Breaking Strongholds: Making a Difference in Teen Suicide

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Not many people know that the streaming mystery drama series ‘Breaking Strongholds’ is mostly filmed in Montgomery, along with snippets of Conroe and The Woodlands. The series, produced by Reflective Media Productions, is a faith-based mystery show that is designed to keep viewers engaged while addressing serious issues that face our community. Strongholds already has one season under its belt, which premiered in April 2022, and the second season is due for release in 2024.

The series revolves around preventing teen suicide, and opens with Ryan James, played by John Chance, of The Woodlands. James is contemplating ending his life due to personal issues regarding the loss of a family member, when he is interrupted by a stranger. Additionally, Ryan uncovers the behind the scenes motives of a new narcissistic preacher that moves to town. All of that all involves a missing high school teacher at the fictional Montgomery West High School.

Chance himself, once a troubled teen at The Woodlands High School, considered suicide, until he met up with Pastor Calvin Pearson at his small church. Pearson, plays the stranger, Benjamin, in the show. In fact, Chance’s real-life backstory is the pretext for the entire series.

“I remember feeling very fearful, and watchful over everyone around me,” said Chance, after hearing announcement after announcement of suicides at his school. He was terrified to be at school. “I was thinking of who else is struggling, or who else is going through this and not saying anything.” John went on to say that the series is special because it is an accurate portrayal of what mental health is like, and it offers hope for people who are dealing with suicidal tendencies, with chances for treatment and healing over time.

In counseling Chance years ago, Pastor Pearson, feared he was not making a connection with John in their sessions. “I didn't know the effect I was having, which was huge,” said Pearson. “It's so important for adults to say ‘I will take time, I will give you that time’.' Now the two act together on the small screen, with the aim to make a difference in people’s lives that need the help.

Strongholds is a creation of Reflective Media Productions, which began in 2010, when a key group of religious based individuals combined their skill sets to film a project called ‘Behind the Veil.’ From there, other projects followed including, ‘We Are Stronger,’ a film about a soldier who fought in Afghanistan, who was injured in an explosion; and returns home to family difficulties, struggles with his injury, and issues with PTSD.

“Breaking Strongholds brings light to very dark and devastating issues in our culture,” said Judge Wayne Mack, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, in Willis. The Judge has a small cameo role in Season 1, Episode 1, of the series. 'Families and society at large are affected by behavioral health issues, especially suicide. Everyone needs to see this show.”

RMP bills itself as ‘media missionaries’, which allows them to spread God’s Word through their films, streaming series, short videos, PSAs, etc. They really have a mission to see people better their lives through their media content. And it’s just not all about getting a story on film. They really think out the whole process with spiritual, emotional, and mental wellness. Their website actually has free discussion guides for adult leader’s, and for those teens and young adults struggling with issues that may lead to suicide.

RMP would not exist without The Will of One Strong Woman. Carla McDougal. She is the driving force and founder of Reflective Light Ministries, which birthed RMP, and other entities. All of which are dedicated to providing quality faith-based media, designed to make inroads against teen suicide, and bringing young people back to a God centered life, free from despair and broken hearts.

“It's like we're given a voice for people to feel safe to share their stories, to share the struggles, to realize they're not alone,” said McDougal. “And even for parents to have a place to say, my child has dealt with this as well.'

RMP relies solely on donations from companies and individuals alike to keep the wheels of production rolling. So far for 2024, RMP has achieved nearly half of their fundraising goal of $400,000 dollars to complete their projects goals for next year, which includes funds for Breaking Strongholds, but also for Suicide Prevention PSAs, planned short films, Spanish translation, Daily Reflection series, Those Left Behind series, and so much more.

Thankfully the cast and crew volunteer their time, but the production process: scriptwriting, research/interviews, storyboard, rehearsal times, location scouts, casting, equipment prep, filming time, studio time, post-production, editing, music/scoring, sound design, color correcting, distribution, advertising, marketing, websites, and more. All of those aspects cost money, so your donation to RMP would be greatly appreciated.
Their website is: breakingstrongholds.com contains outlets to view the show, on YouTube, Amazon, and other sites; in addition the discussion guides are available for parents, spiritual leaders, teens and young adults.

To give to Reflective Media to further the word against teen suicide please consider donating. https://givebutter.com/RLMGivingTeam

Ruben can be reached at: ruben@montgomerycountynews.net

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