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.