Dr. Donald Gray’s quest...

Pastor Donald Gray’s life-long quest to save children trapped in the darkness of economic and societal despair began when he honored his spiritual and moral convictions years ago. Turning his back on a lucrative business career, he entered the ministry and created an organization to lead children out of a cycle of poverty, violence, drugs and family disintegration. “Long ago somebody reached out and helped me and I plan to give back and help everyone I can for as long as I’m able,” he says.

Donald brings us into “his world” where he fights for and beside the children struggling against hunger, drug dealers, gangs and a system seemingly rigged against them depending on “their zip code.”  Converting religious teaching into action, Donald leads the black church supporting the children and offering them a way out through activities like feeding families and presenting a range of educational activities designed to raise test scores, entertaining them and expanding their worldview and providing training in basic life lessons like balancing a checkbook or buying a car.

Donald’s position finds him as the leader of his community--a position filled by black ministers nationwide. We see through his actions, he’s earned a trust in the black community not shared by politicians, the media or other segments of society.  He fights daily to save one child at a time—sometimes struggling against seemingly overwhelming odds which sometimes appears to offer little hope. We see him working with police, school administrators and parents and see the enormity of the challenges facing Donald and the children.

Fighting the fight for the children requires money—lots of it and a constant pressure in the face of such overwhelming need. We see his fundraising struggles and victories. Donald is also a lightning rod for criticism from politicians, educators, members of his own congregation and other well-meaning but sometime uninformed people who consider themselves Christians. We see Donald challenging assumptions about systemic racism, poverty and other challenges in his community he and considers attacks part of his journey.

We see Donald tackling these larger social forces by ministering in white churches and encouraging people of all races to take the time to get to know one another and communicate—another difficult thing with the political polarity in America.

For all the obstacles, there are victories celebrated by the children, their parents and Donald and his staff.   More than 100 children graduated from his program, have gone on to college and have enjoyed personal and professional success. Many serve as role models and give back to the children as people gave to them. Their stories serve as an inspiration and a beacon to inspire others. We see Donald working with Michelle and Bob McCreary, announcing a major funding victory. 

Sunlight,” takes an intimate look at Donald’s quest to save one child at a time—humanizing their stories and bringing the audience into a world which can be very dark but ultimately brings love and light into the lives of so many.