Alpena, Michigan. What a wonderful, peaceful place. From the moment I stepped off the plane at the smallest airport I’ve ever seen, I knew I was in for a unique experience. My driver, Dane, picked me up and whisked me off to wardrobe. There, I was greeted by Shelly, who had also done wardrobe for Ashes of Eden. Seeing her again brought a nostalgic warmth to my heart. It felt like reuniting with family.
The sense of welcome didn’t stop there. I was hosted by a delightful couple, Mike and Kate Phillips, who made me feel right at home. Mike is deeply passionate about Alpena’s rich history. He leads historical tours, restores old cemeteries, and shares the fascinating stories of the city’s past residents to honor their legacies. The couple owns the Centennial Building, a landmark steeped in local history. Staying with them was more than just lodging—it was a masterclass in Alpena’s heritage.
Wild Faith Christmas: A New Chapter, The film picks up after the events of the original Wild Faith movie, following Emmett Murphy and his father-in-law Edmond as they embark on a mission to deliver donated goods to a northern church hosting orphans during the holidays. Of course, nothing goes quite as planned, and the story takes a thrilling turn.
In this sequel, I play Harley—a gritty outlaw with a troubled past. Born in Kentucky and raised in the mines of upper Michigan, Harley works for Mr. Dunkirk. He’s a man with nothing to lose, and as Harley himself might warn, “Messing with a man who has nothing to lose is the best way to lose everything you hold dear.” Harley’s complexity and raw desperation made him a deeply compelling character to portray.
This film holds a special place in my heart, not only because of the character I got to explore but also because of its poignant message about adoption. While set in a bygone era, the themes of children and the need for loving homes are as relevant today as ever. The chance to reunite with my Ashes of Eden family was just the icing on the cake.
The Magic of Collaboration With just ten days to shoot, the schedule was tight. Preparation for each scene was brief, limited to quick discussions about blocking and storytelling, character choices and moments of the let's do this type of setting. On sets like this, you have to arrive fully prepared, ready to collaborate with others who’ve done the same. It’s a fast-paced dance, and when everyone hits their mark, the result is a beautiful blend of art and emotion. I truly believe we achieved that in this film.
I also had the pleasure of working with some incredible talent. Tim Lovelace and I couldn’t stop cracking each other up—it’s rare to find that kind of chemistry on set. Teyton Allen Colbert, who plays one of the orphans, impressed me with his professionalism and maturity well beyond his years. Randy Spence, my “brother” in the mines, brought a grounded authenticity to his role.
A Spark for the Western Spirit Working on Wild Faith Christmas has ignited a love for Westerns in me. The rugged landscapes, the moral dilemmas, the horses, the beard, the grit—it’s a genre I’d love to dive deeper into. Fun fact: I recently discovered that Wyatt Earp was married to a very, very distant relative of mine, Ursula Sutherland. How cool is that? Maybe playing a cowboy is in my blood after all.
Coming Soon Wild Faith Christmas is set for a worldwide theatrical release in 2025, followed by streaming and a DVD release. This project has been a labor of love, and I can’t wait to share it with audiences. Whether it’s the heartfelt message about adoption or the gripping storytelling, I hope it resonates with viewers as much as it has with me.
Alpena, Michigan, and Wild Faith Christmas have left an indelible mark on my journey. It’s not every day you get to blend history, art, and purpose into one experience—but when it happens, it’s nothing short of magic. Thank you so much for the expierence to everyone involved. All love.
Love God,
Love Life,
Love The Fight,
DONT EVER GIVE UP!
Steven Sutherland
Teyton Allan Colbert
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