
Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews
Michael FoustProducer John Shepherd on Sarah’s Oil and the Remarkable True Story of Faith and Fortune
November 4, 2025 ● 12 minShare this episode
Producer John Shepherd (The Ultimate Gift, Bella, Emmanuel) joins host Michael Foust to discuss Sarah’s Oil — a powerful new faith-based film inspired by the true story of Sarah Rector, one of America’s first Black millionaires. Shepherd shares how faith, perseverance, and divine purpose shaped this remarkable story of a young girl in early 1900s Oklahoma who struck oil and changed history. Discover how Sarah’s Oil reminds us to use our God-given gifts, dig deeper into our purpose, and trust God’s plan even when the world calls it “impossible.”
Highlights
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Sarah’s Oil tells the true story of Sarah Rector, an 11-year-old girl whose faith led her to one of the most inspiring rags-to-riches stories in American history.
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John Shepherd shares how faith and determination drive success — both in filmmaking and in life.
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The film explores themes of perseverance, community, and divine purpose amid racism and greed.
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How true stories rooted in faith have the power to inspire change and strengthen belief.
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Behind-the-scenes insight into working with the Rector family and honoring Sarah’s legacy.
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Why today’s faith-based entertainment renaissance is raising the bar for storytelling and production.
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Shepherd’s personal reflection on Billy Graham’s influence and how faith continues to shape his filmmaking journey.
Join the Conversation
What’s a true story that strengthened your faith or inspired you to chase your God-given purpose? Share your thoughts with us on social media using #CrosswalkTalk and #LifeAudioPodcast — we’d love to hear your story!
Resources & Links
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🎬 Explore more of John Shepherd’s films: The Ultimate Gift, Bella, Emmanuel, The Dropbox
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🔗 Find more inspiring interviews at LifeAudio.com
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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A Prayer if You're Feeling Hopeless This Resurrection Season - Your Daily Prayer - March 31
When everything feels heavy, it’s easy to miss the quiet ways God is still showing up. This powerful prayer will help you see hope again this resurrection season.
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