BOUNTIFUL—There are people all over the world doing good in their communities because of their faith. An organization called Faith Counts, LLC, a nonprofit, non-denominational organization made up of faith communities across America has come together to share the message that “faith counts.” 

The group is holding a contest called “Film Your Faith” and asking for submissions of two minute videos showing a person, group or organization that is “actively putting faith into action by working towards a better and more just society that motivates us to do and be more.” The Grand Prize winner will receive $20,000.

Viewmont High art teacher E.J. Keyes’ video “Where is Jesus” was selected as one of the Top 10 finalists in the nation and will now be eligible for the grand prize or could be chosen the “Fan Favorite” for $10,000. People can vote for his video to become the “Fan Favorite” now through March 29, one vote per device, per day at faithcounts.com/vote/.

“Last year I submitted to the same thing but didn’t win,” said Keyes. “I heard about it again and got together with my brother-in-law and family and asked them if they’d like to help me make a video.”

The theme is based on service building faith, he said. “On my mission (for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) in Argentina we would go around and visit people. There was a guy who liked to go around with us. We were walking through the park one day and he was with us. We saw a guy who was homeless and the man with us started talking to him.”

The homeless man’s shoes were worn, said Keyes. “The man with us asked what size his shoes were and the homeless guy said he didn’t know. So the guy with us took off his shoes and told him to try them on. He just gave the homeless man his shoes. He was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back and in this case the shoes off his feet.”

That experience sparked the idea for “Where’s Jesus,” Keyes said. “The idea is Jesus works through people and the service things they do every day.”

It’s a fun little short, he said. “That’s the inspiration behind it. It’s based on my mission experience.”

Keyes, his brother-in-law and his niece acted in the film. “Another one of his daughters helped with the camera work, etc.,” he said. “We got together and brainstormed and then filmed on a Saturday by the bike trail in West Bountiful just east of Bountiful Pond.”

It’s fun to see all of the organizations highlighted doing service in the other films, said Keyes. “It’s kind of cool.”

The other nine videos in the Top 10 are: “Agent of Renewal,” “Cooking Thyme with Topher,” “Faith in Service,” “The Touch: Pastor Omar Garcia’s Story,” “Everyone’s Welcome!” “They Call Themselves Servants,” “The Place by Called Up,” “Bridging the Gap,” and “The Least of These.”

People can watch his video and vote, Keyes said. “But it’s not just about voting for me. Yes it would be fun to win but as a teacher it’s tricky. I can’t share my faith in class. I have to find other ways to do that.”

Keyes said he’s watched a lot of faith-based movies. “I’m inspired by the power of sharing faith through film. That what they’re doing is good. I saw the opportunity to jump on the bandwagon for something good. To share a bit of goodness and promote faith.”