their addiction. Consider inviting your friend or family member to an event. Or if they don’t feel comfortable attending, ask a friend or pastor that might have a similar background if they would be willing to sit down with your friend and share their testimony with them.

For more information, visit TheDarkestHour.tv.