(The Lion) — A sequel to one of the biggest hits in faith-film history headlines a surge of new Christian titles in the coming months, offering families a rare abundance of hope-filled stories at the box office.

I Can Only Imagine 2 will land in theaters Feb. 20, continuing the story of MercyMe and lead singer Bart Millard as he grapples with personal trials in life beyond the spotlight. The film will tell the story behind the hit song Even If and focus on Millard’s new friendship with another singer, Tim Timmons, who helps teach him the power of gratitude amid suffering.

Its predecessor, I Can Only Imagine, shocked Hollywood by opening at No. 3 and finished among 2018’s top 40 grossing movies ($83 million).

I Can Only Imagine 2 returns John Michael Finley as Millard, Trace Adkins as his manager and Dennis Quaid as his father. Milo Ventimiglia portrays Timmons.

It was co-directed by Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle, and will be released by Kingdom Story Company – the same studio behind Unsung Hero, Jesus Revolution and other popular faith films.

Erwin said he didn’t think “there was more story to tell” – until he learned the inspiration behind Even If, which enjoyed 43 weeks on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart and eight weeks at No. 1.

“Learning how Tim Timmons and Bart Millard co-wrote that song out of deep lived faith moved us to tears – the honesty and hope woven through each of their journeys is undeniable,” Erwin said. “Brent and I knew immediately that I Can Only Imagine truly deserved a sequel.”

I Can Only Imagine 2 is but one of seven faith-centric movies that will land in theaters in the coming weeks. Others include:

• Oracles of God: The Story Of The New Testament (Nov. 2, 3, 5) – This gripping CBN Film documentary explores the composition of the New Testament and answers the age-old question: Can we trust the Bible? Filled with expert interviews, it’s a film that spotlights the archaeological evidence as it builds the viewer’s faith. Unrated.

• Karen Kingsbury’s The Christmas Ring (Nov. 6) – A military widow searching for her family’s long-lost heirloom ring finds an unexpected friendship that blossoms into romance. This romantic film is based on a new novel by Christian author Karen Kingsbury and stars Jana Kramer, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Kelsey Grammer and Jessie James Decker. Unrated.

• All Is Merry and Bright (Nov. 7) – A mother whose holiday plans spiral off course discovers that the true joy of Christmas isn’t found in perfection, but in the love that surrounds her. It’s a holiday comedy starring Emily Rose, Eric Close, John O’Hurley and Sally Struthers. Unrated.

• Sarah’s Oil (Nov. 7) – An 11-year-old girl discovers oil on her family’s land in early-1900s Oklahoma but must confront greed and racism as she leans on her faith. This drama tells the true story of Sarah Rector, one of the nation’s first African-American millionaires. It stars Naya Desir-Johnson and Zachary Levi. Rated PG for thematic content, some violence, language including racial slurs, a suggestive reference and brief smoking.

• The Case for Miracles (Dec. 15-18) – Former atheist Lee Strobel embarks on a new investigation into modern-day miracles, uncovering stories of the impossible and evidence that challenges skeptics while inspiring faith. Documentary. Unrated.

• David (Dec. 19) – A young shepherd named David rises from obscurity to face a giant and unite a divided nation, discovering that true power comes not from strength or status, but from faith in God. This animated musical features the voices of Phil Wickham and Lauren Daigle. Rated PG for action/violence and some scary images.