The ministry I Am Second is releasing a second edition of a powerful documentary starring a boy from Texas who had faith that inspired millions.
Ethan Hallmark of Midlothian, TX, passed away a decade ago after battling stage 4 neuroblastoma. Ethan was diagnosed when he was 10 and succumbed to the cancer by age 13. Before he passed, Ethan recorded a quick testimonial video with I Am Second and the video went viral.
"You could really see something special in him, and it drew people in," says Matt Hallmark, Ethan's dad.
This new short documentary, The Ethan Hallmark Legacy, showcases the young boy's faith in God, as well as the impact he left on people's lives even after his death.
Ethan's mom Rachel recalled the moment her young son forgot to share his favourite Bible verse on camera, Psalm 45.
"We finish up filming, and he gives you his life story, and he goes, 'Wait, I just, I really want to say my favorite verse.' This is a little boy that's dying. He says, my favourite verse is Psalm 45: 'Many Lord, my God, are the wonders, there are too many to count. The things you have planned for us. Nothing can compare, none can compare with you. If I were to count your mercies, they would outnumber the sands on the seashore.'"
The fact that her son was in palliative care, facing death, made the moment even more impactful to Ethan's mom.
"If that doesn't blow everybody away, that a 13-year-old can be dying and he just wants to tell you how good God is, that's the most powerful thing in the world," says Rachel.
The follow-up short film talks about Ethan's resilience and courage, according to executive director John Humphrey.
"We never expected Ethan's story to go beyond the original film, but the way his life continues to inspire and transform others has been nothing short of miraculous," Humphrey said. "This follow-up film showcases the far-reaching impact of faith, even in the darkest moments, and reminds us of the power of a single encounter."
Before Ethan passed, he shared with the world the hope he had about going to be with his Lord and Saviour.
"Heaven is not a pretty good place, Heaven is a perfect place. Of course, I want to live a long life; who doesn't? I want to watch my sister and brothers go to middle school with me, go to high school, watch them graduate. Even I want to graduate. It's not my plan, though. It's His plan. And His plan is perfect. So, really, in the end, I will win either way."