Faith
‘Soul on Fire’ Celebrates Faith and Community
Faith Facts
- The film “Soul on Fire” tells John O’Leary’s story of survival through faith and community support.
- Christian values of love, selflessness, and hope are highlighted by cast and real-life heroes alike.
- Scripture and prayer are central themes in John’s journey, reminding viewers that miracles come through God’s people.
Decades after surviving life-threatening burns as a child, John O’Leary and the St. Louis community reunited to celebrate the premiere of “Soul on Fire.” The film’s red carpet at Powell Hall was filled with local heroes, the cast, and those whose faith and persistence shaped O’Leary’s life.
“It’s surreal,” O’Leary told The Christian Post. “I never expected to have a film made about my life. But this isn’t a story celebrating me, it’s about how the people around me showed up. It’s about how great God is, working through ordinary people.”
Actors John Corbett, William H. Macy, Joel Courtney, and Maisie McLean reflected on how the story honors selfless acts and perseverance rooted in faith.
“John wasn’t supposed to live more than 24 hours, so the fact that he survived that horrible fire is amazing. But what really moved me was seeing how many people fought for him, Jack Buck, Nurse Roy, his parents. Everyone came together to save this kid,” Corbett said.
William H. Macy said he was drawn to the film’s focus on quiet heroism. “John said it best; it’s not a movie about him,” Macy said. “It’s about the community that stepped up when someone needed help, and they did it quietly and selflessly. That’s what we need more of in this country.”
Maisie McLean, portraying Beth O’Leary, pointed to unconditional love as a reflection of the Gospel. “Beth is not scared of scars,” McLean said. “She sees John’s pain and steps toward it instead of away. To me, she’s a reflection of the Gospel. God looks at us in our brokenness and says, ‘I choose you anyway.’ That’s what Beth does for John.”
Joel Courtney emphasized hope in Christ through life’s struggles, sharing how Jeremiah 29:11 inspired the filming. “That verse is John’s story,” he said. “He didn’t always believe it, but God clearly had plans for him.”
Inspiring moments throughout the movie show the power of faith, prayer, and ordinary people acting with extraordinary compassion—transforming tragedy into testimony. “Soul on Fire” stands as a reminder that God moves through believers to bring healing and hope.
Faith and freedom flourish when communities strengthen each other by living out Biblical love. Let’s remember the power of prayer, heroic sacrifice, and standing together as God’s people.
Faith Facts
- The majority of pastors now use AI tools such as ChatGPT and Grammarly to prepare sermons.
- Sixty-one percent of pastors report using AI weekly or daily, a significant rise from the previous year.
- Church leaders express concerns over the ethical and spiritual impacts of AI-generated content.
Many pastors are turning to AI technology to enhance sermon preparation while emphasizing the importance of maintaining spiritual discernment and personal connection.
Commonly used AI tools in ministry include ChatGPT for research and creative support, and Grammarly for refining church communications.
Researchers found that church leaders see value in AI for efficiency, yet remain vigilant about upholding biblical truth and safeguarding the unique role of human guidance in ministry.
Churches of various sizes and denominations are participating in the adoption of AI, with a majority willing to invest in further education and ethical training regarding its use.
Leaders are encouraged to approach technological tools with wisdom and transparency, prioritizing faith-based values and community trust as they navigate these new opportunities.
Faith Facts
- Sherry Pogue transformed a French château into a free spiritual retreat for Christian missionaries and their families.
- The ministry, Restored & Renewed, was founded to renew missionaries’ strength and prevent burnout.
- The château also fosters community outreach and Christian fellowship in a largely secular region of France.
Sherry Pogue purchased the 6,000-square-foot Château Claire Fontaine in rural eastern France to advance God’s calling by providing rest and renewal to missionaries. Built in 1870, the four-level home now welcomes missionaries at no cost, offering comfort, recreation, and biblical counseling.
“Our goal is to keep missionaries on the field,” Pogue shared, noting many face exhaustion worldwide.
Sue Foster, a veteran missionary, expressed that Restored & Renewed has “been a tremendous blessing to a great many missionaries around the world, including myself!!”
Pogue, working with life coaches and even a helpful poodle, intentionally opens her doors to missionaries of all biblical backgrounds, emphasizing Christian unity and support. She observed the challenges large missionary families face in affording rest, so her property’s expansive grounds and tranquil setting provide much-needed relief.
Luk Brazle, another missionary, described the experience as healing: “A place where we could sleep, be cooked for and nothing was expected of us was healing.” His family found fellowship with other missionary families, strengthening their connections and faith.
Pogue’s commitment is rooted in her extensive background in education and counseling, all guided by her strong faith in God’s direction. She credits God’s hand for preparing her path, from her early days studying French to her present ministry work in France.
Beyond the château, Pogue organizes Christian services in the local Catholic church—often closed and without a priest—to share the hope of Christ in the village. Professor Robert McCready, whose students join these events, testified, “We would talk about the Lord between songs…it was very encouraging.” His involvement in these faith-filled gatherings was so positive that the mayor honored him as an honorary citizen and welcomed continued Christian fellowship.
Through dedication to biblical values, Sherry Pogue’s faithful obedience is a powerful testimony to the difference one believer can make in God’s kingdom and in the lives of His servants.
Stay connected with us for more stories of faith in action. Subscribe and follow Faith and Freedom Report as we spotlight believers living out Christ’s commission and bringing hope to the world.
Faith Facts
- St Bernard of Clairvaux, born in 1090, was a leading Cistercian abbot and theologian who shaped church life in medieval Europe.
- He described three distinct Advents: Christ’s past coming, His future coming, and His present coming into believers’ hearts.
- St Bernard’s Advent sermons inspired the faithful to experience Jesus’s presence as fulfillment, hope, and joy.
St Bernard of Clairvaux, canonized in 1174, was renowned for his spirituality, wisdom, and service to Christ’s church.
He taught that Advent is a sacred journey, reflecting on Christ’s incarnation, promised return, and daily presence in the hearts of believers.
“If anyone loves me and keeps my word, my Father will love them, and my Father and I will come to them and live with them.”
Jesus’ message in John 14:23 calls Christians to open their hearts to His love and guidance today.
Let this Advent be a time to renew our faith, honor Christ’s coming, and share His hope in our families and nation.
-
Self-Reliance8 months agoTrump’s Bold Move Uncovers Massive Social Security Fraud
-
News9 months agoGovernor Walz’s Rhetoric Sparks National Controversy
-
Faith8 months agoNew Clues Emerge in Noah’s Ark Mystery
-
Family9 months agoTexas Lawmaker Targets Furries in Schools
-
News8 months agoMel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ Sequel Title Announced
-
Freedom9 months agoMaine Lawmaker Challenges Sports Fairness Controversy
-
Family7 months agoCanada’s Controversial Policy Sparks Ethical Debate
-
Faith2 weeks ago
Congress Hears Pleas for Nigerian Christians