“Notorious to Glorious” inspires compassion
TORONTO, ON—There is no doubt that Michael "Bull" Roberts has been transformed from notorious to glorious. A recent documentary by that name tells the story of what drove him to become a white supremacist gang enforcer and how God showed him the meaning of love.
"Michael has a phenomenal story. I am really fascinated by what God had done in his life," says Cheryl Webber, director of Notorious to Glorious. "I wanted to show people that no matter how far someone strays from God, no matter what they do, they can never go so far away that His love can't reach them."
From early childhood, Roberts endured extreme physical, emotional and sexual abuse from family members and peers. He ran away from home at 16, ending up spending time in jails and a mental institution where the abuse continued.
"I wrote the script and had some peers read it. They were overwhelmed with the evil that had happened to him," Webber says. "I took out some of the dark things, just so people could watch it. I had to find a balance of when to bring in the light because I wanted people to be shaken so at the end they would be awed and amazed."
After years as a brutal white supremacist, Roberts was betrayed by his gang, beaten and left for dead. In despair, he cried out to God and experienced love for the first time in his life. Today, five years later, Roberts speaks in schools and churches, sharing his experience with youth and helping them overcome the struggles they are facing.
"Michael will tell you that he is somebody who didn't feel like he deserved love. I think he still struggles with that some days, but the way God reached out to him is beautiful. It reaches so many people at different stages in their lives."
The documentary, produced by Crossroads Television, was first aired near the end of 2012 as part of the ""Canadian Heart and Soul" series celebrating their 50th anniversary. The film has since come out on DVD and was recently shown at the Toronto Cornerstone International Film Festival.
Webber says the film "challenges people that we need to expand our boundaries on how we receive people who are different from us. A lot of people cried [at the festival]. People are really touched to see what he went through, but also how God changed his life and how he is reaching out to the community. We did a question and answer afterwards, it was really meaningful."
Webber says the experience has changed her personally, challenging her to reach out to people beyond her comfort zone.
While initially the DVD's high price made it difficult for Roberts to use in his ministry, he recently reached an agreement with Crossroads and is excited to be able to distribute copies, with his books, as he speaks in schools.
"When I go into schools and share with the kids, it's pretty emotional and it impacts them," Roberts says. "When I share my story with them, it helps them come forward with their own issues. I think the film is wonderful and if I can use it as a tool to reach someone, then it serves its purpose."
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