Leap of Faith

Faith healer Jonas Nightengale and his manager Jane Larson find themselves stranded in Rustwater, Kansas due to truck troubles. The small town is suffering from a long drought, and they realize they will be stuck there for several days waiting for repairs.

To cover the costs of his truck repairs, Jonas decides to hold revival meetings in Rustwater. He sees an opportunity to capitalize on the townspeople's desperation and hope during the drought.

Jonas and his staff conduct revival meetings, using various deceptive tactics to create the illusion that he possesses divine knowledge. The townspeople, drawn by their hope, are entertained and begin donating money generously.

Local sheriff Will Braverman grows suspicious of Jonas and decides to investigate his background. He uncovers Jonas’s real identity as Jack Newton, a former criminal from New York City, and shares his findings with the townspeople.

At another revival meeting, after Braverman reveals Jonas's past to the crowd, Jonas cleverly spins the narrative. Instead of deterring the audience, he manages to rally them even more, much to Braverman's frustration.

As Jonas continues his revival shows, Jane and Sheriff Braverman develop a romantic connection. Meanwhile, Jonas attempts to engage with Marva, a local waitress whose brother is struggling with a psychosomatic condition.

Boyd, Marva’s brother, becomes convinced that Jonas can help him walk again. During one of the meetings, in an emotional moment, Boyd approaches the crucifix and miraculously begins to walk unassisted, stunning the audience.

After Boyd's miraculous healing, an enraged Jonas vents to Jane, feeling upstaged by the very miracle that was supposed to validate his ministry. He is upset that a simple act overshadowed his elaborate productions.

Later that night, in the empty revival tent, Jonas mocks the notion of faith and the crucifix. However, Boyd enters the tent, expressing his desire to join Jonas on the road, adding to Jonas’s internal conflict over his beliefs.

After encountering the devoted townspeople praying and supporting each other outside the tent, Jonas begins to reconsider his perspective. He notices the depth of faith among the townsfolk and grapples with the authenticity of the miracles.

Choosing to leave behind the life he has built, Jonas packs a bag and departs Rustwater alone under the cover of darkness. He decides to hitch a ride with a truck driver, turning his back on the revival circuit.

While traveling with the truck driver, Jonas feels a rare sense of relief and freedom. He candidly admits that for the first time, he genuinely feels that he is not in trouble, hinting at a newfound sense of honesty.

As Jonas travels away, the long drought in Rustwater comes to an unexpected end with a dramatic downpour. This shift not only signifies a change for the town but also underscores the authenticity of the faith that Jonas has come to acknowledge.

As he rides away from Rustwater, Jonas can't help but laugh silently to himself about the events that unfolded. He openly thanks Jesus for the rain, signaling a transformation in his character and a genuine acceptance of faith.