The first time I saw Treasure in Heaven by TC Christensen, I teared up. Treasure in Heaven is the story of John Tanner, one of the early saints who sacrificed all that he had (and he had a lot) to help build up the church. From the moment he heard the gospel, he knew it was true. It’s not just the conversion story that warms the soul–it’s the events that John Tanner lives through and how he responds that really makes you run for the tissues.
I won’t spoil it for you. Treasure in Heaven is another in a line of TC Christensen films that is inspirational. Have you seen The Mouths of Babes? Touch of the Master’s Hand? The Bridge? Most are touching stories to begin with, but TC Christensen has a way to bring out the emotion and the Spirit as you watch.
Sitting in front of my TV, watching Treasure in Heaven, I felt the lump in the back of my throat a couple of times. The example that John Tanner followed was that of Jesus Christ. In giving everything he owned to help the Church, Tanner is a wonderful example of consecration–a word that sometimes makes us cringe out of guilt. But in watching this film, whether consecration is something you’re doing well or something you need to work on, John Tanner (and dare we say TC Christensen as well) urge you to build the kingdom of God through any gift, talent or means you have.
I’m not sure if I like Treasure in Heaven better than The Touch of the Master’s Hand (a personal favorite)–both are wonderful. But the message of Christensen’s latest film is as powerful as they come. I highly recommend it.
I will ever be grateful to TC Christensen for helping me bring to life for my 6 children and 12 going-on-13 grandchildren the story of their 4th and 5th ggfather. We must never forget what was sacrificed that we might benefit, both from the gospel and our relationship to him! This is a “treasured” dvd in our family! (My Mom, Merna Tanner, who is about to turn 90 and is John Tanner’s
great-great-granddaughter, bought one for me and I bought a copy for each of our 6 children).
May I just say, ‘Treasure in Heaven’ is way more than just a great church history story to me, it is my heritage. John Tanner is my great great grandfather and what a treasure it is to me to have his story on DVD. I bought 15 of them at Christmastime and gave them to all my children and to many of my siblings,TC Christensen did a marvelous job in portraying a story I have heard all my life, but to beable to watch it and share it with my children and grandchildren in movie form is such a treasure to me! I highly recommend this movie to all even if you are not a relative of John Tanner.
I got a copy of the Tanner story a couple of months ago. I loved it.
I know some Tanners here and I can see those traits in them. I would love to know more about some of the other Saints who quietly served but did not get recognition at the time. Good for you Brother Christensen for your contributions.
I am anxious to watch Treasure In Heaven, for I am a direct descendant of John Tanner. I hope to have a family night, and watch this with my grandfather, Grant Tanner. A look into the life of my (5 times) great grandfather, what a blessing…. Thank you TC Christensen for acknowledging, and bringing to life the sacrifices of my ancestors. I have heard the stories, now I can watch them come to life….